Fodor's Expert Review CastaDiva Resort & Spa

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

If you're looking for an extravagant hotel with a modern feel away from the hustle and bustle, this collection of seven 19th-century villas, named for opera singer and former resident Guiditta Pasta, has been brought thoroughly into the 21st century. About 5 km (3 miles) north of the busy town of Como, CastaDiva is the place to get some secluded pampering. Public areas, guest rooms, and suites, done up in rich colors of gold, purple, and red, boast beautiful lake views; some rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces or gardens. Luxurious amenities include a floating swimming pool on the lake and a 14,000-square-foot spa with massaging waterfalls in the indoor pool, scented “emotional” showers, and a Himalayan-rose-salt relaxation room.