The hotel’s owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and designer Patricia Urquiola team up to turn 200 sq m of lakefront space into a dedicated hi-fi sanctuary
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
Lake Como is still somewhat under-the-radar when it comes to design. Often overshadowed by its larger and more flamboyant neighbour, Milan, this charming lakeside town has been quietly making waves in recent years.
With its striking rationalist architecture and the expertly curated Lake Como Design Festival held each September, the town is rapidly emerging as a design and architecture destination for travellers seeking the best of art, design and craftsmanship.
It’s no surprise then that Il Sereno, which originally opened back in 2016, feels perfectly at home here. Set within the picturesque town of Torno on the eastern bank of Lake Como, the hotel has set itself apart with a design-driven ethos, minimalist interiors and contemporary architecture.
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
Now, Il Sereno’s much-anticipated Darsena Listening Suite has opened, which perfectly captures the creative heart of the hotel. Dreamt up by owner and audiophile Luis Contreras in collaboration with Milan-based, Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the 200 sq m lakefront suite is believed to be the first of its kind.
Fuelled by a renewed interest and revival of vinyl, the Darsena Listening Suite draws on Tokyo’s legendary jazz-kissa listening cafés, traditional Japanese establishments dedicated to vinyl-based sound experiences.
The idea for the suite first took root in early 2021, shortly after Italy’s lockdown was lifted, during a dinner in Japan. ‘Contreras has always been a music lover,’ says Gaia Rosetti, director of sales and marketing at Il Sereno.
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
‘But the concept truly came to life that evening, when he experienced the analogue sound of a vintage Revox B77,’ continues Rosetti. ‘He was so inspired by the experience that he set out to recreate that here at the hotel.’
Il Sereno enlisted the help of Patricia Urquiola, the designer behind the hotel itself, to shape the Darsena Listening Suite. She layered the space with rich walnut panelling, sculptural bronze fixtures and hand-blown glass accents.
With a modern palette that subtly nods to the region’s design heritage while remaining unmistakably contemporary, Urquiola furnished the suite with bespoke pieces, cosy sofas courtesy of Molteni and classic Gio Ponti Leggera chairs produced by Cassina.
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
A striking 50-foot wall of custom-woven jacquard fabric is designed to reflect the rippling surface of the lake, creating a serene backdrop for the suite’s studio-quality sound system while also offering sound-proofing benefits. The system itself was sourced by Contreras, who spent months meeting bespoke tube amp artisans and sourcing vintage hifi listings online.
The result is an impressive lineup: Klipsch La Scala II speakers, a glowing McIntosh MC275 amplifier and a MacIntosh C22 Preamp. Completing the system are a Thorens 1601 turntable fitted with a Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and the fully restored Revox tape deck that sparked the entire vision.
‘Contreras donated over 500 LPs from his personal collection,’ says Rosetti, noting that the selection ranges from Deutsche Grammophon box sets to original David Bowie pressings. But he’s committed to tailoring the experience, as guests are welcome to request their personal favourites, which can be sourced and added to the library. The collection also includes several records dedicated to Contreras’ son, who has contributed some of his own selections too.
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
‘What’s wonderful is how it creates this connection between generations,’ says Rosetti. ‘Putting music on shuffle doesn’t mean much, but when someone carefully chooses a record and plays it, the experience takes on new meaning. Especially for children, having something like this helps create lasting memories, which is truly special.’
As part of this five-star experience, food naturally takes centre stage here. Guests can expect to find a sculptural round stone table, seating up to ten, designed by Studio Urquiola at Contreras’ request, and perfect for lakeside dinner parties.
Chef Raffaele Lenzi brings his Michelin-starred Sereno Al Lago menu into the suite, which showcases culinary excellence alongside seasonal produce. From Risotto alla Pescatora to bigoli and fior di latte ice-cream with miso caramel and sesame brittle, each dish offers guests an unforgettable dining experience.
Photography courtesy of Il Sereno
When not booked overnight, the suite becomes an intimate venue for private dinners or curated listening salons for up to ten guests, allowing the space to serve multiple functions, much like the playlists it was designed to accompany.
As vinyl continues its resurgence and travellers gravitate toward more intimate, acoustically attuned experiences, listening lounges and sound sanctuaries have sprung up from London’s Spiritland to niche hi-fi bars in New York.
Il Sereno’s Darsena Listening Suite taps into this growing movement, bringing the spirit of Japan’s jazz-kissa culture to Lake Como in the form of a private, design-led space built entirely around music. It’s a thoughtful addition to the hotel’s offering and demonstrates how hospitality can evolve to deliver more personalised, meaningful experiences, particularly for guests with a strong appreciation for design and sound.
‘This is not just about the music, but the overall experience itself,’ concludes Rosetti. ‘There is something so special about the vintage feel of these LPs, being able to appreciate an analogue system in today’s world and sharing that with guests at Il Sereno.’
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