Little Gem No. 109 | Secret Little Personal Hotel

Maso Zambo – A Secret Little Personal Hotel near Lake Como

This is not a hotel in the traditional sense. It is the contemporary evolution of a South Tyrolean Maso — a historic rural structure made up of a house, land and agricultural life — reimagined as a deeply personal place to stay. Set in the mountains above Lake Como, it combines the quiet rhythm of nature with an intimate, tailor-made hospitality philosophy.

Under the care of Stefano and Lucia, Maso Zambo has become what they call a Personal Hotel: a place designed for very few guests, where every detail is intentional and every experience personal. With just two rooms, a private spa and a fine dining restaurant reserved exclusively for guests, Maso Zambo offers something rare — absolute privacy without isolation, luxury without excess.

The Space

The property sits on 2.5 hectares of land, partly woodland and partly pasture, and remains an active farm. Nature is not a backdrop here; it is part of daily life. Vegetable gardens, fruit trees, beehives and animals shape the rhythm of the Maso and directly influence what guests eat, experience and take home.

Indoors, the atmosphere is warm, essential and calm. Furnishings are pared back, materials are natural, and the spaces are designed to slow you down. Nothing is superfluous; everything invites you to stay present.

The Rooms

Maso Zambo has only two rooms, identified simply as M and Z. This deliberate choice guarantees intimacy and discretion. The rooms are designed primarily for couples seeking privacy, though the Maso can also be booked exclusively by four friends who wish to enjoy the entire property as their own private retreat.

Beds face north, allowing natural light to filter gently into the rooms. En-suite bathrooms feature refined design and thoughtful details. The mood is sensual but understated — a space that encourages rest, connection and quiet moments together.

The Maso is adults-only and pets are not allowed, preserving the peaceful, intimate atmosphere.

Outdoor Areas

Every part of Maso Zambo maintains a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. Guests move seamlessly between indoor comfort and outdoor nature — gardens, terraces and woodland paths all invite slow exploration.

Breakfast is a daily ritual: sweet and savoury dishes, fresh juices, honey, homemade jams and seasonal produce from the Maso itself. Many of these products — wildflower honey, eggs from Leghorn hens, preserves and juices — are also available to purchase and take home.

Wellness — Private, Quiet, Essential

The Maso Spa is entirely private and included in the stay. Guests step away from crowded wellness spaces and into a warm, intimate environment scented with Swiss pine. The spa includes:

A true Finnish sauna (85–95°C, low humidity)

A bio-sauna (50–60°C, higher humidity)

Ice for thermal rituals inspired by Nordic traditions

Relaxation loungers for quiet recovery

Guests enter the spa completely privately, with a philosophy rooted in authenticity and natural wellbeing. A range of treatments can be booked, including massages, mud wraps and wellness programs aimed at detoxification, muscle relaxation, lymphatic stimulation and skin nourishment.

Gastronomy — A Personal Chef Experience

Stefano, also known as “Zambo,” is the personal chef of Maso Zambo’s guests. He cooks exclusively for those staying at the Maso, creating a constantly evolving menu based on what the garden, land and local producers offer that day.

Meals are refined yet natural, served in an intimate setting with carefully selected wines. Guests are invited to let go of choosing and simply trust Stefano and Lucia to guide the experience. Dining must be booked in advance, ensuring the calm, unhurried rhythm of the Maso is preserved.

This is not a restaurant visit — it is a private gastronomic journey, shared by very few.

Location & Surroundings

Maso Zambo is ideally located for exploring both Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The lake can be reached easily for a day of art, architecture and waterside villages, while the nearby Grigne mountains offer hiking, cycling and panoramic trails.

In winter, the area is well suited to skiing, cross-country skiing and snow-based activities. Scenic Route 65 offers one of the most panoramic drives around Lake Como, while trails lead to the Artavaggio and Bobbio plateaus, Mount Grigna and Grignetta.

Cultural excursions include Varenna, Bellano (home to the Giancarlo Vitali Museum), Villa Monastero, Premana and Val Taleggio. Day trips to Milan, Bergamo, Como and San Pellegrino are also easily possible.

Outdoor activities in the area include trekking, cycling, climbing, horseback riding, paragliding and sailing — followed, inevitably, by a sauna back at the Maso.

Nearest Airport & Train Station

Milan Malpensa Airport – approx. 1.5 hours by car

Milan Linate Airport – approx. 1.5 hours by car

Como San Giovanni train station – approx. 30 minutes by car

Price Indication

Prices start from € .. (depending on season)