Mandarin Oriental has opened a new European property on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como following a major refurbishment.
The resort, formerly known as the CastaDiva Resort & Spa, is based in a renovated 19th-century villa in the village of Blevio.
The property, which reopened on April 15, has been rebranded as the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, and is centred around the Villa Roccaruna. It features 21 rooms, 52 suites and two private standalone villas.
General manager Samuel Porreca said: “Mandarin Oriental’s first resort in Europe will be a welcome destination for discerning travellers looking for ultimate privacy, unparalleled views and award-winning cuisine, supported by the brand’s legendary service.”
Milan-based interior designer Eric Egan has overseen the refurbishment of the resort’s rooms and public areas, while landscape designer Patrizia Pozzi has renovated the surrounding botanical gardens.
Executive chef Vincenzo Guarino will oversee the restaurants and bars including fine dining option L’Aria. Other facilities include a pool and sundeck, and spa.
To mark the opening, the resort has launched A New Lake Como Experience package, which starts from €575 per night, including a lakefront breakfast for two, a three-course lunch or dinner, and a 10% discount on spa treatments.
The hotel group has also announced it will operate a second property in Istanbul from 2022. Mandarin Oriental Etiler, Istanbul will have 158 rooms and suites plus 16 serviced apartments, and will be based in one of three towers being built close to the city’s central business district. The development will also include 251 Mandarin Oriental-branded residences.
Earlier this week (April 15), Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London reopened all 181 of its rooms and suites following a major refurbishment, which was delayed by a serious fire affecting the property’s roof in June 2018.
The Knightsbridge hotel managed to reopen its public areas in December 2018, including restaurants and event spaces as well as a newly renovated and enlarged spa.
The renovated hotel now includes two new penthouse suites, Mandarin Penthouse and Oriental Penthouse, which can also be interconnected to create an enlarged suite with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, private dining room and two kitchens, as well as views of Hyde Park and the London skyline.
To celebrate its full reopening, Mandarin Oriental is offering a Be the First to Stay package at the London hotel priced from £659, available up to June 30.