If Wes Anderson Built a Hotel on Lake Como…

This article originally appeared on Amuse.

Nothing quite beats the drive from Milan to Lake Como. As you snake from the dreary, industrialist freeways to the smooth curvature of the 30-mile long stretch of lake, you descend on Italian heaven.

Long before George Clooney step foot on the lake, Como has inspired aristocrats, Hollywood royalty and artists (Leonardo da Vinci used the rugged landscapes of Mount Lecco as the background of his "The Virgin of the Rocks" painting).

The tranquil landscape is nothing short of otherworldly: quiet lakeside villages dot along the lake, which sits at the foothills of the snow-capped Alps and has its own subtropical climate, where palm trees mix with lush cypress trees and vibrant, blooming flowers.

The most wonderful thing about Como is that it's a mere 45-minute drive from Milan (or train ride) but it feels like it's in a world of its own. The air is clear, the waters are warm (in summer) and the food is exquisite.

One of the lake's oldest hotels, Grand Hotel Tremezzo—which was built in the early 1900s—is situated next to the botanical gardens of the iconic 18th century Villa Carlotta, and has prime position in the center of the lake.

The hotel, which was name-dropped by Greta Garbo in the film Grand Hotel (1932), has unparalleled views of the lake wherever you stand – be it in the plush red velvet-lined lobby or the glass-encased terrace restaurant. The century-old hotel was designed as an authentic Italian Art Nouveau palace and feels a lot like you're stepping into Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel: everything is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, the service is sublime and the rooms are drowned in Italian marble and Belle Epoque gold trims.

The grounds of Tremezzo are comprised of lush green botanical gardens, tennis courts, fitness suites and an outdoor pool. Step downstairs to find the beautifully modern T Spa, which has sauna, steam and hammam rooms, plus an indoor infinity pool that practically pours into the lake. Try the deep tissue massage, sip on green tea and watch the sun go down, before grabbing dinner at the La Terrazza restaurant (you have to try the asparagus and black truffle penne…it's incredible).

If the weather is warm enough, head down to the hotel's pool which is quite literally floating on Lake Como. Take in the most eye-watering panoramic views of the Alps. Even if you don't manage to swim – it's the best photo-op you'll get on your trip.

In the middle of the lake lies another mysterious pearl. The solitary island of Isola Comacina which has nothing on it except Locanda dell Isola Comacina (a hilltop restaurant that's shrouded in mystery). Since opening its doors in 1947, the restaurant has not only served the same set menu, but after every single meal, it provides guests with a "fire exorcism" to offset the curse that was set on the island.

If you stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, you'll also gain access to the hotel's latest property, an 18th century baroque masterpiece. Villa Sola Cabiati is a six-bedroom former Serbelloni family-owned property brimming with enough paintings, frescoes and furniture to fill a museum. It's closed to the public, but you can ask the hotel to set up an alfresco lunch in the villa's lemon-tree lined gardens, or host an intimate party inside the property.

Classic Collection Holidays offers 3 nights/7 nights at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como from £1299/£1759 per person. Price based on 2 adults sharing a prestige park view room on a bed & breakfast basis and includes return flights from London Heathrow to Milan Malpensa and private transfers.