THE BRIEF
To produce a “once in a lifetime” trip for seasoned incentive winners. It needed to be high class all the way with proper “wows” and fine food and wine. It had to be classy. It had to be Lake Como.
Day one
On arrival into Milan Linate Airport, the group were whisked off to Como for a welcome lunch on Terazza 241 which has one of the finest views anywhere in the world. With the sun beating down, the lake shimmering and lobster spaghetti being served with a chilled rose, what more could we want. Obligatory Limoncellos wrapped up proceeding and a couple of hours poolside awaited. Come evening, we boarded a fleet of Venetian water taxis to cruise the lake. With a glass of sparkling in hand and scenery to die for (cliché), could it get any better? Yes it could as we pulled up alongside and watched live opera from another vessel. Completely bespoke, completely unique, completely brilliant. So to re-cap. Lake Como scenery, bubbles in hand and Nessun Dorma being belted out and dinner at the stunning Crotto Dei Platini. First day done. Nailed it.
Day Two
The big day. The “wow” day. If you are going to do a self-drive around Lake Como, there’s only one car to do it in – a Ferrari. But not just any old Ferraris. Brand new Ferraris. For those in the know, part of the fleet of 12 cars was 3 x SF90 Spiders – one with only 74kms on the clock – this is “what dreams are made of” territory. Cheered on by partisan Italians lining the streets we enjoyed the Como countryside, felt like superstars and finished up in Bellagio (where else) for a stunning lunch at the fabulous Darsanne Del Oppia – the lamb ravioli was as good as it gets. This was a day to remember. After soaking up the late afternoon rays, we headed into Como for a family style feast at Figli dei Fiori. An endless procession of meats, cheeses, bread and wine adorned the table and was enjoyed by all before we departed, bellies full and headed into the Como nightlife. It’s sophisticated and stylish, just as you would expect.
Day Three
Day three was a “bit of what you fancy” day. For some, the lure of Nonna’s cooking school, high on the lake hillside was too much to ignore. With the sun shining and a cold glass of Prosecco in hand, pasta was made, the sauce was mixed, the chicken was grilled and lunch was enjoyed. For others, a game of golf at the beautiful Golf Villa E’ste was the order of the day, with a few cold beers on the terrace afterwards (standard). Some wanted to see the lake from high above so enjoyed the spectacular views from the float planes that take off and land back on Lake Como. Whatever they all chose to do, they all had a day to remember. So what was instore for the final night? A private room at Gatto Nero – a Lake Como staple and a favourite of the Como rich n famous – and a particular favourite of a certain Mr. Clooney who lives nearby. With spectacular views over the lake and with Como in the distance, awards were given out, fabulous food was enjoyed whilst the conversation was littered with memories of the three days in Como.
A trip of a lifetime? You bet it was.
