Nestled on the shores of Lake Como within an 18th-century villa, this intimate hotel features just 24 suites spread across three buildings. Passalacqua is the sister property of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo — a much larger, equally luxurious hotel that also overlooks the glittering lake. The De Santis family spent $20m painstakingly restoring the villa, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Within the main villa, you’ll find the Suite Bellini, where Vincenzo Bellini composed two of his most famous operas. The lavish suite features a breathtaking reception room with double-height vaulted ceilings and a grand piano in the corner. There’s also an impressive marble-clad bathroom with a freestanding tub.

From $10,000 per night. Contact Silvio Vettorello, general manager, silvio.vettorello@passalacqua.it, +39 334 858 2575, passalacqua.it