Under wide awnings, the outside table settings are dappled in warm, golden light. Lovers stroll among the grandfather trees, whispering sweet nothings. Passalacqua is so idyllic and inviting that you can’t help but become a romantic, one captivated by dreams of love. Ever since Bellini wrote two of the world’s greatest operas here, Norma and La sonnambula, he has become Passalacqua’s guardian spirit, its genius loci. His serene, sensuous nature still echoes through the villa and the gardens that flow down to the lake.
Named the World’s Best Hotel in 2023, Passalacqua embodies the very essence of the Italian dream. This eighteenth-century estate sits within mature terraced gardens overlooking Lake Como, offering just twenty-four intimate rooms and suites designed for ultimate relaxation and refined luxury. Reimagined as a true home away from home, it is both a welcome retreat after a day of exploring the region’s breathtaking beauty and a haven you may never want to leave.
This volume was created in close collaboration with owners Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis, inviting guests to spend unforgettable days on the grounds of Passalacqua. From the moment you pass through the gates to the moment you leave—reluctantly— the experience unfolds like a dream.
Passalacqua: A Love Letter to Lake Como features exclusive illustrations from Andrea Ferolla, photography from Daria Reina, and reflections from beloved guests such as J.J. Martin, Donna Hay, and Emilia Wickstead.
Details: - Silk hardcover book
- Preface by Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis
- Illustrator: Andrea Ferolla
- Photographer: Daria Reina
- Approx. 200 pages; 140 illustrations
- Approx. 12.13"L x 9.5"W x 1.1"D
- Item Weight (Lbs.): 3.2
- Made in Italy
About Assouline
We created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world. We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture. Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are a solid part of our past and present. They are also beautiful. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion; heritage and innovation. Information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.
-Prosper & Martine Assouline