Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como has been a holiday destination for the rich and famous since ages galore. Although I haven’t been, I’ve been busy manifesting it, so who knows, hopefully, we’ll experience some Lake Como soon! The 19th-century Villa Roccabruna is tucked away in the stunning greenery of a botanical park on the lake’s southeast shores. The beautiful property features bold neoclassical lines and is an absurdly romantic space that was once the home of Italy’s iconic opera singer Giuditta Pasta. Now the property has been transformed into a hotel by the Mandarin Oriental group, and it recently launched a 40m floating infinity pool!
Designer: Herzog & de Meuron
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the floating infinity pool is an absolute beauty to look at! And also it is the largest in the world! The hotel was designed by Herzog & de Meuron as well, and it features 21 rooms, 52 suites, two restaurants, an award-winning lower-level spa, and two standalone villas. The pool is a subtle yet beautiful addition that perfectly complements the villa’s architecture, as well as the lower vaulted stone colonnade that supports it.
The infinity pool has been finished in a dark local Cardoso sandstone, and it is designed to seamlessly and harmoniously blend into the lake’s cobalt blue waters. The impressive infinity edge of the cake creates an optical illusion, with a prefabricated steel structure in a glossy deep green that subtly reflects the water’s surface. The pool is designed in Switzerland, constructed in Finland, and assembled in Italy. In fact, the pool is considered an engineering feat and features a catamaran-like form to reduce the impact of the waves. The form is invisibly attached to the lake bed and is connected to the bar and dining area via a ramp.
The NAMI Café is a cool and casual poolside hangout spot that serves pizzas, burgers, and salads along with cocktails and healthy juices. The cafe is framed by the historic and massive stone arches of the building, creating a truly special spot. The largest floating infinity pool in the world is definitely going to be on my vacation list now!
