Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney and his stunning wife Amal are donning their hosting hats. The reason? The most famous residents of Lake Como have invited select guests to a lavish fundraiser on the celebrated Lombard shore this summer. For the sake of philanthropy and some unmatched picturesque Italian fun, patrons will be charged $160,000 for a five‑day event. Proceeds will be for the Clooney Foundation for Justice, an organization they co‑founded in late 2016 to “advocate for justice in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities around the world.”
Clooney’s love affair with Lake Como began in the early 2000s, when a visit left him “fascinated” by its beauty and serenity. In 2002, he acquired the 18th‑century Villa Oleandra in Laglio for $10 million, where he spends a minimum of four months annually. Sixteen invited guests will stay at Villa Passalacqua, a historic five‑star lakeside retreat where Vincenzo Bellini once composed operas and Winston Churchill lodged during WWII, and where even Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez succumbed to its timeless charm.
Now, sixteen generous guests will take part in this exclusive experience from August 7 to 10, immersing themselves in a curated program that blends charity, culture, and tourism. Their stay will be at the historic Villa Passalacqua, which opened in June 2022 and offers 24 exquisitely appointed suites priced between $3,500 and $5,000 per night. The property features a pool framed by climbing roses, private beach access, a thermal spa, and bespoke tasting menus crafted by acclaimed chef Viviana Varese. The Clooneys themselves are expected to join the gathering on site.
The event, organized by Satopia Group, will include a lakeside garden party hosted by George and Amal, private access to historic villas and cultural landmarks, scenic boat journeys on the lake, and “an enchanting evening at Teatro Sociale di Como.” Undoubtedly, the weekend’s pinnacle will be a visit to the fiercely guarded home of the Clooneys, Villa Oleandra, whose doors ordinarily remain closed. According to Berliner Morgenpost, to share an evening with the 64‑year‑old actor and his stunning 47‑year‑old activist wife, guests must observe their privacy rule and surrender their phones upon arrival.
As Amal told Glamour, “Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly difficult…I now use a phone basket to collect everyone’s devices.” Gathered in one of the planet’s most stunning locales for a charity led by one of the globe’s most glamorous duos, attendees will abstain from social media, photos, and Wi‑Fi, ensuring their attention stays firmly on the Clooney Foundation for Justice and its push beyond the $1 million fundraising goal.
