This October, I had the incredible privilege of experiencing a COMO Hotels and Resorts educational, travelling from the bustling cityscape of Singapore to the serene mountains of Italy’s Dolomites and the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France. Privately owned by Christina Ong and her daughter Melissa, COMO Hotels are infused with personal touches and elegant design, each property exuding a unique charm and commitment to wellness and impeccable service.
The first stop on the way to Europe was a night at the year old COMO Metropolitan Singapore, a recent addition to the heart of Orchard Road. The entry through lifts near Cedric Grolet’s popular tea room felt like stepping into a sanctuary amidst the city buzz. Cedric Grolet, a Michelin-starred pastry chef, has redefined dessert with his pastries that look like real fruit. I was delighted to find one of his creations—a beautifully boxed apple dessert—waiting in my fridge.
Breakfast included his famous croissants, the best I’ve ever had, alongside COMO Shambhala’s wellness offerings like avocado and cucumber toast, perfectly balancing indulgence with health.
As you enter the lobby, the first thing you notice is COMO’s signature fragrance which immediately creates a soothing atmosphere. The second is the friendly staff welcoming you. Besides reception is a peaceful contemporary lounge with a floor to ceiling digital screen with ever changing flowers and a robotic barista called Bruno making complimentry coffees. This is a very cool space.
My room was an Emerald Room which was spacious and thoughtfully designed, complete with a kitchenette. COMO Metropolitan also offers suites with full kitchens and extra space, ideal for longer stays. The highlight of the wellness amenities is the COMO Shambhala center on Level 4, which spans an entire floor and includes yoga studios, spa rooms, a comprehensive gym, and complimentary red light therapy.
The Rooftop pool is a spectacular infinity pool, even more wondrous when you are swimming in it and look down through the floor to the road and out through the sides to see the cityscape! We had a lovely glass of bubbles at sunset on the pool deck looking over the city.
Next, we headed to Europe with an overnight flight to Munich, where a COMO transfer whisked us through Austria to Italy’s stunning Alpe di Siusi, a UNESCO-protected plateau in the South Tyrol region, surrounded by the Dolomites. This is a place where German is the primary language, with street signs being in both German and Italian! With the cows and their bells, buildings looking like a film set located in the Swiss Alps and local fare of dumplings offered, it was hard to believe we were in Italy!
COMO Alpina Dolomites perfectly blends contemporary alpine comfort with dramatic mountain views, housed in a main building and a circular chalet with family suites, the Alpina Chalet Bar and Grill and the Ski hire area for hotel guests. The décor is both cozy and sophisticated, with each room offering terraces that frame the breathtaking landscape. I immediately felt relaxed and at home here as it is a casual atmosphere. All staff from the General Manager down are friendly and helpful. Most are born and bred in the region and rightly so very proud of it.
COMO Shambhala at Alpina is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring saunas, steam rooms, and a spacious indoor pool that extends outdoors through a sliding door. Whether it’s summer biking or winter skiing, the activities desk provides guests with complimentary, experienced guides and group excursions.
The food was fantastic and between three restaurants a huge variety of cuisine on offer as well as wines. We had an enjoyable wine tasting session of local wines to the region with their very knowledgeable sommelier. The highlight of our time was getting out onto the paths all over the plateau and valley on the hotel e-bikes and our own two feet. Every turn was a wow view! Deborah, the Sales director for Alpina was our guide on a half day walk to a local hut (Chalet restaurant) for a lovely lunch. The Chalet was humming with locals all out enjoying the stunning scenery and mountain air.
Our journey continued with a four-hour transfer to Tuscany, where we arrived at COMO Castello Del Nero, a 12th-century estate nestled in vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands.
This historic property, located in the charming town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa between Florence and Siena, is a marvel with its terraced gardens, stately rooms, and unique Tuscan charm. I was thrilled to discover a mural in town depicting a Māori woman and soldiers—a tribute to a Māori battalion that liberated Tavarnelle in 1944. Guests at Castello can borrow e-bikes or traditional bicycles to explore the area, which I found an ideal way to see both the estate and the town.
Each room in this historic building has its own distinct character, with details such as large marble baths and beautiful terrace views. My room looked out over the estate, offering a peaceful retreat. A unique feature of Castello is its connection to the surrounding region, including complimentary transfers to Florence and Siena, yoga classes, tennis courts, and a Shambhala wellness center with a thermal pool. Sunday evenings are celebrated with a family-style barbecue and live music, which was a fantastic way to feel connected with both the staff and fellow guests.
One of my most memorable experiences at Castello was truffle hunting. With a seasoned guide and his two dogs, we ventured into the estate’s woodlands in search of prized white and black truffles. Our harvest was incorporated into dinner that evening, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
Our final stop brought us to the beautiful Burgundy wine region in France, at COMO Le Montrachet. Located in the town square and composed of three elegant buildings, this hotel blends the best of French charm with COMO’s signature style.
Like the other COMO hotels, the COMO fragrance and subtle, beautiful, peaceful interior is what greets you the moment you step through the main entrance. It’s a beautiful space that carries on up a few steps into the bar and hotels only restaurant. There is a feature wall at the end of the restaurant made of wicker – it is stunning and set off with 5 huge hanging orbs! Le Montrachet caters to wine enthusiasts, especially those with a taste for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and its interiors feature soft muted tones and exquisite Toile de Jouy fabrics.
My room was beautifully decorated and filled with light, with views that overlooked the quaint town square.
We enjoyed a casual lunch upon arrival before a trip to Beaune (pronounced Bone), where we toured the historic 15th-century Hotel Dieu des Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital with stunning Flemish roof tiles. Our guide, Kim, an American wine exporter, shared fascinating insights into the history and culture of Beaune as we strolled through its charming streets. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant was a gourmet experience, and with each dish, it was clear that the culinary team was aiming for Michelin recognition.
Our final day was spent cycling through the vineyards on e-bikes to nearby Meursault, where we tasted wines in a cellar owned by friends of our guide. It was a perfect way to connect with the region’s wine culture. Later, a wine-tasting tour took us to two different cellars, where I discovered a deeper appreciation for Burgundy’s winemaking traditions.
Ending my educational with two days in Paris gave me time to reflect on the unforgettable experience with COMO Hotels. Each property uniquely embodied the elegance and comfort COMO is known for, offering wellness, culture, and culinary excellence at every turn. This journey was incredible, and I look forward to sharing these extraordinary destinations with our clients.
