Lake Maggiore :

Aaaah....the Italian lakes. Visions of villas and flowering elaborate gardens come to mind. Lake Garda, the largest and most Easterly is like a cross between the French Riviera and Southern Italy with lemon groves and olive trees, central Lake Como well known for its charming lakeside towns as Bellagio and its wild mountains and forests....and the western lakes of Lugano and Maggiore which are less written about and traveled by most Americans looking for sightings of George Cluney having espresso at his favorite cafe'. Any one of these magnificent destinations are surely guaranteed to satisfy any romantic looking for paradise in sophisticated luxury.

Lake Hopping Extravaganza
Having traveled throughout Italy since our engagement in the Cinque Terra 14 years ago, my husband (who's Italian) vowed we would save the Italian lakes for a special b-day trip when I hit the big 5-0....to take my mind off the doom I was feeling! Hence we planned a 10 day lake hopping extravaganza...with our 10 year daughter Sofia in tow. A family vacation in romantic Italy...hmmm. What most would question as the best destination for a family excursion turned out to be one of our most enjoyable, and memorable trips in Europe together.

Our Favorite Lake In Italy Was Maggior
Of the three lakes we visited...Maggiore, Lugano and Como, the one that impressed us the most was beautiful Lake Maggiore. Key points in this area can be covered in a few days, and more than it's sibling lakes to the east... this lake retains its amazing Belle Epoque air that mesmerizes foreign visitors to a time long ago. Locarno is scene to one of Europe's top film festivals, and  Ascona at the northern Swiss end has been beloved by northern europeans seeking the soothing waters and climate in which glorious gardens thrive. We chose the town of Stresa to station ourselves from. Perhaps one of the most charming and elegant towns, along with a location that sits waterfront over the lake, it's also one of the easiest to access from Milan making it a favorite amongst artists and writers since the 19^th century....Hemingway being one of many who came and drew inspiration for their works. People still stream into Stresa to meander along its promenade and explore the cobbled streets in the old center. It even boasts a little pebble beach for sunbathing.

The Hotel La Palma
We chose the elegant Hotel La Palma on the Corso Umberto along the lake's shore overlooking the picturesque  Borromeo islands as our hotel and couldn't been happier. In a perfect location with just a short walk to the old historic center of town, it is also within walking distance to the ferries that go to the islands for villa hopping as well as many restaurants and shops. This hotel, while refined...was not “over the top” in it's décor as many of the grand dames in this neighborhood can be. Elegant but not stuffy, it's prized attribute is it's Sky Bar and Sky Pool roof top terrace. A newer addition to the original hotel...this hip, sleek and sexy space draws both locals and sophisticated European travelers seeking a open air outdoor bar with an incredible panoramic view to drink a well made cocktail or glass of prosecco.  Music in the evenings adds even more ambiance to the perfect setting. The Sky Pool is a large Jacuzzi pool on the same terrace on one side of the roof top. Comfy lounge beds in cabanas add the utmost in pampering and relaxation as one soaks in sunsets over the lake. Drinks and snacks are available with efficient and prompt service. Our daughter's favorite place to be was in the jacuzzi after a long day sightseeing...emerging refreshed and energized for a stroll before dinner to the center of town. During the day, the hotel also boasts a lakeside pool that one can enjoy for a swim and a lounge chair nap before doing the sights again.

Northern Piedmontese Cuisine
The Hotel La Palma's restaurant which specializes in Northern Piedmontese cuisine was lovely and somewhat formal in décor, yet welcomed families with children. The glass doors opened out to a lovely front garden and lawn where one could dine al fresco. The chef prepares a beautiful buffet breakfast with American favorites such as eggs and bacon, as well as European classics including cold meats, cheeses, assorted breakfast breads and pastries, yogurts with toppings and a large array of fresh fruit. For dinner, classic continental and Italian dishes are perfectly prepared. Fresh pastas are creative and abundant. We shared 3 different pastas as a first course which disappeared in minutes! Entrees were rich in flavor and ample in size, perfectly satisfying 3 hungry travelers after a long day of excursions! The wines are top ....