A Weekend Wellness Retreat at Collina Luxury Relais

Lombardy is endlessly generous when it comes to short escapes. From Lake Como, some of northern Italy’s most rewarding destinations lie surprisingly close, making them ideal either as additions to a longer itinerary or as restorative getaways in their own right. Within just a couple of hours, the scenery begins to shift: lakes give way to valleys, the pace slows, and the air feels noticeably clearer, inviting you to pause and breathe more deeply.

Among these easy-to-reach destinations, one combination stood out: the ancient borgo of Clusone and a stay designed entirely around wellbeing. Reaching Clusone from Lake Como takes around an hour and a half, and the journey is very much part of the experience. You can drive straight through the valleys, or take the longer, scenic route via Lake Iseo, adding another jewel of the Lombard lake district to your trip. Along the way, vineyards, quiet villages and mountain profiles unfold gradually, easing you into the slower rhythm that defines this part of the region.

Just outside Clusone, set quietly on a hillside overlooking the surrounding landscape, is Collina Luxury Relais. This refined retreat brings together contemporary design, advanced technology and a deep commitment to sustainability, creating a place that feels purpose-built for rest and renewal. Included in the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, Collina Luxury Relais is recognised for its distinctive character, thoughtful design and the quality of experience it offers—making it a natural choice for anyone seeking not just a destination, but a place to truly slow down.

Why Collina Luxury Relais

Newly built yet deeply connected to its surroundings, Collina Luxury Relais is contemporary, technological and impressively sustainable. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, encouraging guests to disconnect from daily pressures and rediscover a slower, more mindful rhythm.

Set on a hilltop, the position is extraordinary. Wherever you look, the views command attention: snow-capped peaks, wide green meadows, scattered churches and traditional alpine houses. And at sunset, when the light softens over the mountains, the silence feels almost ceremonial. It is a true retreat, in the purest sense of the word.

Rooms: a private alpine nest

The rooms are generous and cocooning, with a refined chalet style and panoramic glass walls that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. My room felt like a private nest: warm textiles, natural tones and, outside, a hot jacuzzi overlooking the landscape – the perfect place to slow down completely.

Sustainability runs through every detail, from refillable amenities to thoughtfully selected materials. What impressed me most was the level of care: from hair straighteners to swimwear and pool towels, everything you might need has already been considered. Service here is anticipatory and intuitive – nothing is left to chance.

Pool & Purity Spa: winter steam, total calm

The swimming pool, with its softened lines, whirlpools and hydromassage beds, is designed for pure relaxation. In winter, soaking in warm water while steam rises into crisp mountain air is quietly unforgettable. From the pool, the landscape continues to unfold without interruption. As steam rises from the water, your gaze drifts across the hills until it settles on the Chiesa di Sant’Apollinare, perched above Crosio della Valle. Seen from here, the church feels almost otherworldly – like a forgotten chapel from a wizarding tale, suspended between mist and sky, quietly watching over the valley as if guarding an old, benevolent secret.

External guests can also access the pool for a day spa experience, making it ideal even for a one-day escape from Lake Como, paired with lunch.

The Purity Spa is an intimate sanctuary. Warm fabrics, candlelight, gentle music and skilled therapists create an atmosphere where time seems to pause. Treatments are personalised, and every sensory detail – from décor to scent – feels intentional. For me, it was nothing short of bliss.

Beides Restaurant: a true culinary journey

Dinner at Beides Restaurant was one of the highlights of my stay. Rooted in a kilometre-zero philosophy, the cuisine celebrates Lombardy’s produce with creativity and respect.

Each course felt expressive and balanced, from refined starters to elegant interpretations of Italian classics. The service was impeccable, attentive without ever being intrusive, and the wine selection – including small local cantine – added depth and discovery. It wasn’t simply dinner; it was a carefully curated journey through the territory.

What to see around Clusone

The Fanzago Planetary Clock

One absolute must-see in Clusone is the Fanzago Planetary Clock, located on the façade of Palazzo Comunale. Built in 1583 by Pietro Fanzago, it is considered one of the oldest functioning planetary clocks in the world.

Unlike a standard clock, it doesn’t just tell the time. It displays the movements of the sun and moon, the phases of the moon, zodiac signs and even eclipses – all according to the Ptolemaic system, with Earth at the centre of the universe. A fun fact: the clock has been working continuously for over four centuries, with only minimal interruptions for maintenance. It’s a remarkable blend of science, art and Renaissance ingenuity.

Clusone’s historic centre

Wander through Clusone’s medieval streets, admire frescoed façades and pause in quiet squares where local life still sets the rhythm. It’s a town best explored slowly, with time for coffee stops and unplanned detours.

Lake Iseo and the Presolana

Nearby Presolana offers hiking, panoramic viewpoints and a dramatic alpine backdrop, while Lake Iseo provides a softer contrast with lakeside villages, boat trips and excellent food.

Riva boat factory & Bellini Nautica Museum

Just a short drive away, you’ll find two icons of Italian nautical excellence. The historic Riva boat factory is located nearby and can be visited by appointment. Founded in 1842, Riva is world-famous for its handcrafted wooden motorboats – symbols of la dolce vita that have hosted everyone from royalty to film stars.

Close by is the Bellini Nautica Museum, dedicated to the legacy of the Bellini family, pioneers of Italian boatbuilding. The museum offers insight into design, innovation and craftsmanship, making it a fascinating stop even for those who are not seasoned sailing enthusiasts. Together, these visits reveal a lesser-known but deeply rooted side of Lombardy’s industrial and design heritage.

For anyone looking to step beyond Lake Como and discover a quieter, more contemplative side of Lombardy, Clusone and Collina Luxury Relais make for a weekend escape that feels both enriching and deeply restorative.

Collina Luxury Relais

Via Collina Verde, 2, 24023 Clusone BG
Tel. +39 0346 39511
https://www.collinarelais.com/en

Photos courtesy of Collina Luxury Relais, Bellini nautica, Elena Markova.

Elena Markova | Editor-in-chief

Related articles:

A Weekend Escape at Villa La Madonna in Piedmont

Lake Como to St. Moritz: How to Travel Best

Discover Bergamo and Lake Como: A Perfect Day Trip

Exploring Italian Lakes Beyond Como: Maggiore, Garda, Iseo

Seven Interesting and Quirky Facts About Lake Como