High-end hotel at Lake Como unveils exclusive 'audio room' catering to audio enthusiasts
The Darsena Listening Suite at Il Sereno, nestled on the shores of Lake Como, offers a unique and immersive experience for music enthusiasts. Conceived by owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and designed by Patricia Urquiola, this 200 m² lakefront sanctuary combines high-fidelity analogue music, modern design, and Michelin-starred cuisine.
## Design Inspiration
Inspired by Japan's jazz-kissa listening bars, where vinyl is revered in quiet, intimate settings, the suite's design features soundproof walls with textured detailing and acoustic fabrics to ensure high-fidelity sound quality. The midcentury modern-inspired interiors are complemented by walnut furnishings and speakers made from the same wood used throughout the hotel.
## Audio Equipment
The audio system is an audiophile's dream, featuring Klipsch La Scala II speakers, a McIntosh MC275 vacuum tube amplifier, a McIntosh C22 pre-amplifier, a Thorens 1601 turntable with a Sumiko Amethyst cartridge, and a meticulously restored Revox B77 reel-to-reel deck, which inspired the project. The suite offers over 500 vinyl records from Contreras's personal collection, including genres like pop, classic rock, bossa nova, and jazz.
## Dining Experience
Dining is a central focus in the Darsena Listening Suite. Chef Raffaele Lenzi brings his Michelin-starred menu into the suite, and each dish can be served with curated music. After dinner, guests can enjoy a well-chosen Italian wine while soaking in the water views and listening to more tunes.
## Personal Touch
The Darsena Listening Suite is designed to be a "living project" where the music collection continues to grow. Guests can request favourite albums in advance, which then become part of the suite's permanent library. This interactive element allows visitors to contribute to the evolving music library, making the experience both personal and communal.
## Booking Details
The Darsena Listening Suite can be booked on the Il Sereno website. Rates for the suite start from $6,300 per night.
Rachel Cormack, a digital editor, has written about the Darsena Listening Suite for various online publications, including HuffPost and Concrete Playground. Photos of the suite are available to view online.
[1] Il Sereno website [2] Concrete Playground article [3] HuffPost article [5] Il Sereno press release
In the realm of home-and-garden design, the Darsena Listening Suite at Il Sereno draws inspiration from Japan's jazz-kissa bars, incorporating sustainable-living principles through its use of walnut furnishings and speakers. Beyond the musical and culinary experiences, travelers can also contribute to the suite's growing music library, making it a unique and personalized home-and-garden destination.
