You don’t have to travel to the most exclusive beach resorts—where the sea meets luxury and high society, as on the Costa Smeralda or the French Riviera—to be captivated by extraordinary views, vibrant colors, and crystal-clear waters. In Lombardy, just a few kilometers from Milan, the Lake Como offers a unique setting: a vast natural amphitheater where the water’s surface reflects historic residences, hidden gardens, private docks, and tales spanning the centuries, beginning with the famous “branch of Lake Como” described by Alessandro Manzoni.
Today, Lake Como is much more than just a tourist destination: it has become a symbol of international prestige, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, aristocratic families, celebrities from the entertainment world, and leading figures in fashion and music.
Among its most famous admirers are George Clooney, Robert Pattinson, Richard Branson, and Matthew Bellamy, frontman of Muse, who lived in Moltrasio and worked there on the creation of “The Resistance,” considered one of his most iconic albums. It is therefore no surprise that the area has been chosen as the backdrop for numerous film productions, from “Casino Royale” to the recent “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
The marina by Nausika Group
In this setting where nature and lifestyle come together, the Upper Lake region is home to a destination where boating plays a central role. In Colico, nestled between the deep blue of the lake and the still-snow-capped peaks of the Prealps, stands a facility that has made boating and hospitality its hallmark, becoming a model of excellence for the entire region.
The property belongs to the Nausika Group, a company founded by the Giardelli family in the early 1990s. Today, its evolution is shaped by the contribution of the new generation: Giada Giardelli, in her early thirties, who grew up on the shores of the lake and is deeply connected to this area, has taken up the mantle of a project born from the transformation of the historic Centro Nautico Alto Lario in the 1970s.
The family’s goal is ambitious: to revitalize a traditionally industrial area, far from the most exclusive tourist routes, transforming it into a hub dedicated to high-end hospitality and marine services. A project that combines experience, tradition, and expertise to create a comprehensive ecosystem of premium services, marina management and storage, boat charters, boat sales, and top-tier hospitality.
In 2025, the marina underwent a complete renovation. The two docks now offer approximately 200 berths for vessels up to 18 meters in length, a capacity that is already struggling to meet growing demand. Services include mooring, storage, routine and major maintenance, technical management, personalized assistance, boat rentals, lake excursions, and the sale of new and used boats.
Just a short distance from the marina is the Colico Work Center, the group’s operational hub on Lake Como. Spanning an area of 29,000 square meters, it houses mechanical workshops, painting departments, storage areas, and showrooms.
Among the Giardelli family’s ventures is Lario Motorsport, the leading indoor and outdoor karting track in Northern Italy. A facility born out of a passion for motorsports and speed, it has over the years welcomed Formula 1 drivers such as Gabriel Bortoleto and Charles Leclerc, the latter of whom is often seen on the lake since the launch of his 30-meter Riva Corsaro.
From the boating industry to the hospitality sector: the new challenge
In addition to the world of boating and nautical services, the Giardelli family has decided to invest in another strategic sector: high-end tourism. This vision gave rise to Lago Dorado, the Nausika Group brand dedicated to hospitality.
The property offers three accommodation options: Marina Lodge, Apartments, and Villas, designed for both Italian and international guests, with a particularly large number of guests from Poland.
The Marina Lodge features ten exclusive rooms located within the marina. It is a property that blends nautical style, nature, and contemporary comfort. The rooms, furnished with modern taste and equipped with all amenities, stand out for their bright spaces, relaxing atmospheres, and large windows that allow guests to experience the lake as an integral part of their stay. The panoramic terraces also offer spectacular views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
Apartments and villas offering comfort and privacy
Just a short distance from the marina are the apartments, designed to ensure peace and quiet as well as practicality. Available both on the ground floor with a private garden and on the upper floors with panoramic views, they feature interiors with meticulous attention to detail and, in some cases, a private garage.
Two standalone villas have been built at either end of the complex. Villa Sabrina stands out for the attention paid to its spaces, materials, and finishes, which embody a concept of contemporary elegance. Guests can personalize their stay even before arrival by requesting bespoke services such as wine selections, the organization of private events, or a dedicated chef right in the villa, thanks to an efficient concierge service.
Among all the properties, Villa Meraviglia stands out—a historic 1950s residence located in Olgiasca and built by publisher Livio Garzanti. Surrounded by a 35,000-square-meter park, the villa offers direct access to the lake, extraordinary views, and complete privacy.
Lake Experiences: The Added Value of Nausika Lake Como
One of the hallmarks of Nausika’s offerings is its nautical experiences. In addition to boat rentals, the group has developed a range of options designed for those who wish to explore Lake Como from a unique vantage point.
The fleet includes elegant, custom-built Venetian-style taxi boats, as well as the Eden 26 and the Colombo 29, a refined, fully restored racer.
With the “Private” option, guests can choose tours ranging from one to eight hours, following itineraries designed to showcase the region’s landscapes, culture, and traditions. From the most picturesque spots in the Upper Lario area to the historic villages and most iconic villas on the lake, each itinerary is tailored to the customer’s preferences.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, exclusive tours are available that combine boat trips with onshore activities. Food and wine tastings, winery tours, family-friendly tours, and nature walks offer an authentic way to explore the region.
Among the most popular stops are the Florence in Bellagio, a historic lakeside venue; the spectacular gorges of the Orrido di Bellano; and local wineries such as Del Risti and Sorsasso. For those seeking the ultimate in wellness, the experience can culminate at the Florida, where spa treatments, Michelin-starred cuisine, and even a panoramic aperitif by helicopter come together in an exclusive experience.
Itaka, the bistro for every palate
Located within the yacht club is Itaka Lakeside, a lounge bar and bistro designed as a gathering place for guests of the marina and the Lodge, as well as outside visitors.
The dining area, featuring large windows overlooking the lake, offers spectacular views in every season. The menu takes guests from breakfast through dinner, alternating between simple dishes and more elaborate creations.
Specialties include warm octopus salad with chickpea hummus and citrus crumble, charcuterie platters, chickpea meatballs, Valtellina-style sciatt, venison or salmon tartare, burrata ravioli, and egg tagliatelle. There are also more casual options like chicken bites and french fries.
The wine list is also carefully curated, featuring local, national, and international labels. Among these, several wines from the Mamete Prevostini winery stand out, along with Amarone, Champagne, Ferrari Perlé Nero, Riserva Lunelli, and Dom Pérignon. Among the most popular wines is Opera, a white from the same Valtellina winery, characterized by aromas of apricot and apple and a pleasant, refreshing finish.
Nausika Costa Smeralda: The Outpost in Sardinia
The group’s operations are not limited to Lake Como. In Olbia, Sardinia, Nausika Costa Smeralda is a highly specialized center dedicated to boat maintenance and management.
The facility features modern facilities for indoor storage and technical support for vessels up to 30 meters in length and 110 tons in displacement. The service covers every stage of management: from picking up the vessel at its port of mooring to transferring it to storage, from routine and major maintenance to returning it to the water.
The word from Giada Giardelli, driving force behind the Nausika Group
Lake Como is undergoing a profound transformation. How has the positioning of your marina changed in recent years?
“In the past, the focus in Colico was mainly related to mooring and basic marina services. In recent years we wanted to raise the bar by shifting the focus from industry to tourism. Our marina, established in the 1970s and acquired by my family in 1997, has grown over time with a second dock and a 20-ton crane for boat handling. In 2025 we completed a major renovation that redefined the complex: we renovated the office building, created dedicated services for boat owners such as relaxation and refreshment areas, and completely redesigned the pool area, solarium and gardens. The goal is to transform the nautical center: no longer just a storage or maintenance place, but a place of excellence to be experienced.”
This metamorphosis has also intercepted a new target clientele. Who chooses Nausika Lake Como today?
“The level and type of boats we deal with is growing enormously, and with it the origin of clients. If before the main basin was Milan, Brianza, Switzerland and Germany, today the clientele is totally international, with a strong presence of European, American and non-European boat owners. We are talking about a high-level tourism that we were previously unable to attract to the Upper Lario because we lacked adequate accommodation facilities, unlike in other parts of the lake.”
In this regard, you have made a bold choice: to combine boating and luxury hospitality with the format of “Marina Lodges.” How do these two souls coexist?
“The coexistence is working perfectly. The customer who chooses the Lodge immediately breathes the authentic atmosphere of boating. To enhance this combination, starting this year we have enhanced the boat tour service with our fleet, pushing guests to discover the beauty of the lake. In addition, the lodges have become an extraordinary plus for our own boat owners: they use them both as a comfortable foothold in the off-season if they have boats that are not too big, and as exclusive guesthouses to accommodate their guests.”
An investment in the territory that does not stop here. Are there any new real estate projects on the horizon?
“Yes, we strongly believe in this area and want the country to grow in tandem with our business. We recently started the construction of the Lago Dorato hotel, a facility that will have between 45 and 50 rooms positioned also in this area. It is a major investment that gives a new direction to an area historically more associated with sports recreation such as surfing or kiting.”
Looking instead at the future of boating in Colico, what are the next steps?
“In January we signed important partnerships becoming official dealers of prestigious brands such as Invictus, Capoforte and Comitti Yacht. To give continuity to this project, this fall we will kick off the construction of a new warehouse in the industrial area of Colico, which will be entirely dedicated to a showroom for new boats. This new showcase will be strategic in refocusing our attention on boat sales, thus meeting the demands of our clientele-both for the sea and lake markets-and intercepting new ones, in line with the high level of services we offer.”
For more information: www.nausika.it
