Lake Como is a beautiful place loved by both royalty and Hollywood stars, charming everyone who visits. The lake has seen its share of romance and intrigue, from the love story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson to the charm that caught the eye of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis, as well as Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Monica Bellucci. In this lovely setting, we had the pleasure of talking with Michele Gandola, a proud native of Bellagio and a champion who has won both European and national rowing titles. He has devoted his life to sharing the beauty of this region through his businesses, Bellagio Water Sports and Bellagio Guest House.
HelloMonaco: Can you tell us a little about your long career in rowing on Lake Como and throughout Europe, and how that led you to start Bellagio Water Sports and Bellagio Guest House?
Michele Gandola: I originally started rowing as a therapy for some respiratory problems. Shortly after, I found joy in it and decided to pursue it as a proper sport. I had two main coaches (old school coaches) who put me on the water just two years after I started rowing. Chasing the perfect technique was my main goal back then, and that’s why two years was a kind of “standard time” before getting out on the lake. Long story short, I deeply thank my coaches and all my rowing partners who shared this adventure with me. As a result, I was honoured to be 1st at the European Championship in 4X (1993), 1st at the Italian Championship in 4X (1995), 3rd at the Italian Championship in 8+ (2005), and 2nd at the Italian Championship in 8+ (2006), along with other National and International Regattas including the Challenge Prince Albert. The idea for Bellagio Water Sports came at the end of my rowing career. Lake Como is an “absolute diamond” not to be missed, but the key to discovering the hidden corners of the lake is taking a slow-paced activity to get closer to the shore and have the perfect perspective. A few years after I started Bellagio Water Sports, I was able to organize and renovate my family estate to offer premium accommodation as a short rental option in the beautiful Pescallo Bay.
HM: Michele, as a proud native of Bellagio, what do you love most about this beautiful place, and how does that passion influence your work at Bellagio Water Sports and Bellagio Guest House?
Michele: Being born in Bellagio, I have a deep love for my hometown. Its breathtaking views and the warmth of the community inspire everything I do. I want to share this passion and beauty with our guests, making sure they feel the same magic I experienced growing up here.
HM: What unique experiences do you offer at Bellagio Water Sports that guests might not find anywhere else?
Michele: Bellagio Water Sports offers a selection of bespoke activities that are hard to find on Lake Como. We provide private kayak tours, private SUP board classes, and a unique private rowing experience on a vintage rowing boat, complete with an “on-board aperitif.” The rowing boat, named “La Bellagina,” is designed and crafted in Bellagio. All experiences are tailor-made according to our guests’ requests and are fully supervised by me.
HM: How do you create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Bellagio Guest House to make guests feel right at home?
Michele: At Bellagio Guest House, I believe that personal touches and genuine hospitality are key. I make it a priority to create a cozy environment where guests feel like they are part of the family. From the moment they arrive, I want them to feel at home and connected to the local culture.
HM: Michele, as you look to the future, what are your hopes for Bellagio Water Sports and Bellagio Guest House? How do you envision sharing the magic of Lake Como with more visitors?
Michele: As I always say, I try to “play the infinite game” to grow in quality services and product offerings. As a small entrepreneur, I don’t think about anything super big. I focus on maintaining high-quality standards and hope to expand with another Water Sports location in the hamlet of Loppia and another little guesthouse in the near future.
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Michele truly reflects the spirit of Bellagio, where the magic of Lake Como can be felt in every corner. With his love for rowing and hospitality, he shares the beauty and warmth of this special place with visitors from all over the world. Whether it’s through a private rowing experience or a cozy stay at his guesthouse, Michele invites everyone to experience the charm of Lake Como—something that goes beyond what you might expect.
Bellagio Water Sports / Bellagio Pescallo Guest House
Mobile: +39 340 394 9375
(iMessage – WhatsApp)
Email: info@bellagiowatersports.com
Websites: www.bellagiowatersports.com
www.bellagioguesthouse.com
