Il Sereno, a luxurious hotel set on the eastern shore of Lake Como in the charming town of Torno, offers a unique blend of history and modern design. When I first saw the property, I was struck by how it sits atop a former stone boathouse, or darsena, beautifully integrating the site’s past with its contemporary, modernist-inspired structure. The colors and materials used throughout the hotel perfectly reflect its lakeside setting. Since opening in 2016, Il Sereno’s 40 suites have welcomed guests eager to soak in the stunning views of the southern Italian Alps and the tranquil waters. For the 2025 summer season, they are introducing the Darsena Listening Suite, a new space designed for a different kind of sensory experience, where sound and design come together.
A New Sonic Sanctuary
The Designer’s Touch
The new Listening Suite is a true collaboration between Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola and the hotel’s founders, Luis and Angelica Contreras. This partnership is evident throughout Il Sereno, from its architecture and interiors to even the staff uniforms and the fleet of boats. The Contreras have worked closely with Urquiola since the hotel’s inception, previously unveiling an Urquiola-designed penthouse in 2021 and a swim-up suite in 2023. This latest addition, however, holds a special place for Luis Contreras.
Inspiration from Afar
His travels through Japan ignited an idea for dedicated spaces where vinyl records are enjoyed with quiet respect – known as listening rooms or bars. Taking inspiration from these Japanese havens, Contreras applied a similar concept and design ethos to the new suite. The result is a space with soundproof walls featuring textured detailing and acoustic fabrics, all aimed at ensuring a smooth, high-fidelity listening experience. The walnut furnishings and speakers echo the hotel’s broader midcentury modern-inspired aesthetic, creating a cohesive feel.
The Heart of the Suite: High-Fidelity Audio
An Audiophile’s Dream Setup
At the core of the Darsena Listening Suite is its exceptional sound system. This is truly an audiophile’s dream, featuring a McIntosh vacuum tube amplifier, a meticulously refurbished Revox B77 reel-to-reel player, and speakers crafted from the same local noce canaletto wood used throughout the hotel. These impressive speakers weigh over 200kg each. Luis Contreras has also blessed the suite with his personal collection of over 500 records, spanning genres from pop and classic rock to bossa nova and jazz. He seems to have a particular fondness for Genesis.
A Curated Music Library
Claudio Cadeddu, Sereno Hotels’ chief commercial officer, mentioned that guests can request specific records before their stay, aiming to create what he calls “a Babylon library of music.” The suite’s layout includes large sliding doors that allow for the division of different areas. This flexibility makes it easy to create an intimate atmosphere, encouraging you to relax on the floor, surrounded by a vast collection of vinyl, as you queue up your favorite tracks.
Crafting the Perfect Listening Environment
Balancing Perfection and Practicality
Luis Contreras shared his journey in creating the suite’s audio setup, admitting it was a fascinating process. Initially, he explored building an artisanal system, which led him to meet incredibly talented individuals skilled in crafting “old-fashioned” hi-fi systems using vintage technology. While he found this path beautiful and engaging, he ultimately decided against it for a hotel setting. He noted that these systems could be too delicate and complex for guests to use and maintain in a hotel room.
Exploring Vintage and Modern Reissues
For a time, he also considered assembling a vintage system, spending hours online browsing listings for old equipment. He likened high-end hi-fi to classic cars, observing that well-maintained vintage pieces often retain their value. However, this route also presented challenges, and he eventually moved away from it. In the end, he opted for a system that primarily uses new equipment, reissued based on classic designs. For instance, the original design of Klipsch speakers dates back to 1938. The exception is the reel-to-reel tape player, a Revox machine over 50 years old. He described it as stunning but acknowledged it is less user-friendly and more delicate, finding it a must-have inspiration for the entire concept.
Il Sereno’s Connection to Nature
A Decade of Capturing Lake Como
Almost ten years after its opening, Il Sereno continues to feel like a hotel that has masterfully captured the essence of Lake Como. I found this to be a remarkable achievement, as the surrounding natural beauty truly takes center stage. The guiding principle from the very beginning, even before designers were hired, was clear: no matter how beautiful and curated the indoor spaces might be, the outdoor landscape is the true star.
Seamless Integration with the Landscape
The aim was to seamlessly integrate the interiors with the lake’s scenery. The hotel’s architecture features transparency, ensuring that guests remain connected to nature from almost anywhere within the building. The structure itself is inspired by Italian architect Giuseppe Terragni’s 1930s Casa del Fascio in nearby Como, featuring a series of loggias topped by a flat garden roof. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed through a grand 20-foot-tall entrance door and gardens thoughtfully planted by vertical garden specialist Patrick Blanc.
Exceptional Dining and Amenities
Michelin-Starred Dining by the Lake
The hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Sereno al Lago, under the direction of chef Raffaele Lenzi. Here, the views of the lake are beautifully framed by the original arches of the boathouse. The menu is a celebration of Italian spirit, with an emphasis on simple, high-quality ingredients.
Lakefront Facilities
Il Sereno also provides its guests with a private shoreline, including a dedicated beach. The 18-meter infinity pool is an absolute highlight, featuring an underwater sound system that adds another dimension to the swimming experience.
Designing with the Surroundings in Mind
A Reflective Interior Design
When Il Sereno first opened in 2016, designer Patricia Urquiola spoke about her intention for the interiors to have a subtle connection to their surroundings. The goal was for the elements guests observed from their views – the water, stone, greenery, or boats – to be mirrored in the hotel’s interiors. She strived to integrate the identity of the place in a contemporary way, emphasizing the “integrity” of the lake.
The Listening Suite: A Compromise for Connection
Regarding the new Listening Suite, Luis Contreras is transparent about the compromises made. He doesn’t want to create the impression that it’s a “perfect listening room” because, in his view, it isn’t. The priority was to balance the various elements, resulting in a beautiful 2,000-square-foot hotel suite with private dining facilities and direct lake access that also incorporates a listening room. He acknowledges that sound experts might critique the speaker placement near a glass wall, which isn’t acoustically ideal. However, he believes the trade-off is well worth it. The ability to look out at the lake and feel as though you could “go fishing from the room” while enjoying music is, in his opinion, a fantastic compromise.
Experiencing Il Sereno with Family
A Quiet Afternoon for Lily
We had a wonderful afternoon, and while Michael and I enjoyed some time exploring the hotel’s grounds, Lily was quite taken with a quiet corner of the main lounge. She found a comfortable spot near one of the large windows overlooking the lake and spent a good hour sketching in her notebook, occasionally looking up to capture the light on the water. It was a moment of calm that I really appreciated, allowing her to engage in her own creative pursuit while still being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. The hotel’s thoughtful design has spaces that accommodate different paces, which is perfect when traveling with young children.
Ethan’s Lakeside Discovery
Ethan, at four years old, was fascinated by the water’s edge. We took a short walk along the hotel’s private shoreline, and he was absolutely captivated by the small waves lapping against the pebbles. He spent a considerable amount of time pointing out the different types of stones and looking for tiny shells. It’s these simple discoveries, observing his genuine curiosity about the natural world, that make travel so rewarding. The accessibility to the lake right from the hotel makes these little adventures so easy to facilitate.
A Deeper Dive into Lakeside Living
Architectural Echoes of Como
The hotel’s architecture draws a clear line back to the Rationalist movement in nearby Como, specifically referencing Giuseppe Terragni’s Casa del Fascio. This architectural conversation is visible in the building’s strong geometric lines and the integration of loggias. It’s a modernist approach that feels both historical and forward-looking, seamlessly fitting into the landscape. I found myself appreciating how the design doesn’t seek to dominate the natural beauty but rather to complement it.
The Sensory Experience of the Water
The lake is not just a view here; it’s an integral part of the experience. Even the infinity pool is designed to blend visually with the water beyond. The concept of the underwater sound system in the pool is fascinating – a subtle element that adds an unexpected layer to swimming. While I didn’t get to try it myself, the idea of hearing music while submerged in the cool water felt quite unique. It speaks to Il Sereno’s commitment to creating multi-sensory experiences.
Exploring the Grounds and Beyond
Gardens and Greenery
The gardens at Il Sereno are a carefully curated extension of the natural environment. Patrick Blanc’s work with vertical gardens brings lush greenery to areas that might otherwise be stark. Walking through these areas, you get a sense of how the hotel is woven into the hillside, with plants cascading and creating a natural boundary between the built structure and the surrounding wilderness. It’s a refreshing approach that adds to the property’s serene atmosphere.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Chef Raffaele Lenzi’s focus on Italian simplicity and the spirit of the region shines through in the cuisine at Il Sereno al Lago. The location of the restaurant, with its framed views of the lake through the old boathouse arches, enhances the dining experience. I enjoyed learning about the emphasis placed on using local ingredients, which is always a sign of thoughtful and authentic cooking. It’s a place where the food truly reflects its setting.
A Lasting Impression of Lake Como
Staying at Il Sereno offers a chance to truly connect with the beauty of Lake Como in a way that feels both luxurious and grounded. It’s a place where design, nature, and sound converge to create memorable experiences. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sophisticated yet deeply atmospheric retreat.