You could happily while away your time here in the 18th century, with the villa’s Murano chandeliers, frescoes, winter garden and grand staircases for authentic company – swimming in the pool, walking in the woods, playing tennis or bocce, or practising yoga under the magnolia trees. But lakeside towns worth leaving the grounds for include Como, a 20-minute drive south, and Bellagio, a little further north and best reached by boat. Rent a Riva to cruise the lake or, for less glamour, catch the ferry. Guests can also head over to sister property Grand Hotel Tremezzo for a treatment in its T Spa Suite, which has its own hot tub, sauna and steam bath; or, back at Passalacqua, pick something in the garden and cook it with the chef.