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Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
These 15 Lightweight, Linen Items Are My Secret to Easy Summer Travel Outfits—and Up to 50% Off
As a travel writer, being comfortable and feeling chic are two important factors I consider when adding pieces to my wardrobe. If I'm traveling, I'm all about lightweight, flowy linen items that are easy to pack, but also look great as I'm wandering around new destinations; I've already been island-hopping in Greece, made my way around parts of Lake Como, and ate my way through Ireland—all while happily wearing comfortable lightweight clothing that can easily be steamed or hung up near a hot shower and instantly ready to go right out of my suitcase. With summer travel in full swing (and my itinerary showing no signs of slowing down), I'm making sure to stock up on all things lightweight and linen. Luckily, Amazon has tons of breezy linen summer clothes on sale now, perfect for kicking off (or continuing!) your summer adventures. To help, I've listed the 15 pieces of clothing currently in my Amazon cart below, with deals of up to 50 percent off. These drawstring pants are loose and cropped at just the right length to wear throughout the summer. I love the paper bag-style waist that adds a fun, stylish detail to these otherwise sleek and simple pants. Available in 14 colors and prints, these versatile pants also have pockets for added convenience. Many shoppers agree that they are 'lightweight' and even 'super flattering,' which is all we need in a great pair of summer travel pants. Plus, they're currently on sale for just $30. This Anrabess dress popped up on my TikTok feed a few times before I finally caved and bought it, but I'm so glad I did. I love how stylish the straight neckline and tie-up ribbon straps are, plus the fact that it's the perfect ankle length, so I can wear it with a variety of shoes. Available in a whopping 23 different colors, it's easy to grab your favorite hue or to branch out and snag something out of the ordinary for your closet. And although not made of linen, the viscose fabric is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for summer travel. This casual short-sleeve shirt is made using a mix of linen and rayon that's both breezy and quick-drying, ideal for those travel days when you can't help but get sweaty. Fitting true to size, it's soft, lightweight, and easy to iron or steam. On sale and available in 28 colors and prints, it's one of those shirts that will immediately find its way into your suitcase because of its versatile nature and serious comfort level. No outfit is quite as easy or chic to throw on as your favorite jumpsuit—and they pack well, too. This one features a linen and viscose blend, which means the fabric will be lightweight and comfortable, perfect for throwing on with comfy sneakers for sightseeing or pairing with jewelry and heels for a night out. With cute details like tie straps and hemmed legs, this Anrabess jumpsuit may quickly become one of your favorite travel outfits. I need it in black to have an easy neutral option, but because it's on sale, I might have to grab it in a fun statement color (like this watermelon hue) as well. My love of matching sets and the collection I've amassed is a secret to no one, but I'm always on the lookout for more. This linen option is extra versatile because of its long-sleeved button-up top paired with comfy shorts, perfect for wearing as a set or individually. Toss the long-sleeve over your top when it gets chilly at night, pair the shorts with a short-sleeve when it's blisteringly hot out, or wear them together as a cover-up for your next beach day. Looking for a button-down that's anything but ordinary? This classic version from Zeagoo is a great way to add extra flair to your outfit. I love how easy it is to mix and match with the other items in my closet, plus how much more fun it makes jean shorts and a basic tank top. It's also made of 100 percent cotton, so you can buy it knowing that it will be soft and breezy, too. The fact that it's on sale doesn't hurt, either! While browsing Amazon, this tank top and matching pant set caught my eye. It's cute and functional, and currently on sale, making it a steal at just $40 for two pieces. Numerous shoppers found that this set kept them comfortable on hot days because of the lightweight linen and rayon blend fabric. Shorter people also liked the ankle length of the pants so that they didn't look too long on them. And, you can easily wear either piece separately to get more out of your packed clothes. Whether you'll be strolling along the beach or exploring the streets of a new city this summer, this flowy maxi skirt will keep you cool and comfortable. In fact, one shopper said the fabric has "great flow" and is "light and airy." That's exactly what I'm looking for in a lightweight summer skirt. Plus, it has pockets! The ruffled tiers add a pop of style and can pair easily with everything from sneakers to heels. Summer equals beach adventures, which means that I'm stocking up on easy-breezy bathing suit cover-ups for boat hangs, lounging by the pool, and walks along the sand. This particular one caught my eye because you can tie it in several different ways, making it a multi-use piece of clothing (which is a huge bonus when you're a devoted carry-on packer like I am). Available in a handful of colors, I love that it has flowy long sleeves for extra sun protection while still keeping you cool. This flattering halter maxi dress is loose and lightweight, perfect for hot summer days. Wear it for an easy day-to-night look, because you can pair it with sneakers or comfortable sandals for daytime wear or a pair of heels for hitting the town. With 19 different colors and prints to choose from, you'll find an option that best suits your style—plus, at this low price of $30, you might even be able to add two to your cart. Shoppers love that the length is just at ankle height, making it a good option for shorter people, too. A pair of easy-to-throw-on linen shorts is crucial to a solid summer wardrobe. Made with a cotton and linen blend, this Amazon-loved pair is guaranteed to feel soft and light, even when it's swelteringly hot outside. Many shoppers note that these shorts wash well, and they've been a perfect vacation staple for those headed to the beach. Available in many colors and patterns, they are casual and comfortable, but still make you look like you put in some effort while picking out your outfit. During spring and summer (and honestly, all year in my opinion), tiered skirts are the way to go with their flowy, breezy design. This Lyrur maxi skirt is simple, fun, and an easy way to add some pizazz to your vacation looks. Available in so many bright colors and prints, the elastic waistband allows it to fit as high or low on your body as you'd like, while the A-line design provides maximum flow and movement. Crop tops, lacy camis, and bandeau tops would all work well paired with it. Light, breathable, and fashionable, these linen palazzo pants are just what you need for easy day-to-night outfits on your next trip. With a stylish wide leg, you can keep them casual with the included corded waistband or dress them up with your favorite belt. Pick up a pair in one of the many neutrals available, or opt for a more exciting color like the stunning peacock blue. Plus, you can get these pants for up to 50 percent off, making them as little as $17 in select colors. This loose-fit jumpsuit is breathable and can work in nearly any situation: over a bathing suit for a cute boat day look, with a pair of heels and statement jewelry for dinner, or with a T-shirt and sneakers for a walking tour of whatever city you land in next. Available in nine colors, you can certainly find the right hue for your wardrobe. Plus, the adjustable straps allow you to get the right fit, and the soft linen-blend fabric will keep you cool and comfortable in the hot summer months. Get it for just $20 while it's on sale for summer. One of the most important closet staples is a classic linen button-down shirt. Great to wear unbuttoned as a beach cover-up or buttoned as a stylish shirt on its own, a linen button-down is always a good idea to include in your suitcase. You can buy this striped Amazon-favorite one on sale for just $26 (keep in mind that the sale price varies based on the size and color). Shoppers found this shirt to be made of good quality material and comfortable enough to wear on hot summer days. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Melbourne influencer Antonia Apostolou ties the knot with rich lister James Hachem for the second time in stunning Italian ceremony
Influencer Antonia Apostolou has tied the knot with rich-lister James Hachem in a stunning Italian ceremony. The couple were wed at the idyllic Villa Pizzo in Lake Como on Friday in a ceremony that cost 'well over' $1 million, the Herald Sun reported. They were joined by 140 guests for the swanky ceremony, including bar tsar Nick Russian and his wife Rosalia, as well as Jackson Warne - the son of late cricketing great Shane Warne. Jackson took to his Instagram to share a series of photos and videos from the joyous occasion. Antonia looked absolutely stunning in an intricate lace gown with a low-cut fitted corset. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The eye-catching gown featured what looked to be hand-sewn beaded lace from top to bottom. Antonia finished her gorgeous wedding look with a long, flowing veil, also with intricate lace embellishments, that fell into a long train. Husband James, meanwhile, complemented his bride perfectly in a white shawl lapel tuxedo jacket and a pair of black pants. He also wore a white shirt and black bow tie, finishing his look with a boutonnière. The couple looked absolutely besotted with each other as they happily danced after the ceremony, while guests clapped along. The fun didn't end there either, with the couple later hoisted into the air on chairs inside the villa's ballroom. The celebrations looked to be continuing well into the evening, with Jackson sharing one clip of celebratory fireworks being shot into the air at dusk. Jackson was joined by his girlfriend Kiah Broadsmith for the auspicious occasion, and the pair certainly looked the part. He cut a dapper figure in a classic black tuxedo, showing off his recent 15kg weight- loss transformation. Kiah, meanwhile, looked stylish in a ruby red off-the-shoulder dress with a figure-hugging bodice. The dress also featured a gathered ruffle and draped across her svelte form. Jackson's post was met with a flurry of comments from followers, with many also offering their heartfelt congratulations to Antonia and James. 'Congratulations guys,' actress Nicky Whelan commented, augmenting the sentiment with a raft of heart-eyes emojis. Jackson's mother Simone Callaghan also jumped with with a simple: 'So divine.' Another offered: 'Oh wow Jackson- what a superb and beautiful occasion. Hope you had the most wonderful time-& you & partner look absolutely stunning.' The wedding isn't the first time James and Antonia tied the knot. The eye-catching gown featured what looked to be hand-sewn beaded lace from top to bottom. Antonia finished her gorgeous wedding look with a long, flowing veil, also with intricate lace embellishments, that fell into a long train. They said 'I do' in a civic ceremony in Melbourne back in May. They were married at Xavier College Memorial Chapel in Kew, and Antonia took to Instagram at the time to share stunning images of the occasion. She wore a stunning white sleeveless gown from Mariana Hardwick, while James went with the classic black tuxedo. James is the son of poker king Joe Hachem, while Antonia is an influencer and content creator who boasts 213,000 followers on Instagram and a further 188,000 on TikTok.
Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Passalacqua review: this Lake Como hotel is Italy at its most glamorous
You will quickly run out of superlatives at this lakefront 18th-century villa in Moltrasio where the composer Vincenzo Bellini wrote La Sonnambula. Its public rooms could grace a Fellini film set, complete with meticulously renovated stucco work, Murano chandeliers, antique and bespoke furniture and intriguing artworks. Beguiling views over the lake are available from the hotel and its lush seven acres of gardens. Food is by Viviana Varese, the Nigella Lawson of Italy, the colour-burst pool bar pavilion has been decorated by in-demand designer JJ Martin and the 24 bedrooms manage the delicate balancing act between being luxurious and yet relaxing. Service is, as you'd imagine, charming throughout. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 10/10The prize rooms are the dozen in the villa. The eight found in the former stables are smaller but no less charming, and if you appreciate greater privacy or are travelling as a family the four rooms in a cottage — set within its own garden — can be hired for exclusive use. The owner Valentina De Santis is an internationally respected hotelier and since opening in 2022 Passalacqua has topped many world's best hotel lists. All the rooms are layered with brag-worthy, 'blow-the-budget' touches that embrace tradition and modernity. There are 'secret' minibars in bespoke etched-glass cabinets inspired by 18th-century designs and containing tasty treats freshly made by the kitchen. There are pin cushions, embroidered with the hotel's three fishes logo, complete with threaded needles in a range of colours as well as three top-of-the-range Dyson hair appliances in every marble-clad bathroom. Televisions are hidden in end-of-the-bed ottomans inspired by vintage steamer trunks so that they don't jar with the room's hand-painted wooden tables and gilded mirrors. Score 9/10 Viviana Verese's signature alta cucina di casa style (translated as refined home cooking) is the perfect foil to the villa's OTT interiors. The size of the hotel allows for flexibility over dining arrangements and guests can choose to eat under the frescoes of the trio of restaurant rooms, in the old-school bar, the pool bar, or by candlelight on the terrace. Dishes are simple with a focus on seasonal ingredients and so expertly executed that a humble garden salad becomes a work of art. The lake fish with vegetables is a local speciality and handled so cleverly here that its flavours are sensational. Save space for the handmade chocolates that end each meal and then pray you're hungry again by breakfast. It's one of the most theatrical available anywhere in the world, with a buffet of tempting fresh fruits, pungent cheeses, cured meats and indecently plump smoked salmon, with a white-hatted chef ready to make eggs any way, while a multi-tiered, fully loaded cake stand of cream- and custard-filled delights will be deposited by your table too. • Best Italian cities for food• Best villas in Italy with a pool Score 9/10The spa in the former stables has first-rate treatments by the Italian organic skincare range Seed to Skin. There is also a small but atmospheric thermal sauna and steam suite in a vaulted stone chamber in the 18th-century tunnels underneath the garden. A dimly lit passage leads to a spectacular indoor lap pool in a conservatory-style space that overlooks the lawns. The terraced gardens that tumble down to the waterfront are sublime with various activities on each tier including an outdoor swimming pool, a bocce court, a kitchen garden and a gym in a greenhouse. There are regular yoga and fitness classes as well as complimentary gelato-making workshops, mixology tutorials and flower-arranging lessons. Score 9/10Moltrasio is an unassuming village, with a great market and a steep hillside for soulful hikes. Como is a 30-minute drive south, and Bellagio is about 45 minutes by car to the north, although both are best reached by boat. Price B&B doubles from £936Restaurant mains from £45Family-friendly YAccessible N Susan d'Arcy was a guest of Passalacqua ( • Lake Como v Lake Garda: which one should you visit?• Best places to visit in Italy
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jude Law's ex Cat Harding's wedding to footballer Jorginho forced to move location due to rain - as former Arsenal star details bursting into tears amid their emotional Lake Como ceremony
Jude Law's ex Cat Harding's wedding to Jorginho was forced to move location following a bout of unexpected rain on the big day. The happy couple tied the knot earlier this month in a lavish ceremony at Villa Erba on the banks of Lake Como, witnessed by their friends and family. However, the nuptials didn't exactly go according to plan as the heavens opened ahead of the ceremony, reports Hello! magazine, with proceedings then swapped from an outdoor event to indoors. Meanwhile, the June 2 wedding saw former Arsenal player Jorginho, 33, break down in tears as he watched his bride walk down the aisle, with the emotional sportsman revealing he had to catch his breath when he saw her. He told the publication: 'It was incredible. I didn't think I was going to cry, but when I saw her, I was like: "Oh my God, what's happening here?" She looked so stunning. 'The people we love were close to us, so to be in that moment, seeing their faces, was very emotional. I had to take a breath.' Meanwhile, former The Voice UK star Cat, 34, told how the big day felt 'surreal'. On seeing her husband-to-be getting emotional, she noted: 'I was in my own little bubble and didn't look away from him the entire way. When I saw his eyes and he was crying, it was so special.' Cat started dating Jorginho - whose full name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavaliere OMRI - back in 2020 after the footballer split from his ex-wife Natalia Leteri. In 2023, the departing Arsenal footballer got down on one knee for the singer, surrounded by red roses and candles, while being serenaded by a violinist. Further details from the couple's big day including Cat's bridal outfit, made up of a stunning ivory lace gown by fashion house Berta, which she perfectly matched to the historic venue. The gown featured a structured corset bodice and a long train teamed with a lace-edged veil, with Cat revealing she picked a style that her partner wouldn't have 'expected'. Cat was walked down the aisle by her father Brian to Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love played by a string quartet. Among the 120 guests were Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and ex Chelsea player Ryan Bertrand, while the couple's four children acted as flower girls and page boys. Among the 120 guests were Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and ex Chelsea player Ryan Bertrand, while the couple's four children acted as flower girls and page boys [pictured with their son Jax and Cat's daughter Ada] Singer Cat and Jorginho share a son Jax, four, while she also has a daughter called Ada, 10, with her ex-partner Jude. Cat, who competed on The Voice as Cat Cavelli in 2015, had a brief relationship with the English actor, 52, in 2014 but went their separate ways before Ada was born. Jorginho also has children from a past relationship as he shares a son Vittor, ten, and daughter Alicia, seven, with his ex-wife Natalia Leteri. It comes after pictures shared by Hello! magazine earlier this month showed Cat embracing her love on the shores of Lake Como. She looked stunning in a long lace gown, while Brazilian Jorginho cut a smart figure in a white suit jacket and black trousers. Cat and Jorginho starred together on fly-on-the-wall series Married To The Game, which premiered in February 2024, and follows the partners of some of the best Premier League footballers, shedding light on their lives beyond the pitch. Back in April Cat spoke about the then upcoming wedding She said: 'I think everything is almost ready now. 'It's exciting, and I think we're getting married at the same place in Lake Como as [co-star] Taylor Ward.' Cat, 34, (seen with Ada) started dating Jorginho - whose full name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavaliere OMRI - back in 2020 after the footballer split from his ex-wife Natalia Leteri 'My engagement ring is too big, but I didn't want to take it off,' she joked before adding: 'However, I'm finally having it resized in two weeks time.' Catherine has previously spoken about the challenges of having a blended family, admitting it is difficult when different households have different rules for their children. She said: 'It is a challenge in many ways. If anyone says they've got the blended family thing down perfectly, they're lying. 'It's a beautiful thing, but it's challenging not just with schedules, but when I've got certain rules with my children, and then obviously their mother has certain rules with them, so sometimes when we all come together we have to be mindful of that. 'It's taken work for us to get to a really good place with it, but now we are, and it's so natural. 'From the moment the kids met, they were super, super close, so that's always been amazing. 'My step-daughter and my son are like twins. They look the same, they're the same height. It's really funny.' 'It's very busy, very chaotic, crazy, but it's beautiful. 'I've got three brothers and sisters, so I'm from quite a big family as well, especially with my cousins and extended family, so I've always really loved that. 'Everyone always says, "Oh my God, your house is crazy, the energy is always so high," and I really like that.' Catherine was 23 when she dated Jude, then 41, who was filming on location in the Czech Republic as he grew close to the aspiring musician. Jude is also a father to Rafferty, 28, Iris, 24, and Rudy, 22, from his marriage to actress Sadie Frost, who he met when the pair starred together in 1992 film Shopping. The star, famed for his roles in Captain Marvel, The Holiday and Alfie, shares 15-year-old Sophia with model Samantha Burke. He and his now wife Phillipa Coan also have two children - born in 2020 an 2023 - whose identities have not been made public.
CNA
20-06-2025
- CNA
From Lake Como to the Dolomites: North Italy's best hotels for nature, nosh and nonchalance
Few hotels can make one fall in love at first sight. To encounter three in a row is a rare strike. I had a taste of living la villeggiatura, annual countryside retreats taken by fancy families with brood and buddies in tow, through three hotels in North Italy. From the misty shores of Lake Como to the magnificent peaks of the Dolomites, it was one of those trips where warm hospitality and glorious scenery left a poignant ache in the heart. PASSALACQUA As our car passed through the wrought-iron gates of Passalacqua, another world beckoned – lush gardens and fountains veiled in autumn mist and petrichor, an autumnal air lightly perfumed by rose bushes, ancient cypresses and towering cedars. Passalacqua topped the inaugural World's Best Hotels list in 2023 and was runner-up the following year. I had weighty expectations but there was only one night (the 24 suites are, unsurprisingly, often fully booked) to make an impression. It was more than enough. The 18th century villa, first built by Lake Como nobility Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua, was acquired in 2018 by Valentina de Santis and her parents. The family were Como natives who owned another lakeside landmark, the 114-year-old Grand Hotel Tremezzo. After a three-year restoration, Passalacqua opened in June 2022 with three buildings: the original villa, the country manor-style Palazz building and the lakeside Casa al Lago, which is available for exclusive buyouts. The old-world charm of restored frescoes, grand marble staircases and crystal chandeliers were captivating, and the modern upgrades, uncontrived. A new heated pool was carved out of the subterranean spa, offering comfortable swims in the cold seasons, and a former greenhouse was transformed into a colourful all-day summer bar next to an inviting pool flanked by loungers and parasols in white and green. My blushing pink Isoletta Suite whispered princess chic in its brocaded headboard, sculptural crystal lamps and leather-clad accessories. The spacious bathroom, with a rolled-rim pedestal bathtub and shower stall big enough for two, was lined with Fior di Pesco marble, a common material in Roman palaces and aristocratic Medici villas. I often forgot I was in a hotel. A back door led to the Moltrasio village, where I picked up dried pasta and olive oil as souvenirs. We could traipse into the kitchen anytime. Its islands were filled with fresh bakes in the morning, an aroma that wafted up the staircase and into the rooms. A tray of sliced cakes appeared in the library at teatime, sitting so nonchalantly on a side table that I thought it was a prop. Executive chef Viviana Varese's cooking had the warm embrace of home, only more finessed, in dishes such as a juicy and tender bone-in Veal Milanese with a crispy crust and a Bellini-style macaroni timbale with 24-hour cooked meat ragu. The wines were mainly Italian, a roll call of international labels and producers within a two-hour radius. With a packed schedule, a night cap looked impossible. But you know what they say about intuitive hotel staff, they just know. Bartender Alex suggested a cocktail as we were gathering at the bar before our departure, saying the magic words: 'Espresso martini?' The hotel's accolades are well deserved. GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO Grand Hotel Tremezzo has a completely different vibe from its sibling. Located a half-hour drive from Passalacqua, the classic Art Deco building is a party-loving Wes Anderson film cut-out with lively orange pops. And party we did among the 84-room hotel's culinary offerings. We flitted from a breakfast buffet spread that filled a ballroom to delicious fried seafood and sashimi at Giacomo al Lago, the lakeside terrace next to the hotel's much-photographed outdoor swimming pool (there is no such thing as too much water when you're in Como). There was drama. At the L'Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar, the cacio e pepe was prepared tableside in a flaming cheese wheel, no less. Bragging rights were also delivered – at Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, the only restaurant in the world that serves the signature dishes of the late chef Gualtiero Marchesi, revered as the founder of Italian nouvelle cuisine, his famous saffron rice topped with a gold leaf square came with authentication certificate number 118,500. For the next two days, life was a dreamy Italian movie, complete with accordion music in the background. We visited the magnificent next-door Villa Carlotta, an art museum with gorgeous gardens. We took a leisurely boat ride around Lake Como, complete with glasses of champagne, and stopped by the famous Villa del Balbianello, the setting of celebrity weddings and famous scenes in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale. The well-preserved villa had a colourful history, including being a political and literary meeting ground and the home of Italy's first expedition team leader to Mount Everest. Don't skip Bellagio even though it is one of the most touristy towns in Lake Como. Have a seafood lunch at Ristorante La Punta, then stroll outside to the island's northernmost lookout point where you will see the lake split into two bodies of water. Back at the hotel, it was more quiet walks and a soothing massage at the spa followed by a swim in the indoor heated pool with lake-facing loungers. The weather may have been moody, but our mood sure wasn't. FORESTIS From Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it was a five-hour drive to Forestis in Brixen. The long journey was fortunately livened up by a quick lunch and supermarket spree at an Autogrill rest stop, where we snapped up chocolates, biscuits and even dried porcini mushrooms at fabulously discounted prices. Forestis took our breath away at first sight, and it was not because of its location 1,800m above sea level in the South Tyrolean Alps. Originally a health retreat built by Austrian royals in 1912, Forestis was an abandoned shell when it was re-discovered then purchased by South Tyrolean hotelier Alois Hinteregger on one of his mountain ambles. Forestis was launched in 2022 with the addition of three tree-like towers to the original building – all linked by a glass tunnel. Two towers are topped by double-storey Penthouse Suites, each with an outdoor swimming pool and spruce wood sauna. Groups of up to 10 can exclusively book the new five-bedroom villa, a renovated alpine-Art Nouveau building with a stone cellar, loggias, and a top-floor home cinema and lounge under original rafters dating back to 1911. At the balcony of my Tower Suite, the mountain air was crisp and bracing with the Dolomites peaks and Puez-Geisler Nature Park sprawled before me in their full glory. In fact, all 62 suites and the hotel's sole terraced restaurant were angled to have these magnificent views with neutral palettes and clean lines. My suite's flooring was made of beeswax-treated Dolomites' stone while the walls and ceilings, which were crafted from untreated spruce, emitted a subtle scent. Nature's abundance was brought to our dining tables and then some. We tucked into aperitifs of hay-infused gin and blue cheese martini and dishes like risotto cooked with pine butter and pickled pinecones and vegan ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and fresh nettle. Breakfast was a sumptuous spread of pastries, DIY juices, mountain cheeses and more, with options for all kinds of dietary restrictions. At the spa, I had a welcome drink of stone pine syrup, followed by a strengthening Vital Field massage to knead out all my knots with pine essential oil. The whole treatment was bookended with spritzes of pine spray that left me smelling like a forest myself. We spent a pleasant morning in culture-laden Brixen, the oldest town in the Tyrol region and a 20-minute car ride away. We strolled through the old town, paused reflectively in the Baroque-style Cathederal of Bressanone and had lunch under sunshine in Brix01, a modern restaurant in a park. The highlight was a pasta-making class with Francesco who, at 24 years old, was already an eight-year veteran at the craft. We rolled, pinched and wrapped a variety of pastas from stuffed tortellinis to classic raviolis del Plin filled with braised meat. As Francesco swirled and stirred our handiwork in sizzling sauces and we ate it to blue-sky-and-pine-tree views while chatting with the enthusiastic young man, that poignant ache I've constantly felt throughout the trip returned. By then I've learnt that it is okay –the dream was ending but I had lived fully in every moment.
