You’re going to have to forgive me.
I’m posting a little out of sequence! I still have more Venetian adventures to share with you, so much of Verona to tell you about, but I couldn’t resist putting a little Lake Garda inspo up first.
So many of you emailed to say you’d be heading to Lake Garda for the holiday weekend, so I had to jump in with this post before you jet off.
Even if you’re not hopping over to Italia, I think you’re still going to love this one.
Grab a cuppa, pull up a chair and dive in!
We stayed at Villa Feltrinelli on the shores of the lake.
I’ll take you on a tour of the place next week, but I think we can agree that as far as views for your brew go, things really don’t get much better.
Even if you do have to share you biscuits with the locals…
We roamed the grounds as the early morning mists rolled back, revealing the deep blue of the lake beneath.
Dressed in simple cotton dresses, for ultimate comfort throughout our Italian adventure.
(wear with or without top underneath depending on the situ!)
Chloe bag // Soft leather sandals
Daisy ring // Essence charm bracelet
You’re never truly ‘off duty’ as a Pandora ambassador, and you know I do love to layer the pieces together.
There’s so much beauty in wearing pieces that exude the finest qualities in women, which is what this “Essence” collection is all about.
Loyalty and Creativity are my favorites, particularly the intricate little gold creativity charm in fact.
They really are quite charming!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Having had our fill of breakfast and tea, it was time to set off on our adventure across the lake.
We hopped aboard the most beautiful of Rivas and slipped away, heading for the horizon.
There’s something quite surreal about racing along in the sunshine, lapping up the rays and seeing snow still on the mountaintops around the lake.
Decidedly windswept, we slowed as we approached Punta San Vigilio.
Not an island but a little point sticking out into the lake, that feels so secluded it may as well be.
We crept into the tiny harbor, filled with water as clear as glass and teaming with glistening little fish.
We hopped ashore and made a beeline for our lunch spot.
We took a table in the courtyard, nestled between the restaurant and a little stone chapel.
The gentle waves lapped against the wall below us, birds sang in the tree above, all coming together with the magnificent sound of a cork being pulled and wine tumbling into glasses.
The most enchanting and extraordinary of lunch spots.
My fresh, garlicky, spicy, lobster pasta went down an absolute treat in the afternoon sun.
Though we all experienced slight food envy over Thomas’ cloud-like gnocchi in pesto.
^ No shame. There’s only one way to eat spaghetti in a white dress!
After lunch (and one more bottle of the good stuff) we strolled the rest of Mermaid’s Bay.
Ambling through rows of Cyprus trees and catching our breath against cool, stone walls.
Julia’s dress (sold out – similar by same designer)
We raced through the cobbled streets and caught each other from falling more than a few times!
All the way back to the boat, and our rather gorgeous Italian captain.
This time heading to a real island.
Home to the Borghese Cavazza family, they open up to the public between April and October.
Countess Alberta Cavazza met us at the dock and kindly showed us around her magnificent home.
With an infectious enthusiasm she showed us through the gardens and spoke of the turbulent history of the place.
Her mother is English and has transformed part of the garden into a traditional English garden, complete with manicured lawns, tumbling roses and a green house.
Inhabited since before Roman times, the island has had many keepers.
Many have called it home and claimed it for themselves, but the Cavazza family seem to be utterly devoted to restoring the buildings and maintaining the gardens.
It really is a truly unique place.
A fragrant maze of tropical, English and Italian plants, creeping their way across the island.
Just the place for a couple of bumble bees to explore.
We buried our heads in rose bushes, breathing in their intoxicating perfume.
Racing off and calling the other one over to see something new and share in the excitement.
We even stumbled upon the prettiest of bluebell woods, hidden away behind the house.
We gave our heartfelt thanks to the Countess and vowed to return with our mothers.
I really cannot recommend a trip enough. If you stay in the Lake Garda area, your hotel will be able to book a visit for you. Alternatively, check out the website.
We headed home along the shore, past pretty painted towns and pastel pink churches.
Home to our wedding cake villa.
Where we slipped into the pool with a bellini each.
Joined by a couple more locals.
The perfect end to a quacking day!
