Villa D’Este™

“The precise location of heaven on earth has never been established but it may very well be right here.” ~Herb Caen

What place could possibly be better suited to a Renaissance Woman’s program than an authentic and exquisite renaissance villa, namesake to Isabella d’Este, Renaissance Woman par excellence? Join chef Michele Zambanini at Villa d’Este on the beautiful shores of Lake Como, an ideal spot in which to relax, meditate, and celebrate the qualities that make you a perfect modern day renaissance woman.

Take this opportunity to dedicate some well-deserved time to yourself and nurture those skills and dreams that go sadly ignored in the rush and bustle of every day life. For once, dedicate time to yourself, scribble down a few words of poetry, perhaps in the shade of the garden’s five hundred year old plane tree, start to make your dreams in life more concrete by chronicling them in our handmade leather-bound journal, or dedicate a few hours to the study of a favorite writer by Lake Como’s shimmering waters. Plus of course, we suggest adding on two hands-on cooking classes led by Villa d’Este’s world-renowned chef Michele Zambanini. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend time in the kitchen with such a consummate teacher while enjoying some of the most luxurious and exclusive surroundings the world has to offer.

Cooking Classes

Chef Michele Zambanini studied under Executive Chef Luciano Parolari at Villa d’Este for 15 years, and was named head Chef at the end of 2011 as Chef Parolari’s successor. Chef Michele is an attentive and genial host who seeks to pass on his skills and secrets to students visiting his kitchen.

Chef Michele’s lessons are rigorously hands-on. “The essence of the Italian table”, says Michele “is the feeling that you put into it: you have to love Italy, to love our food.” His specialties include traditional dishes with modern touches such as Risotto Milanese-style with saffron, fettuccine with fondue and white truffle, tortellini with pumpkin and artichokes, Cotoletta alla Milanese and the most delicious desserts. Cooking classes are held Monday to Friday mornings from 10am to noon and all lessons are followed by a three-course lunch on the foods prepared in class. Wine and beverages not included.

Villa D’Este

Villa d’Este was built by the architect Pelligrino Pelligrini for the Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio in 1568 and was considered one of the finest examples of architecture and landscaping. Back then its name was Garrovo, and was famous in all the world for its unmatched beauty, attracting such eminent guests as the Sultan of Morocco who visited it to see if it were indeed as beautiful as its reputation claimed. In 1815, the Villa was bought by Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and future Queen of England, and renamed Villa d’Este. Only in 1873 was it transformed into a luxury hotel by a group of high society Milanese, a function it covers to this day. Since then, the villa has been sensitively remodeled to provide every conceivable modern convenience while respecting and conserving the villa’s original façade and old-fashioned charm. Inside, you can expect to find bathrooms of milky white marble, crystal chandeliers, gilt urns, silk curtains, imposing marble staircases, but also an indoor swimming pool and one of the world’s top spas and beauty centers. Outside there is another pool, this one built into the lake, tennis courts, a squash court and access to a variety of other water sports. And of course, Villa d’Este’s stunning gardens, rich in both Baroque and Romantic elements, for which the villa is so famous. Wander along paths and hidden passageways that take you past magnificent topiary hedges, bamboo bushes, oleanders, jasmine and roses to discover the garden’s unexpected treasures: temples, marble statues, stairways, bridges and mock fortifications.

Facilities and Services

Villa d’Este’s staff is at your complete disposal to satisfy all your vacation requirements. Over the years, the villa has held all manner of awards and recognitions, and was most recently selected as the 2009 World’s Best Hotel by Forbes Traveler 400, in recognition not only of the hotel’s first class amenities but also its dedicated and hard working staff who are specially trained to provide superlative service and do whatever it takes to make clients’ stays more enjoyable.

Enjoy use of the hotel’s state of the art Beauty Center that offers a large selection of European body and facial treatments, or splash about in one of its two lovely heated pools, the outside one actually designed to float on the lake. Sun lovers can help themselves to a comfortable lounger at the edge of the pool or relax in one of the reclining chairs dotted about the villa’s panoramic patios and terraces. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at one of the hotel’s restaurants, the Grill or La Veranda.

Villa d’Este’s location on the shores of Lake Como means Milan is a mere 45 minutes away, but it may just be that you are so taken by Villa d’Este and its spectacular surroundings that you decide a visit to Milan can wait till another day.

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Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights

Monday: Check In & Chef’s Tasting Dinner

• Arrival and check in at the Villa hotel. Enjoy flowers and a bottle of Italian Spumante in your room upon arrival, as well as a Welcome Gift. Our Women Only Culinary Tour program includes a handmade journal for your travel writing, and a Renaissance Women book featuring historical notes, recipes and info on Italy’s Renaissance Women such as Isabella d’Este who made a mark in history. This book was written and produced by the women at Cooking Vacations.
• In the evening, dinner is served at the Veranda or Grill restaurant. Beverages not included.

Tuesday: Suggestion- Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Suggestion: Meet Chef Michele for your Cooking Class 1. Your first hands-on cooking class is followed by lunch on the foods prepared in class. Beverages not included.
• Afternoon free to relax at one of the Villa’s swimming pools or stroll along Lake Como. Perhaps schedule a massage on your own at the award-winning spa for a true relaxation afternoon.
• In the evening, dinner is served at the Veranda or Grill restaurant. Beverages not included.

Wednesday: Suggestion- Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Suggestion: Meet Chef Michele for your Cooking Class 2. Your second hands-on cooking class is followed by lunch on the foods prepared in class. Beverages not included.
• Afternoon free to relax at one of the Villa’s swimming pools or stroll along Lake Como. Ask about sporting activities on the Lake or tee up on the Villa’s 18-hole golf course, just a short distance from the Villa itself.
• In the evening, dinner is served at the Veranda or Grill restaurant. Beverages not included.

Thursday: Check Out & Departure

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out and departure. Arrivederci!

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the program.