A new chapter is unfolding for Villa d’Este Group, one of Italy’s most storied names in luxury hospitality. Construction sites, renovations, and rebrandings are marking a period of unprecedented transformation as the group positions itself to compete on a truly international scale. At the heart of this evolution lies Villa d’Este La Collezione, a newly created brand that brings together the group’s five-star properties under one prestigious banner.
“Villa d’Este has become so globally recognized that it risks outshining our other hotels,” explained CEO Davide Bertilaccio during a recent press briefing. “La Collezione allows us to showcase the full breadth of our portfolio, each property reflecting the same values of heritage, beauty, and exceptional service.”
A Collection Rooted in Heritage and Vision
La Collezione currently includes Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Villa La Massa in Florence, Palazzo Venezia in Como, and Miralago Luxury Apartments, also in Cernobbio. Each property represents a distinct facet of Italian elegance, while collectively embodying the group’s ambition to redefine high-end hospitality with a contemporary spirit.
The new Palazzo Venezia in Como, born from the rebranding of the former Vista Como (acquired from LarioHotels), exemplifies this approach. “It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Como,” said Bertilaccio. “For the first time, we will bring a property affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World to the city.”
Reimagining the Lake Experience
Not far away, the Hotel Miralago, acquired in 2024, is being transformed into Miralago Luxury Apartments—a serviced residence concept inspired by post-pandemic lifestyle trends. “We didn’t want to open another traditional hotel on the lake,” Bertilaccio noted. “Guests are increasingly looking for larger, private spaces that allow them to live like they’re at home, yet with all the services of a hotel.”
The result will be eight modular apartments—each with one or two bedrooms, kitchen, and access to the full range of Villa d’Este amenities, from housekeeping and room service to private chefs and concierge support. On the ground floor, the Caffè Miralago will serve both residents and the local community.
Board member Carlotta Fontana added that the project reflects “a growing desire among travelers for intimacy and space. Those who travel frequently for business want, during their leisure time, a place that feels like their second home—but with all the comforts of a five-star property.”
Expanding the Cernobbio Legacy
Meanwhile, work continues on Villa Belinzaghi, a historic property adjacent to Villa d’Este and once part of the estate until the 1960s. The building will be fully renovated and reopened within two years, offering only suites—each measuring at least 60 square meters—to meet the expectations of today’s luxury travelers. A new swimming pool and 8,000 square meters of parkland will extend the resort’s grounds.
Soon to follow is the redevelopment of Hotel Regina Olga, which will become a boutique hotel with around 50 to 60 rooms and advanced digital services, also joining La Collezione.
Beyond the Lake: A Year-Round Destination
For Bertilaccio, the transformation goes beyond expanding the portfolio—it’s about redefining the Villa d’Este experience itself. “Our vision is to turn Villa d’Este into more than a lakeside retreat,” he said. “We want it to become a hub for discovering the region: the mountains, vineyards, and nearby cultural and artistic landmarks. Our efforts to extend the operating season have delivered strong occupancy results, even though maintaining a year-round presence in a lakeside destination is a costly challenge.”
An Italian Group with Global Ambitions
The group’s portfolio also includes the Golf Club, Harry’s Bar, the Salesianum Don Bosco complex—currently being renovated to accommodate over 350 employees—as well as the Terminus, Palace Hotel, and Barchetta Excelsior (the latter two will return to R Collection in 2026).
President Giuseppe Fontana emphasized that the group remains open to new acquisitions: “What we are building is a structured, industrial-scale Italian project—something our sector has often been accused of lacking. This is not a beginning or an end, but a new chapter in a story that started more than 450 years ago with the birth of Villa d’Este.”
With La Collezione, Villa d’Este Group reaffirms its identity as a guardian of Italian art and architecture—rooted in history, yet boldly oriented toward the future. “Our relationship with the territory is essential,” Fontana concluded. “We want our presence to contribute to the region’s growth and development.”