Stretching from Lake Como to St. Moritz is one of Europe’s most spectacular driving routes, connecting two of the continent’s most iconic luxury destinations: Il Sereno on the shores of Lake Como and the historic Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz. For Summer 2026, the two properties have partnered to create an exclusive Lake-to-Lake journey, inviting guests to discover the beauty of northern Italy and the Swiss Alps through an itinerary where the drive itself takes centre stage.
The scenic route is one of Europe’s most celebrated alpine driving roads, winding through the Engadin Valley and over the renowned Maloja Pass. Mountain landscapes, sweeping bends and panoramic lake views transform what could be a transfer into an unforgettable part of the itinerary. This is not an expedition solely focused on the destination; it celebrates every moment in between, offering a modern interpretation of the classic Grand Tour where the journey is every bit as memorable as the places it connects.
Reflecting the growing demand for experience-oriented luxury travel, the collaboration seamlessly combines design-led hospitality, Michelin-starred dining, restorative wellness and breathtaking alpine scenery, transforming the journey into an itinerary meant to be enjoyed from beginning to end.
About Il Sereno in Lake Como
Situated in the charming village of Torno on the eastern shores of Lake Como, Il Sereno offers a unique perspective on one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations. Opened in 2016, the hotel was designed by architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, whose vision reinterprets the region’s traditional grand villas through sleek contemporary architecture, clean lines, natural materials and floor-to-ceiling glass that create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Design is central to Il Sereno’s identity, reflecting both the surrounding alpine landscape and Italy’s rich design heritage. The hotel has established itself as one of Lake Como’s leading contemporary luxury properties.
This dedication extends to the hotel’s collection of suites, where bespoke furnishings and panoramic views of Lake Como create serene spaces that celebrate modern sophistication. Among them, the Darsena Listening Suite stands out as one of the property’s most unique offerings. Spanning 200 square metres on the lakefront, it is the world’s first hotel suite designed entirely around the art of listening, combining hi-fi audio with refined Italian design.
The suite features an exceptional collection of heritage analogue equipment, including horn speakers, tube amplifiers, a turntable and a vintage reel-to-reel deck, inviting guests to slow down and rediscover music as a sensory experience. A curated vinyl library of more than 500 records spans decades and genres, while acoustic textiles that enhance sound quality and floor-to-ceiling glass walls framing uninterrupted views of Lake Como create an atmosphere where music and the surrounding landscape harmoniously coexist.
The Dining Experience
Gastronomy is an essential part of the hotel’s identity, centred around the Michelin-starred Il Sereno Al Lago, led by Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star just one season after opening in 2017, establishing itself as one of Lake Como’s premier dining destinations. It has since maintained its reputation for refined Italian cuisine, rooted in seasonal ingredients and a contemporary interpretation of regional flavours. Born in Naples, Lenzi has built an impressive international career, working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Kingdom before joining Il Sereno in 2016.
Lenzi’s international experience is reflected in a culinary philosophy he describes as “Straightforward, Down-to-Earth, Light,” one that celebrates the pure essence of exceptional ingredients while remaining deeply rooted in Italian tradition. At Il Sereno Al Lago, the menu showcases the flavours of northern Italy through seasonal produce sourced from Lake Como, the Valtellina mountains and the surrounding Lombardy region. The result is a gastronomic journey that pays tribute to the Italian spirit, transforming local ingredients into dishes that transform the palate.
The dining experience is elevated by the restaurant’s stunning contemporary design. When dining, three distinct settings are offered to guests, allowing them to feel completely immersed in the beauty of Lake Como: an elegant indoor dining room, a covered open-air space that sits just steps from the water, or the lakeside terrace, where the views across Lake Como provide a breathtaking backdrop. And during the summer months, the restaurant’s privileged lakeside location allows guests to enjoy natural daylight until nearly 10 p.m., making dinner as much about the scenery as the cuisine itself.
Before embarking on the drive through the Swiss Alps, guests are invited to experience the serenity of Lake Como, whether relaxing by the waterfront, dining at Al Lago or simply taking in the panoramic views that have made the region synonymous with Italian luxury.
The Route
At the heart of the Lake-to-Lake experience is the journey itself. While many travel itineraries focus primarily on their destinations, Il Sereno and the Kulm Hotel have curated an itinerary in which the drive is a part of the journey to be relished equally with the luxurious hotels. Beginning on the shores of Lake Como and climbing into the Swiss Alps through the Engadin Valley, the route unfolds through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, transforming the drive into an authentic experience. The highlight of the route is the renowned Maloja Pass, one of the continent’s most celebrated alpine roads. The pass offers an unforgettable driving tour that has long attracted motoring enthusiasts and travellers alike. Along the way, ever-changing landscapes, from the serene waters of Lake Como to alpine forests, glacial lakes and rugged mountain terrain, create a journey that is as visually captivating.
To complement the experience, guests can choose between two iconic Italian automobiles. The Ferrari Roma Spider offers a grand touring experience, combining comfort with high-performance engineering. Its retractable soft-top allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and fresh mountain air of the route while enjoying one of Ferrari’s most elegant modern designs.
On the other hand, for those seeking a more nostalgic adventure, the vintage Alfa Romeo Spider evokes the romance of classic Italian motoring. With its timeless silhouette and open-top design, it recalls the golden age of European road trips, encouraging a slower pace and a deeper appreciation of the landscapes unfolding along the way.
Every detail is carefully tailored to make the journey more personal; guests are accompanied by a bespoke musical soundtrack created specifically for the drive. Whether cruising along the lakeshore or navigating the winding ascent of the Maloja Pass, the selected playlist will be the impeccable companion to the breathtaking scenery, reinforcing the philosophy behind the Lake-to-Lake experience: that the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
About the Kulm Hotel in St Moritz
Stepping into the Kulm Hotel is to experience more than 170 years of Alpine hospitality, where historic grandeur meets contemporary luxury. Founded in 1856 by the visionary hotelier Johannes Badrutt, the Kulm Hotel was the first luxury hotel in St. Moritz and is widely regarded as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. And it is no surprise that its history and heritage are something to carefully appreciate when visiting. Throughout the property, traditional alpine craftsmanship is paired with sophisticated interiors, creating spaces that feel both elegant and inviting. The “Trump L’œil” design of the lobby is a celebrated architectural centrepiece, redesigned in the 1990s by renowned Italian architect and interior designer Renzo Mongiardino, full of details that create an atmosphere of warmth, intimacy and timeless elegance.
The Kulm’s sense of sophistication is perhaps best experienced through its seasonal rhythm. Throughout the summer, the “Sounds of Summer” programme fills the hotel with live music, curated vinyl selections and guest DJs, creating an ambience that evolves effortlessly from long afternoons to late evenings. Music flows through the day like a constant thread, creating a social and unhurried atmosphere. The sound sets the scene for the day, and when the afternoon settles, the pianist begins a duet with steady hands. By evening, the piano gives way to the vinyl selections, and guest DJs build the energy slowly. Hosted across the Kulm Country Club and the Altitude Bar, the programme creates an effortlessly social ambience, where conversations linger over the alpine sunset, and music evolves naturally with the changing light.
This philosophy of timeless elegance continues throughout the hotel’s collection of rooms and suites. Guests can choose between classic alpine interiors and the more contemporary Signature collection, each thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials, made-to-measure furnishings and panoramic views of either the surrounding mountains or Lake St. Moritz. Rather than competing with the dramatic scenery beyond, the interiors frame it, allowing the changing landscape to become an integral part of the guest experience.
Guests following the Lake-to-Lake itinerary spend the night in one of the hotel’s Junior Suites, where private balconies open onto stunning vistas of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding Alps. Combining generous living spaces with luxurious marble bathrooms and sober alpine elegance, the suites offer a calm and comfortable retreat before discovering the beauty of the Engadin Valley.
The Kulm is a paradise for every bon vivant, offering international haute cuisine, fresh seasonal produce, artisanal Engadine specialities, Peruvian sophistication and contemporary European fare. The offer is extensive: the Kulm Country Club is the playful, cool, and laid-back spot to enjoy an exquisite Mountain Terroir menu crafted by Mauro Colagreco; his contemporary take on traditional recipes is truly one-of-a-kind. For a sensory experience like no other: Amaru, the Peruvian restaurant on site by Chef Claudia Canessa, is the perfect balance between aromatic flavours and spice, with a menu inspired by street-style food and drawing on tradition and modern fusion. Every appetite will be satisfied by the Pizzeria serving Italian specialities, and for lunches to be enjoyed under the sun, the Kulm Summer Terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a drink. The gourmet experience is far from over, with two other restaurants at the Hotel, Chesa al Parc and the Grand Restaurant. Chesa al Parc, with its extensive terrace and proximity to the park, the ambiance is a blend of sporty elegance and rustic charm. A relaxed à la carte menu of Swiss specialities, international classics, tea and cake. And for a special evening, the Grand Restaurant showcases the hotel’s illustrious history with its elegant six-course dinners and sumptuous breakfasts. An elevated dining experience with bold gastronomy enjoyed in a grand setting.
Kulm Spa: Wellness Inspired by the Alps
Beyond its timeless charm, the Kulm Hotel places equal emphasis on wellbeing through its award-winning Kulm Spa, a sanctuary dedicated to relaxation, renewal and holistic wellness. With more than 2,000 square metres, the spa is designed around three guiding principles—relaxation, detoxification and regeneration. Overlooking panoramic views of Lake St. Moritz and the Engadin mountains, the spa consciously connects its interiors with the surrounding alpine landscape, reinforcing the restorative power of nature.
The wellness facilities are equally impressive. Guests can wind down in the indoor and heated outdoor pools overlooking the lake, or explore an extensive sauna world featuring Finnish saunas, steam baths, an infrared cabin and relaxation areas. The spa’s signature treatments range from restorative massages and revitalising facials to personalised therapies that combine natural ingredients with advanced skincare and wellness techniques.
More than simply a spa, the Kulm Spa reflects the hotel’s longstanding philosophy that luxury is measured by wellbeing as much as comfort. Whether soaking in the outdoor pool while overlooking the Engadin peaks, enjoying a tailored wellness ritual, or simply embracing the peaceful rhythm of the mountains, guests leave feeling restored and reconnected. It is a fitting finale to the Lake-to-Lake journey, one that celebrates not only exceptional destinations but also the transformative experiences found along the way.
To discover more, click HERE
View this post on Instagram
Photo Credits: Il Sereno and Kulm Hotel.