L ake Como, the crown jewel of Italy’s freshwater basins, was first sculpted by icebergs many centuries ago, eventually evolving into a retreat for well-to-do denizens of ancient Rome. Yet the gradual passage of time did not erode the lake’s marvelous surroundings – rather, the years have only helped further shape it into something out of a dream. Today, millions of awe-struck visitors every year make the trek to this Y-shaped crystalline pool ensconced by the majestic foothills of the Italian Alps, soaking in the luxurious surroundings.
But the most ravishing facet of Lake Como also happens to be its most mysterious: the water itself. To the human eye, the deep lake’s hues appear to be in a state of constant oscillation, drifting from more blue-green tones akin to turquoise one moment and then transforming into a deep azure the next. The lake water’s specific color depends, of course, on how exactly the sunlight hits it on a given day. This glacial water’s rangy tones have also inspired artists, writers, designers, and other creatives over many generations, each of whom distinctly encapsulate Lake Como’s natural splendor into their own works of art.
Sara Dyne, an Italian-British jewelry designer renowned for her futuristic take on ancient symbolism with her brand DYNE, is one such artist who has been inspired by Lake Como: She has crafted a once-in-a-lifetime piece, a necklace, drawing from the rich wells of beauty and history that define this slice of heaven. In partnership with EDITION and DYNE, Sotheby’s will be auctioning the jeweler’s astonishingly unique lot during Luxury Week in New York.
Hand-selected by Frank Everett, the SVP and Vice Chairman of Jewelry for the Americas at Sotheby’s, Dyne’s necklace achieves a challenging feat: It both immortalizes and elevates this transcendent body of water in northern Italy. The yellow gold necklace, inlaid with flecks of mottled jade, calls to mind the rich blue-green hues of Lake Como’s water. Curving elegantly on the neckline and just above the collarbone, the necklace’s meticulously refined structure brims with a keen sense of movement. Its shape is reminiscent of a living memory, of soaking up the Lake Como shoreline while gazing at undulating waves glittering in the afternoon sun.
This rare DYNE piece is also a flawless accompaniment to an experience, curated by Dyne herself and Everett of Sotheby’s, that will bring out the very best of Lake Como itself for two extraordinarily lucky travelers. The collector of the necklace will be treated to a luxe stay in Lake Como at a place that’s equally timeless and elegant: the new The Lake Como EDITION. As a part of the storied Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio, in partnership with Omnam Investment Group and Bain Capital, the property is reshaping what luxury accommodations in Lake Como can come to signify. The property’s chic lodgings meld contemporary design with the timelessness of the region’s natural surroundings.
The experience begins at Milan Airport, where up to two guests will be escorted to The Lake Como EDITION’s Penthouse suite – an exquisitely modern space that offers panoramic views of the freshwater lake, the Alps, and the Bellagio Hills nearby – for an unforgettable two-night stay. But the experience hardly stops there. After taking a moment to settle in after the flight, guests will be guided through a state-of-the-art detox treatment at Longevity Spa, a luxurious place to unwind that’s conveniently located inside the property. The holistic spa experience melds together cutting-edge techniques, with wisdom culled over many centuries, in a series of treatments meant to relax the body as much as the spirit. The treatment includes a multisensory LED session, a massage for rebalancing energy, and a combination face detox and cryotherapy session. Naturally, guests will also have ample time to dip in the on-site cold plunge and thermal pool, Finnish and herbal saunas, steam baths, or take a moment to relax in one of the lounges while enjoying the view from a lakeside terrace.
Following this relaxing spa experience, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in an immersive gastronomic experience at Cetino, a fine dining institution on the property led by the renowned chef Mauro Colagreco. Known for his three-Michelin-star restaurant Mirazur, Chef Colagreco will be treating guests to his signature culinary delights prepared in the tradition of circular gastronomy – a philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, and a deeply-rooted connection to place, while enhancing seasonal ingredients. This tasting menu at Cetino will be accompanied by wine pairings, aimed to enhance the depth of these mouthwatering flavors.
After a restful first day in Lake Como, the second day begins with a sense of adventure. Guests will be led on a private boat tour on the iconic lake, where over two hours they will learn more about the glorious villas surrounding the shoreline, such as the Villa del Balbianello, as well as the small towns dotting the landscape, including Varenna and Bellagio. A picnic will accompany the boat tour, so guests can make the most of soaking in the charming and singular sights of Lake Como’s environs. If guests choose to continue on this sightseeing sojourn, a Mercedes E-Class vehicle is at the ready to transport guests from town to town while winding through the lakeside.
That evening guests will additionally be treated to an aperitivo hour, right as the sunset is cresting over the lake, at the property’s all-day cafe Renzo. Shaded by a pergola and overlooking the gorgeous lake, the aperitivo hour’s shareable plates are inspired by languid afternoons spent talking, clinking glasses, and enjoying the fresh bounty of Mediterranean cuisine during the long Italian summer days.
This rarefied experience, like all beautiful moments in life, must eventually come to an end. But guests leaving The Lake Como EDITION experience will come away with a one-of-a-kind emblem memorializing this moment: DYNE’s dynamic and uniquely beautiful necklace, inspired by the deep and luminous waters of Lake Como.
