Princes for a day on Isola Bella

 
After official closing time, Palazzo Borromeo and the paintings in its enchanting Galleria opens wide its doors to couples, families or groups who wish to explore it in peace at sunset, with the privilege of returning home with what the New York Times has defined as one of the most charming views in the world. Guests spoiled with their own personal guide. A concession that would be worth the trip by itself, crowned – as if that were not enough – by an aperitif in the greenery of the elegant Baroque garden, among the most appreciated and best conserved of its time.
Avenues, blossoming espaliers, boxwood hedges outline the refined embroideries of plants that climb up the island from the water to the grand terrace overlooking Isola Madre and the Mottarone.

The experience on Isola Bella continues overnight. When the tourists leave and the last boat has cast off, you can retire among the comforts of a Borromeo’s Dream Home. The complex is the result of meticulous restructuring work on some old fishermen’s dwellings. Three elegant apartments have been created each with up to 8 bed places, all complete with kitchen, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Provisions for dinner can be purchased in the picturesque bistro in Vicolo del Fornello, a location with artisan shops but also for designer brand shopping.

In the Garden of Eden

On Isola Madre you can be guests on a walk guided by Gianfranco Giustina, curator of the gardens of Terre Borromeo, who in 2014 was honoured with the «Veitch memorial medal», the medal that is awarded every year to people who have made the biggest contribution in the world to the progress of knowledge in horticulture and the art of gardening.
The Island extends over eight hectares of botanical park around the sixteenth-century dwelling, which is also visitable privately. This too is brimming with its own rich historical heritage of inestimable value: from the charming library to the highly unusual puppet theatre, to the unexpected Venetian lounge inspired by the rococo of the lagoon.

Lords of the Middle Ages

A private guide can be requested for a journey in time to the Rocca di Angera. Flowers, herbs and fruit trees entrusted to the life cycles of nature and the seasons have found their home in the Medieval Garden. And then the historic rooms, with the Sala di Giustizia, frescoed in 1277 by the Master of Angera, which is an artistic jewel of rare charm.
Unexpectedly a jump into the present, by entering the Ala Scaligera, which every year since 2017 has hosted a contemporary art exhibition in a stimulating dialogue between the past and the new cultural trends.

Tasty breaks

A gastronomic experience could not be lacking in the Terre Borromeo.
At the Parco del Mottarone, at the top of the mountain of the same name, the Rifugio Genziana restaurant offers the authentic tastes and aromas of the mountain, revisited with the creativity and technique of chef Francesco Luoni.