Yesterday we treated ourselves. The weather predicted heavy rains so we decided to take the ferry across the lake to our sister 5 star hotel for a day at one of the most extravagant spas I have ever experienced. Our spa day at the Royal Hotel in Menaggio was a heavenly retreat, perfectly timed with a day-long rain over Lake Como. The weather might have been dreary, but inside the spa, we were enveloped in luxury and tranquility.
Next, we explored the multiple themed steam rooms. Each room had its own unique ambiance and therapeutic benefits, from the soothing Mediterranean steam to the scorching Turkish steams. The variety made each visit a refreshing experience.
The saunas were equally impressive, offering a range of temperatures and environments. Whether it was the intense heat of the traditional Finnish sauna or the milder, pine wood sauna, every moment was blissful.
We then ventured into the relaxation rooms, which were designed to promote deep peace and serenity. Soft lighting, comfortable loungers, walls of moss, and a serene atmosphere made it ultra relaxing. 
One of the highlights was the scented showers. These multi-sensory experiences combined soothing water jets with aromatic essences, creating a rejuvenating and refreshing interlude.
We finished our relaxation day with massages before taking the lake ferry back towards our hotel for another epic dinner. 
We had made reservations at the reigning best restaurant in Lake Como, Visteria. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness ensured we felt like cherished guests. As we settled in, on our balcony overlooking the lake, the sun began to set offering a magical backdrop to our meal.
Chef Sarno’s inspired menu, a masterpiece of creativity and precision, was a pure joy to be consumed. The evening began with two amuse-bouche courses, each a tantalizing preview of the culinary wonders to come. The “fake tomato” and mini tacos were not only visually stunning but also a delightful explosion of flavors. The follow-up of roasted eggplant, yellow tomato, and eggplant parmigiana spheres were equally captivating, setting the stage for the gastronomic adventure ahead.
Bread, often an overlooked component of fine dining, was a star in its own right. The sourdough and sunflower seed bread alongside the buttery Girella, both perfectly paired with breadsticks aromatic with oregano and rosemary, highlighted the attention to detail that permeates Visteria’s offerings.
As we moved into the main courses. The squid with mint and zucchini was a refreshing start (and my personal favorite!). They even used “mint perfume”. This was followed by the summery flavors of Palamita d’estate. 
The pasta courses were a testament to Italian culinary artistry; the Fusillo with squid and red shrimp was not only delectable but visually stunning, while the Scarpariello’s medley of six tomatoes was a vibrant presentation of what everyone imagines an Italian pasta could be.
A delightful pre-dessert, the Breva Gin Frizz with raspberry and gin, served as a refreshing though VERY sour palate cleanser. The final course, Red Passion with berries and lychee, was a symphony of sweet and tart that left us craving more. And they surprised us with an additional dessert course. The petit fours, including a Bounty-like creation, passion fruit with black sesame, and a playful taco with hazelnut, were the perfect finish. The Babà with Timoncello liqueur provided a sweet, lingering finale to an exquisite meal.
To complement the stellar cuisine, Visteria’s wine selection was exceptional, each pour enhancing the flavors of the dishes.
The personal touch from Chef Sarno, who came out and greeted us warmly at our table (the only table he did this!) made the night all that much more special.
Waddling back up to our room after the 12 course dinamo left us blissfully exhausted. We promptly crashed for the night.
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