Travel Tuesday: The stunning beauty of Lake Como

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, Lake Como is legendary for its beauty. Crystal blue waters are surrounded by majestic mountains with scenic villas tucked into the lush landscape. No wonder George Clooney has a house here. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y with the exquisite village of Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como” in the center. Shawn Boyer, Anatomie’s creative director, fell in love with the idyllic Italian getaway when he first visited with wife and Anatomie CEO Kate and daughter Charlee in 2014. “I love that it’s remote and yet still close to Milan and FoxTown, Switzerland for shopping day trips,” says Shawn, who shares his must-sees and must-packs:

Best time to visit: “We like the off-season, so June when it’s not so crowded.”

Must-pack items: “I pack light because I love to shop while I’m there. Make sure you have European power adapters; the Italian plugs have three prongs. The area is very hilly, so you need dressy sneakers with rubber soles for comfort.”

Carry-on or check-in luggage: “I could do the trip with a carry-on, but with a two-year-old baby girl, that’s impossible. Plus, you need space for your purchases!”

Anatomie pieces to pack: “Kate Pant, Buda Mesh Top and Delaney Vest. They are comfortable, high-performance pieces for exploring the area, but chic enough for all the boutiques and restaurants.”

Can’t-miss attractions: “Shop the little Italian stores in Bellagio. There’s a leather belt shop where you can get three belts of amazing quality for under 100 euros. Hike up the mountain to the San Martino church above Griante, Lake Como and have a gourmet picnic lunch while enjoying a spectacular view.”

Where to eat: “Have dinner at La Locanda on the private island of Comacina in Lake Como. There is a small third-generation Italian bakery in Bellagio where we go every morning for fresh pastries and a cappuccino. We also love Ristorante Du Lac in Bellagio for seafood and pasta.”

Favorite Lake Como memory: “We stayed in a villa that is managed by IC Bellagio [an Anatomie travel partner which provides luxurious Italian experiences for travelers]. We had a private wine cellar, a pool and a chef, all in a very cozy area overlooking the lake. It’s a life experience we’ll never forget.”