Raffles to make debut in Italy

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to open its first property in Italy in 2027.

Raffles Lake Como will be set within the former Grand Hotel Imperiale, a 1920s villa on the lake’s western bank in the town of Moltrasio.

Following a full-scale renovation and conversion, the property will have 84 rooms, including 18 suites and two villas, a spa and beach club. It will also feature the brand’s signature venues Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar.

The hotel will have its own dock and offer private lake access, as well as a check-in experience from the water.

Omer Acar, Raffles’ chief executive, said: “Raffles Lake Como represents a milestone for Raffles as our first property in Italy and fifth hotel in Europe, underscoring our commitment to thoughtful growth in highly sought after resort destinations.

“Raffles is world renowned for its elegance, gracious service and inspirational guest experience, and we are thrilled to bring these hallmarks to one of the world’s most glamourous havens.”

Raffles Lake Como will join the brand’s four other European properties in London, Paris, Warsaw and Istanbul, as well as other recently announced projects in Tokyo and Goa, which are both set to open by 2030.