An invitation to an elegant party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como, Italy

It was a chilly day at Lake Como, but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid-16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.

We arrived at the famed Villa Balbiano by boat from Villa d'Este. Crossing gravel paths lined with picturesque gardens and grand statuary, there was an early spring mist, an ethereal beauty in the air, that set the stage for this elegant event. Once we entered the Villa Balbiano we were greeted with warm smiles, sparkling glasses of prosecco and opulent decor. The architectural details are embellished by the exquisite frescoed ceilings, luxurious fabrics in jewel-toned colors, handcarved furniture, extravagant floral arrangements and jaw-dropping views of Lake Como from every vantage.

“Situated between Il Dosso di Lavedo and the Comacine Island, Villa Balbiano is one of the most important historical properties on the shores of Lake Como. The history of Villa Balbiano can be traced back to mid 16th century and is strongly linked to the noble Giovio family who used it as their residence. At the end of 16th century, the Villa was sold to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who redesigned the original palazzo after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. A century later, in 1787, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, politician and patron of the arts, acquired the Villa. Enlarged and embellished, Villa Balbiano was used to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one by another relentlessly.”

— Villa Balbiano

A number of the interior shots for the Gwen Stefani video, "Cool", were filmed at Villa Balbiano. See if you can spot them!

Villa Balbiano is available to rent and is perfect for a destination wedding, family reunion, girlfriends getaway, or incentive trip for business professionals.

Learn more about Villa Balbiano and the Heritage Collection

Contact me to book Villa Balbiano or to find the perfect villa for your next getaway.

Here is a list of additional villas (and specials!) found in the menu above at Curated Villas.

For more on my visit to Italy last spring:

A Sunny Visit to San Remo, A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como, Villa Views, An Italian Spa Getaway

Many thanks to Nebe Club/Travelux 2018 and the Heritage Collection for the invitation to this extraordinary event in Italy.