Portofino
Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian coastline that has the most beautiful harbor. The picturesque view is one of the best. From check-in to departure, every part of my time to Portofino was absolutely perfect. If you know me, you know just how much I love staying at The Belmond, Splendido in Portofino. I highly recommend it. A stay at Splendido is both relaxing and sophisticated. The small amount of rooms makes the hotel feel like your home away from home. With a free shuttle to take you to Bagni Fiore beach, and boat excursions, Splendido has everything you need for the perfect trip.
On the day we checked-in to Splendido, we had dinner at DaVMare. Naturally fish is the star of the show. There are excellent sharing plates that are a great way to try different dishes. The quality food paired with in-season ingredients made this dining experience one to remember.
Ristorante Puny was another top notch restaurant we had the pleasure of trying. Any of the pasta or fish dishes will have your mouth watering. Al fresco dining with a view of the piazza and water was straight out of a dream. Don’t forget to enjoy some gelato before going on your way.
Depending on how long you will be in Portofino, there are a couple other dining experiences you can choose from. Ristorante La Terrazza offers absolutely stunning views of Portofino. Stop for an aperol spritz and picnic in the garden made by Splendido chefs, or enjoy a picnic on the waves, with a basked full of pastries, chef’s delights and a bottle of champagne. Don’t forget to book a sunset cruise or nature walk along the beautiful grounds.
Lake Como
Our next stop was a stay at Villa d’Este which overlooks Lake Como. Lake Como has always been one of my favorite places because it feels magical. Villa d’Este is surrounded by a private 10 hectare park. It feels something like heaven on Earth with balconies overlooking the lake and romantic structures along the property. The Sporting Club is an absolute must visit! From a pool that jets into the marina to tennis courts and a picturesque golf course, there are not shortage of activities for your visit. The food at Villa d’Este is an experience all on its own. Whether enjoying a drink at the Terrace Bar or dining at the d’Este Club, there isn’t a meal we didn’t enjoy.
During our stay, we opted for a boat ride around the lake. Como Classic Boats did not disappoint. A beautiful ride in Vaporina, a wooden boat that can seat up to 12, was the perfect way to spend a day in Lake Como. We were only there for a couple days, but it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the beauty, bask in the magic of the lake, and recharge before our trip to Tuscany.
Tuscany
Tuscany was the last part of our Italian adventure. Naturally we had to stay at Relais Borgo San Pietro which was an absolute fairytale. This resort comes equipped with a holistic spa, cooking school, Michelin restaurant, 300 acre organic farm, vineyard and 13 acre garden. Of course, we had to indulge in every activity this beautiful property had to offer.
Our first stop was Trattoria Sull’Albero, an amazing restaurant located on the property. The restaurant is build around a beautiful oak tree that adds an element of casual elegance. This farm to plate restaurant is only made better by live music and a large wooden bar. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chef twirling handmade pizzas and prepping the freshest ingredients.
I love wine so when I found out about the wine tasting options I knew it was a must. There are a variety of different tastings you can choose from. But, the best is definitely the tasting from the top of San Gimignano tower. The wine is phenomenal and the sweeping views of the landscape add to this one of a kind experience.
My husband and I are big foodies. It’s part of the reason we chose to stay at Relais Borgo San Pietro. Meo Modo is the on-site Michelin Star restaurant. This farm to table restaurant offers a menu that cultivated by what is available on the local farm. With over 1,200 wine labels to offer guests, the food and wine pairings are superb. There is a 7 and 10 course tasting menu to choose from, and I highly recommend opting for the sommelier pairings.
After wine tasting and dining galore, there were a couple more activities we had to take part in. I enjoyed a day at the spa. When I arrived, I was given tea made from fresh ingredients grown in the garden. Whether you enjoy massages, facials, or cosmetic treatments, the spa at Borgo San Pietro offers anything your heart desires. We ended our Italy trip with a day of sailing from Corsia to Sardinia and it was absolutely magical. The only thing that could make this trip better, was ending in one of my favorite cities…Paris!
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