Utell Hotels & Resorts has added another prestigious five-star European destination to its growing international portfolio of more than  9,000 hotels in 146 countries. The historic five-star CastaDiva Resort on Italy’s Lake Como brings the world’s largest and most experienced representation service’s Italian presence to nearly 200.
 
Nestled on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como, where George Clooney also resides in his famed Villa Oleandra, The CastaDiva Resort features nine villas on a beautifully landscaped 26,000 square-meters. CastaDiva, which is the only five-star property in Lake Como open year-round, is surrounded by a botanic park, with picturesque villas connected through walkways adorned with gardens and waterfalls. The entire resort is situated around the Villa Roccabruna, a historic villa erected in the late 18th century offering period salons, a 1,300 square-meter spa, ten suites, and access to the Resort’s marina and floating pool directly on Lake Como. A truly unique destination, the CastaDiva Resort is an enviable addition to Utell, according to Avelina Iglesias, vice president of sales and account management in EMEA for Utell Hotels & Resorts.
 
“Set against the same backdrop as some of the last decade’s most alluring films, including ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Ocean’s Twelve,’ Lake Como is a sought after destination around the world to a variety of travelers,” Iglesias said. “The CastaDiva Resort captures the appeal of both the area’s natural beauty and the consummate luxury hotel experience. It is a fantastic addition to the Utell portfolio for leisure and business travelers seeking sophisticated Italian accommodations.”
 
 As a Utell member, the CastaDiva Resort will be able to reap the rewards of Utell’s extensive and proven business-generating relationships with the majority of the world’s travel agencies, as well as preferred agreements with major TMCs (travel management companies), online distributors, corporations and consortia groups. The CastaDiva Resort will also gain access to a complete range of powerful competitive intelligence tools, award-winning Web services, market-leading reservations and booking technology services, all powered by Pegasus Solutions and provided to Utell members.
 
“We’ve thought through every detail in introducing the CastaDiva Resort as an international destination,” said Giancarlo Porcu, general manager of the CastaDiva Resort. “For this reason, we’ve selected the industry’s best, Utell, to represent our property to the travel agent, corporate and online booking community, whether they’re booking travel for individuals, groups or events.”