Villa D'EsteCernobbio, Italy

It is a landmark of Villa d’Este with its unique fireworks on the lake and an annual appointment for many guests who plan their visit according to the calendar of events:

• July 4th, American Independence Day
• July 14th, French Bastille Day
• August 15th, Midsummer Night Party

The summer season will begin on 21 June with an extraordinary live performance by the leading international soul and jazz singer-songwriter, Mario Biondi, in the charming Mosaic Gardens at Villa d'Este. Fresh from shows around the world and the success of his recent sold-out “Crooning - The Italian Tour”, Mario Biondi will perform a special concert with his long-standing band in the iconic setting of Villa d’Este with pieces from his latest album Crooning Undercover, as well as some of his most popular songs and reworkings from his international repertoire. This unique event will begin with themed appetizers at 19.00, accompanied by the concert and a sociable dinner styled by Group Executive Chef Michele Zambanini in a blend of flavours and colours ranging from traditional Sicilian cooking, where the artist was born, to international influences. The lush Villa d’Este gardens and the hot-blooded notes of soul and jazz are bound to delight guests during this evening of world-class music. The summer line-up at Villa d’Este is set to surpass itself this year with Summer Galas galore at the grand hotel. These must-attend events boast haute cuisine, entertainment, live performances by international artists, themed flower arrangements and spectacular firework displays.

On 4 July, for American Independence Day, Villa d’Este will welcome hotel guests and external clients on a beautiful journey, greeting them with sumptuous appetizers on the Platani Terrace, ensued by a gala dinner by Group Executive Chef Michele Zambanini in front of the impressive Mosaic. Chilean sea bass, Bellini ceviche and spiced cucumbers (the renowned white fish originates from an archipelago near the South Pole) is followed by Alaskan crab tortelli, lemongrass, kale chips and North Carolina scallops and clam chowder, the famous seafood speciality from New England and San Francisco. The dinner comes to a close with a Manjari 68% chocolate mousse, bourbon and apricots. Immersive 1920s, Art Deco and Great Gatsby entertainment will make this exceptional evening even more glamorous, followed by a piano bar on the lakeside terrace.

On 14 July, on the occasion of Bastille Day, guests – French or not – will be wowed by the stylish staging and impressive shows inspired by the timeless elegance of Marie Antoniette, romantic Rococò and the decadent charm of haute couture. Lakeside appetizers will greet guests before indulging in a memorable dinner with a bygone ambience, which features culinary delights such as Cherry and foie gras escalope and chicory, Grilled prawns, vichyssoise and lemon sauce, followed by a French patisserie classic: Wild strawberry macaroon with pink Champagne sorbet.

Lastly, on 15 August, for the Italian midsummer holiday, Ferragosto, the theme will be La Dolce Vita, with unique performances and a setup that embody the ultimate Italian vibe of luxury and relaxation. The appetizer stations on the Platani Terrace will mesmerize guests with ceviche, cheeses, charcuterie and salads before an exclusive gala dinner is served at tables in a striking lakeside location next to the famous floating pool. Parsley, salt cod, lemon and caper risotto; Sole and porcini mushrooms served two ways; Pistachio Swiss roll, apricot cream and almond gelato; and the quintessential gelato cart will make for a memorable occasion.