The diamond of Lake Como

Lake Como will always be a very special place for me because it was here on a long, unsuspecting weekend there that I gained a very heavy diamond on my left hand.

The Lake is huge, far bigger than I expected, surrounded by the most incredible mountains, and of course a lakeside villa or 2.

Pulling up at the spectacular and iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, you already feel like you’re at home and will never, ever want to leave. Our rooftop suite overlooked the lake and came complete with a huge terrace, private jacuzzi and private butler ready and waiting to take care of our every need, if only this was every weekend. I arrived in Lake Como armed with a long list of things to tick off, which ended up slightly untouched thanks to the pure luxury of the Grand Hotel.

Luckily, the hotel has its own boat which you can hire (with a bottle of prosecco!) to enjoy a cruise on the lake. We visited many of the villas owned by the world’s rich and famous, including the stunning Villa del Balbianello. It was on this trip that we were slightly disappointed as we found out that there wasn’t actually a casino in Lake Como, despite what James Bonds’ Casino Royale might lead you to believe, but there was much more to make up for it.

Each night we enjoyed dinner with a view of the lake at the La Terrazza, being so good that we couldn’t bare to go anywhere else. The chef is able to cook up whatever you can dream of, in case you can’t manage the Ossobucco every single night.

A hire car is a good excuse to drive around the lake and explore more of the surrounding towns. This isn’t for the faint hearted as any visitor to Italy will know, the road can barely fit two cars, however the local oncoming vehicles don’t let this slow them down! Bellagio, while more touristy, is a lovely stop for lunch. Como town, slightly bigger, has more of a town feel than just being focused on the lake.

But back at the hotel, there’s plenty to keep you occupied - 3 pools, including a beach on the lake with a pool in the water, tennis courts, spa and a garden big enough to go for a walk.

And if this wasn’t perfect enough, being asked a very special question here along with the most beautiful ring, we’re already thinking ahead to our anniversary trips at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.