Mario Biondi and exclusive events in an iconic setting.
Summer evenings on the shores of Lake Como have always been imbued with an innate magic, where the cool lake breeze blends with the shimmering waters reflecting the sunset colors. As in Shakespeare’s poem “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” as the sun sets, two worlds, one real and the other enchanted, come together to create unique moments of conviviality, culture, and entertainment. In this dreamlike setting, Villa d’Este, the iconic 5-star hotel that has captivated Italy and the world for generations, is preparing to welcome guests with a series of events that will make summer 2024 unforgettable.
The summer season will begin with an extraordinary live performance by Mario Biondi, one of the leading international figures in soul and jazz music, in the magnificent Mosaic Garden of Villa d’Este on June 21st. Following shows around the world and the success of his recent theatrical tour “Crooning – The Italian Tour,” which sold out in all cities, Mario Biondi will perform in the iconic setting of Villa d’Este for a special concert featuring pieces from his latest album “Crooning Undercover,” along with his most beloved songs and some reinterpretations of international repertoire. Joining him on stage will be his long-time band.
This unique and unrepeatable event, which begins with a themed aperitif at 7 PM, will culminate the concert, followed by a convivial dinner curated by Group Executive Chef Michele Zambanini. The dinner will offer a blend of flavors and colors ranging from the culinary tradition of Sicily, the artist’s homeland, to influences from world cuisine. The lush gardens of Villa d’Este, and the warm and passionate notes of soul jazz music will frame a magical and evocative evening, taking guests on an excellent musical journey.
Villa d’Este’s summer schedule is rich with events, including the Summer Festivals, which are annual must-attend occasions characterized by haute cuisine, entertainment, and live performances by international artists, themed floral arrangements, and spectacular fireworks.
On July 4th, for the United States Independence Day, the Hotel will take the guests on a journey of beauty, offering a breathtaking aperitif on the Platani terrace, followed by a gala dinner by Executive Chef Michele Zambanini in the picturesque Mosaic setting. Dishes will include Chilean Sea Bass, Bellini ceviche, spicy cucumber, the renowned “white fish” from an archipelago of islands near the South Pole, followed by Alaskan Crab Tortelli, lemongrass, kale chips, and North Carolina Scallops, clam chowder, the famous American chowder typical of New England and San Francisco. The dinner will end with a Manjari 68% Mousse, Bourbon, and Apricot. The extraordinary evening will be even more glamorous thanks to immersive entertainment themed around the 1920s, Art Deco, and the Great Gatsby, which will continue with the atmospheric piano bar on the lakeside terrace.
On July 14th, for the French Bastille Day celebrations, guests will be greeted in magnificent settings and extravagant shows inspired by the timeless elegance of Marie-Antoinette’s style, romantic rococo, and the decadent charm of haute couture. An exclusive apéritif pied dans l’eau and a memorable dinner in the wonderful atmosphere of a bygone era, will be served. Courses range from cherry and foie gras escalope, bitter chicory, to barbecued langoustines, vichyssoise, and trombolotto. The meal ends with a great classic of the French pastry tradition: wild strawberry macaroons with rosé champagne sorbet.
Finally, on August 15th, there will be a classic “Dolce Vita” celebration with one-of-a-kind stagings and performances reminiscent of a real Italian feast, combining luxury and relaxation. The wandering aperitif on the Platani terrace with the raw fish and ceviche corner, cheesemaker’s corner, cold cuts, and salads will be followed by an exclusive gala dinner in the picturesque location by the famous floating pool on the lake. The dinner will include parsley risotto, salt cod, lemon, capers and sole, cooked and raw porcini mushrooms, pistachio biscuits, apricot creamy, almond ice cream, and the classic ice cream cart.
Villa d’Este reconfirmed the Villa d’Este Style events that celebrate style and elegance on the shores of Lake Como. These began on June 1st with One Lake One Car, an opportunity to admire up close the legendary vintage cars Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS “COUPE’ VILLA D’ESTE,” masterpieces of automotive art that enchanted enthusiasts with their iconic beauty. This year, Villa d’Este renewed its collaboration with the friends of the Italian Alfa Romeo Register, as the June 1st event at Villa d’Este, reserved for various models of the “6C” dynasty, preceded the “RealAlfa” Elegance Contest held on June 2nd in Arese at the Alfa Romeo Museum. In this way, Villa d’Este celebrated the 6C 1500 born in 1927, contributing to the success of Italian automobile worldwide.
On July 21st, it will be the turn of Vintage Yachting, an experience that will take guests and enthusiasts aboard vintage yachts for an exclusive tour on Lake Como, with the opportunity to admire up close the craftsmanship of historic shipyards with unique and collectible pieces within the setting of Villa d’Este.
