Explored the debut of the first-ever 'Listening Suite' at a Lake Como hotel, a sanctuary tailored for music connoisseurs, recently unveiled.
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Lake Como, Italy, the Darsena Listening Suite at Il Sereno hotel stands as a testament to the art of analog music listening. This unique suite, designed by audiophile and hotel owner Luis Contreras, offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that seamlessly blends music, design, and the natural beauty of Lake Como.
A Symphony of Sound and Design
The Darsena Listening Suite is a labour of love, inspired by Japanese jazz-kissa cafés and Contreras' encounter with a vintage Revox B77 reel-to-reel tape deck in 2021 [1][2][5]. The suite's interior, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is a masterclass in acoustic optimization and visual and tactile richness.
The suite features a meticulously curated sound system, including Klipsch La Scala II speakers, McIntosh tube amplifiers, a Thorens turntable, and over 500 vinyl records from Contreras’s personal collection. The collection spans from classical box sets to iconic albums by artists like David Bowie [2].
A Social and Cultural Space
The Darsena Listening Suite is more than just a luxurious listening room. It doubles as a social and cultural space, with a stone dining table positioned before the sound system, encouraging convivial listening sessions or private dinners for up to ten guests [5]. This modern reinterpretation of music salons invites guests to share in the joy of analog music listening.
Private Lake Access and More
The suite's serene atmosphere is further enhanced by direct private lake access via a staircase and a Japan-inspired textile and wooden wall paneling behind the bed, rounded cabinetry, and copper, sliding room dividers [5]. Soon, the suite will also feature a private bar.
A Living Project
The Darsena Listening Suite operates as a living project, where the vinyl collection continuously grows as guests can request favourite albums in advance, which then join the permanent library for future visitors [2].
Lake Como: A Timeless Beauty
Located south of the Alps in the Lombardy region, Lake Como stretches over 146 square kilometers and reaches over 400 meters in depth. This iconic lake, renowned for its appearances in films like Alfred Hitchcock's The Pleasure Garden, Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America, and Casino Royale, the 21st instalment of the James Bond saga, provides the perfect backdrop for the Darsena Listening Suite.
Il Sereno Al Lago: A Culinary Delight
After a day spent immersed in music and nature, guests can indulge in the hotel's in-house Michelin experience, Il Sereno al Lago. The menu includes dishes like baked aubergine with stracciatella ice cream, tomato, and basil, lavaret à la plancha, and a sour cherry and hazelnut crumble, offering a dining experience to remember.
In summary, the Darsena Listening Suite is a world-first, offering guests a unique fusion of luxury hospitality, design innovation, and cultural immersion in one of Italy's most iconic lakeside locations. Whether you're a vinyl connoisseur or a music enthusiast, the Darsena Listening Suite promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the art of analog music listening.
[1] The Guardian
[2] Bloomberg
[3] Wallpaper*
[4] Conde Nast Traveler
[5] DesignBoom
- The Darsena Listening Suite at Il Sereno hotel, inspired by Japanese jazz-kissa cafés and a vintage Revox B77 reel-to-reel tape deck, seamlessly blends music, design, and the natural beauty of Lake Como, offering a trendy immersive experience.
- The suite's interior, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is a masterclass in acoustic optimization and visual and tactile richness, featuring rustic, Japan-inspired textile and wooden wall paneling, rounded cabinetry, and copper, sliding room dividers.
- The suite's sound system is a meticulously curated collection, including Klipsch La Scala II speakers, McIntosh tube amplifiers, a Thorens turntable, and over 500 vinyl records from Contreras’s personal collection, spanning from classical box sets to iconic albums by artists like David Bowie.
- The Darsena Listening Suite doubles as a social and cultural space, with a stone dining table positioned before the sound system and direct private lake access via a staircase, encouraging convivial listening sessions, private dinners, or lake-side entertainment.
- As a living project, the vinyl collection continuously grows as guests can request favorite albums in advance, which then join the permanent library for future visitors, making the suite a personalized and unique decor piece.
- Located in the picturesque landscape of Lake Como, Italy, the Darsena Listening Suite provides the perfect backdrop for music lovers, travelers, and anyone seeking a fusion of rustic lifestyle, art, and entertainment, combined with a memorable culinary experience at the hotel's in-house Michelin restaurant, Il Sereno al Lago.
