A S H D O W N T R A V E L S U M M E R 2 0 1 4

NEWS * CRÈCHE HOTELS * CRUISING NEW ZEALAND * CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

A S H D O W N A S H D O W N S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 N E W S

For the adventurous traveller Silversea cruises have added a third expedition ship called the Welcome to our latest newsletter! Silver Discoverer. This 120 passenger vessel will offer exceptional quality destination led Having just returned from my first visit to new Twitter account, as well our existing voyages to some of the most isolated ecosystems New Zealand I am still buzzing with the Facebook page, which we will use to bring of Southeast Asia, the stunning Kimberley in breath-taking scenery that these two amazing you the latest news and offers for all things , the Sub-Antarctic islands departing islands have to offer. It was more timely than travel. If you would like to be kept up to from New Zealand, and the wilds of the Russian ever to visit with this destination growing date then please log onto the website Far East. These voyages will fill very quickly so in popularity, the recent Royal Tour and the www.ashdowntravel.co.uk and click through early booking is recommended. Cricket World Cup next year. With these on the Facebook or Twitter symbols and thoughts still fresh in mind our destination “like” us or “follow” us as appropriate. feature this time will be New Zealand and Thank you for taking the time to read our The Le Bristol Paris is legendary around the we will also be hosting a New Zealand client newsletter and we look forward to seeing world for its world class standards and facilities, evening in the Autumn for you to see more you in the shop soon. however many of you may not know that it is part of a small collection of boutique hotels called the closely what outstanding possibilities there Kind Regards, Oetker Collection. Each one is unique in style but are for a truly memorable holiday. Nick Samuels, Director guarantees you an outstanding experience. The Cruising continues to be a massive growth [email protected] collection is made up of 8 hotels and Ashdown area for us and with new destinations and luxury Travel has an excellent working relationship with all inclusive options becoming more accessible, Cover photo by Virginia King (www.virginiakingsculptor.com) them all. The latest additions to their collection are we thought it would be great to give you an the world famous Eden Rock in St Barths and the update on some of our favourite suppliers. truly outstanding L’Apogee Courchevel which really Closer to home I am delighted to has taken the luxury skiing market by storm. announce that we have been appointed members of the Starwood Luxury Privileges club. We are just one of a few travel agencies to have been awarded with this prestigious status and it allows our clients to receive exclusive benefits from complimentary room upgrades to food and beverage credits. Just some of the Starwood brands you may know are St Regis, ‘W’, Luxury Collection and Airlines around the world are all fighting for Westin to name just a few. business and are always looking for new and We have also just redesigned our website exciting products to offer and Etihad Airlines which gives you a lot more holiday content are no exception. With their hub in Abu Dhabi and suggestions as well as being able to read they offer a network of flights to over 100 more about the team and in particular the destinations and with their new Airbus A380’s areas that they specialise in. We also have a they have really upped the ante with state of the art technology and comfort in all classes right the way through to offering the world’s first inflight private residence with separate lounge, A S H D O W N T R A V E L 24-26 Station Road East, Oxted double bedroom and shower room! A S H D O W N A S H D O W N N E W Z E A L A N D N E W Z E A L A N D

For a small country on the other side of the world, with over 20 vineyards in close vicinity. It’s also an New Zealand has an incredible amount of diversity ideal place to relax in a busy self-drive itinerary as and plenty to see to warrant the very long journey it’s NZ’s sunniest city, with a selection of cafes and to get there! The main highlights have to be the restaurants in the town and plenty of characterful stunning, varied scenery from fjords, glaciers, alpine accommodation to stay. The Marlborough Sounds, vistas to coastline, as well as incredible food and formed from the ocean filling a network of ancient wine, and unique cultural experiences. The list could sunken river valleys, is best seen from the water, be endless but we’ve narrowed down a tiny amount either on a luxury yacht or kayak excursion. Marvel of the numerous ‘must-sees’: at forested hills rising steeply from the sea, the clear City life in Auckland water, the sheltered inlets and sandy bays. It is a relatively small compact city and it’s easy to Wildlife in Otago and Akaroa get around. We like staying in either Viaduct or Peninsulas the main harbour area and a day or two is usually Christchurch is still rebuilding itself after its enough to recover from jetlag, enjoy a boat trip, devastating earthquake so instead, whilst in the marvel at the views from the Sky Tower or test Rotorua’s thermal activity area, we would recommend a drive out to the your nerves on the Bridge Climb, and then pick This is one of the best places to see the dramatic Wine in Hawkes Bay Banks Peninsula and the town of Akaroa where up a car or fly off to the next highlight. geo-thermal landscape of this volcanic region and New Zealand is undoubtedly famous for its you can find the largest little penguin colony hold your nose whilst visiting the bubbling mud vineyards and Hawkes Bay is particularly famous on mainland New Zealand at Flea Bay and the Island life in Bay of Islands pools and steaming water from the geysers. It is also for its red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and opportunity to see the very rare Hector dolphin on a centre of Maori culture and you can try a hangi Kick-back, relax and enjoy the laidback lifestyle of syrah. It is also famous for a huge earthquake in the a harbour cruise. The Otago Peninsula is reached feast cooked in the steaming ground and visit a the towns of Russell and Paihia. A definite ‘must’ is 1930’s resulting in a huge rebuilding project and from the southern city of Dunedin. It is the home

traditional village. (www.bencrawford.co.nz) to take a boat trip to enjoy some of the 144 islands Napier’s reputation as an Art Deco city, reflecting to colonies of Yellow Eyed Penguins, Little Blue that make up this region. Plus you can learn more the architectural style of the time. Penguins, Fur Seals, and Royal Albatross. about the history of the nation at the Waitangi Lake life in Taupo Treaty Grounds where the Maori and British Don’t miss the magnificent Huka Falls, just north enguin Place (www.penguin-place.co.nz)

Ben Crawford Te Papa in Wellington signed the founding documents of the nation. At of this picturesque lake, and we also recommend a New Zealand’s capital is a cosmopolitan harbour Cape Reinga you will see the meeting points of jet boat ride or more sedate scenic cruise on this

(bottom) city with a real buzz around the cafes, restaurants the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean and then head enormous inland lake. It is also famous for its trout and bars, a fun place for real food and wine lovers! down 90-Mile Beach, officially a highway but best fishing and Nick himself successfully caught a 10- On the waterfront you will find the famous Te left to an official tour group in a 4WD! pound trout on his recent trip!! Papa Museum, known as one of the best interactive museums in the world! Wine in the Marlborough At the top of the South Island, this area is home to the world famous sauvignon blanc that graces our supermarket aisles (and shopping trolleys) here. There are over 40 cellar doors in the region but

(top) Ian Trafford ([email protected])Trafford (top) Ian& (bottom) it is definitely best enjoyed on a tour so you can truly enjoy the produce! In the heart of the region,

Photo by Ben Crawford (www.bencrawford.co.nz) Photos by (top) Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz) & Photos by the town of Blenheim is a favourite of our clients A S H D O W N A S H D O W N N E W Z E A L A N D N E W Z E A L A N D

The adventure capital of Queenstown Accommodation for all tastes A ‘must’ in any itinerary. If your nerves can stand It may be an overused cliché but there are it, try out the original AJ Hackett bungee, a sky- accommodation types to suit every budget. Some dive, or the thrilling Shotover or K-Jet jet boat of our clients prefer the flexibility of a motorhome, ride. If you aren’t an adrenaline junkie then there and with the number of miles you will clock up is still a huge array of outdoors activities including it will certainly be convenient, with no packing beautiful walks and hiking trails, 4WD Lord of the and unpacking and just the freedom to stop for a Rings tours, TSS Earnslaw steamship experience, photo opportunity and carry on the journey when wine tours, mountain biking, and a gondola ride up you are ready. The majority of our clients tend to Bob’s Peak. Pan for gold at the nearby Arrowtown hire a car and we can book motels, B&Bs or more or just have a gentle stroll around the pretty lake comfortable hotels depending on your tastes and and take a drive to the nearby Coronet Peak and budget. But New Zealand is also home to some The Remarkables mountains. of the most incredible luxury lodges, set in some Traverse the Southern Alps by train outstanding locations. They pride themselves on Rated as one of the most scenic railway journeys their incredible attention to detail, world class in the world, the TranzAlpine takes you from cuisine and of course, exceptional wines. On his Christchurch, across the farmlands of the Canterbury recent visit, Nick was lucky enough to see some Plains, the stunning deep gorges alongside the of the most famous including Matakauri Lodge Waimakariri River and the magnificent Southern and Blanket Bay near Queenstown, Otahuna near Alps, through the beech forests to Greymouth on Christchurch, Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses near the west coast. It is very easy to include as part of a Legend Photography (www.andybelcher.com) Kaikoura, Bay of Many Coves in Marlborough self-drive itinerary as you can pick your car up in Sound, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers at Hawkes

Greymouth and continue on your journey. Photo by Bay, Huka Lodge at Lake Taupo, Eagles Nest and the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands. Ask Unique Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Hike some iconic great walks him now for more details. These glaciers are unusual, being in a temperate There are 9 Great Walks as well as numerous multi-day and day treks. Tongariro Alpine Crossing climate and at low altitude, and they still flow Rob Suisted (www.naturespic.com) almost to sea level. The Fox Glacier plummets from traverses dramatic volcanic plateau landscapes 2600m in the Southern Alps right down to the of crater lakes, alpine meadows and peaks, the (bottom) river valley below. Admire their sheer enormity by Queen Charlotte Track hikes through the lush guided hike or from several viewing points nearby. bush, around historic bays and along skyline ridges of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound. The The cascading waterfalls of Fjordland Routeburn takes you past soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes, linking The dramatic Milford Sound was carved by glaciers Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland in the Ice Age and it features as a breath-taking National Park. And the world famous Milford Track cruise in most of our itineraries. The fjord’s cliffs attracts hikers from all over the globe wanting to rise dramatically from the sea with waterfalls, some

Gareth Eyres & (www.exposure.co.nz) experience the dramatic vistas of mountain lakes, as high as 1000m, crashing into the water below. waterfalls and towering alpine peaks. Doubtful Sound is deeper, larger and altogether more peaceful and serene and can be experienced A S H D O W N T R A V E L www.ashdowntravel.co.uk by cruise or kayak. Photos by (top) A S H D O W N A S H D O W N C R U I S I N G C R U I S I N G

Regent Seven Seas Cruises SeaDream Yacht Club Enjoy the most inclusive luxurious cruise SeaDream’s twin mega yachts are a balance of dinner cocktails and listen to the sounds of a live experience ever, where absolutely everything is casual comfort and refined elegance. Yachting guitar during the multiple course dinner served included and personal service is at the forefront of defines the lifestyle aboard, and the harbours and under the stars. After dinner watch starlit movies everything they do. Indulge in world-class cuisine ports you visit. With a maximum of 112 guests on the big screen or dance the night away at the whilst visiting exotic destinations and enjoying with almost as many crew, you are assured of great Top of the Yacht bar. unlimited free shore excursions in every port of personal attention. All accommodation is ocean The SeaDream spa is a member of the Thai call, and all gratuities are included. view and your voyage fare includes gourmet meals Spa Association and the only one of its kind at sea. All of the spacious suites on board the Seven with wine at lunch and dinner, an open bar with Offering products from brands such as La Prairie, Seas Voyager and the Seven Seas Mariner have select premium brands, gratuities, mountain bikes, Thalgo and Essie, the Spa provides treatments for balconies, both ships take up to 700 guests and the fitness centre, golf simulator, an extensive CD body, facial, hair and nails. on the smaller Seven Seas Navigator taking up and DVD library. SeaDream is not about rock climbing, bowling to 490 guests, 90% of the suites have balconies. Both yachts have a retractable water sports alleys, feathered ladies on stage or more bars than The amenities in your luxurious suite include marina providing a variety of exciting water Bermuda... it is about opulence and intimacy. L’Occitane products in the bathroom, fluffy activities, including laser sailboats, glass bottom SeaDream will appeal to those who love sports, bathrobes and slippers, a daily newspaper of your kayaks and water ski-ing equipment. the history buffs, the gourmands and the thrill choice, 24 hour room service, in-suite dining In the evening sample hors d’oeuvres with pre seekers. SeaDream is yachting...not cruising! during restaurant hours, a bottle of champagne and fresh fruit on arrival and a fully stocked fridge with beer, water and soft drinks. Throughout the ship at any time of day there is a selection of beverages available, including speciality teas and coffees, fine wine, premium spirits, ports, whiskeys and cocktails. Relax on deck or take part in a yoga or pilates class, a game of table tennis or the daily quiz. In the evening enjoy some jazz music, the late night cabaret, cocktails in the piano bar or dance the night away in the nightclub. The four restaurants are all different and offer gourmet food, complemented by fine wine with no extra charge even in the speciality restaurants. The restaurants are open seating giving you the option to choose when and where you wish to dine, the speciality restaurants require reservations but at no supplement. With some really fantastic itineraries ranging from the Mediterranean to Africa and Asia, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Pacific and South America there is a sailing to suit everyone. A S H D O W N T R A V E L 0 1 8 8 3 7 1 4 3 1 2 A S H D O W N A S H D O W N C R U I S I N G C R U I S I N G

Crystal Cruises Silversea Cruises complement every voyage with intimate lectures Six star service is the essence of the award winning Tai Chi and boot camp ensure there is something On six remarkable ships, the only ultra-luxury and informal demonstrations to enhance your Crystal experience with a high staff to passenger for every guest. cruise line that travels to all seven continents, you appreciation of each destination. These distinguished ratio. All inclusive luxury begins with fine wines, Crystal offer shore excursions for all activity will experience an extraordinary level of personal guest lecturers are drawn from diverse walks of life, premium spirits and champagne served throughout levels and the Crystal Visions enrichment program attention and service. Silversea offers small ship authors, journalists, historians and other specialists. the ship as well as bottled water, custom coffees, soft lecture series on every voyage features celebrities, cruising with between 296 to 540 guests on board In the evening, enjoy the show lounge, the drinks and juices. There are up to five dining venues destination and world affairs experts, economists, and a staff to guest ratio of almost one to one. panorama lounge or bar for live music and dancing for breakfast and lunch and up to eight for evening astronauts and more. Themed cruises offer a The smaller ships enable them to be welcomed or try your luck in the Casino. On select voyages dining, a choice of classic main and late sitting or variety of special interest topics and these voyages in secluded harbours not reached by the larger distinguished gentlemen are available as dinner an option for flexible dining by reservation in the bring together experts to lead lectures and give vessels and are able to tie up dockside, making the companions or to spin you around the dance floor! Crystal dining room. Experience The Silk Road interactive demonstrations with engaging optional destinations even more accessible. Luxurious and exhilarating, Silversea Expeditions and The Sushi Bar for Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian shore-side excursions such as trekking in Costa Silversea suites are amongst the largest afloat, “Silver Explorer” will give adventure seekers rare fusion cuisine, and Prego for Italian fare. Rica and kayaking in . Crystal Boutique each having a panoramic view and most with a access to some of the most remote destinations. Staterooms and penthouses are generously Adventures are unique and allow just a hndful private verandah. Every guest in every suite category Voyage across the Polar Circle, explore Africa’s appointed with exceptional style and design, most of guests to explore destinations in extraordinary on all of Silversea ships has the services of a butler. west coast, trek through Central America’s jungles with a fabulous teak verandah where you can enjoy settings not available to the average traveller, taking Every Silversea ship has at least four dining choices, or traverse the ancient plateaus of Patagonia. With meals al fresco and watch the world go by. guests inside private estates, art studios, museums, with an extensive selection of complimentary red only 132 guests on board you will enjoy all the The award winning spa and the state of the art castles and well-known businesses for exclusive and white wines and an open seating policy, most Silversea benefits, and the complimentary shore fitness centre with Pilates classes, spinning, yoga, behind the scenes tours. requiring a reservation for dinner. excursions guided by expert naturalists are limited Onboard activities include bridge classes, dance to small groups to ensure you get the most out of classes, food demonstrations, water volleyball and your experience. They have also expanded the fleet singles events. Silversea enrichment programmes to include Silver Galapagos and Silver Discover. A S H D O W N A S H D O W N E U R O P E A N C R È C H E H O T E L S L O N G H A U L C R È C H E H O T E L S

Almyra, , shows that you don’t have to as baby food, nappies, games, push chairs and toys, sacrifice style on a family holiday. Its’ cool and making both your packing and traveling a lot easier! minimalist design is refreshing for such a family Adults will also love the great food, service and the focused hotel and their dedicated children’s club spa treatments on offer. Almyra is within walking looks after babies, children and teenagers aged 4 distance of Paphos town centre where a wide range months to 15 years in age-related settings. Their of restaurants cater to even fussy little eaters. unique ‘Baby Go Lightly’ service allows you to Cyprus is 4hrs 30mins away by direct flight order a variety of items prior to your arrival such from Gatwick.

Carlisle Bay, situated on the south coast of the areas of the world for Ashdown Travel clients, and Caribbean island of , is wonderfully stylish are increasingly becoming popular with families. yet very family friendly. The sweeping sandy beach Despite the average flying times being between defines this elegant resort and with superb crèche 10.5-12 hours, there is usually only a 3 hour time and childcare facilities for children aged from 6 difference so only minimal jetlag to adjust to, months old, this is the place to come to for some making it easy even for little ones to start their well-deserved R&R. Apart from the Garden Suites, holiday as soon as they arrive. The majority of all rooms have seaviews, and many are directly on properties can arrange nannies or babysitters for the beach, including the ground floor Beach Terrace under 3’s, and children’s clubs are available from age Suites which have a bedroom with kingbed and a 3 or 4 onwards. We get great feedback from clients second twin bedroom - perfect for all the family! staying at Beachcomber properties on , There is a large graduated pool at the heart of the particularly Le Paradis and Trou aux Biches. Whilst property, as well as tennis courts, gym, yoga and in the , the contemporary Four Seasons Pilates pavilion, spa, library and 45-seater cinema. Kuda Huraa is only a speedboat ride away from the Mealtimes are relaxed with 3 restaurants on site air terminal and their service is simply phenomenal. including Ottimo!, a poolside restaurant serving Want the dramatic arrival onboard a seaplane? Then classic Italian dishes. check out the stunning LUXMaldives, with its The Indian Ocean Islands of Mauritius, family water villas, kids club and 7 restaurants, the Sani Resort in Halkidiki is a luxury family orientated through the gardens and around the pool complex. and Maldives have long been favourite whole family is catered for effortlessly. resort, near the beach with a great range of facilities. The resort offers a feast of activities including The resort has a choice of hotels, and the Porto Sani mountain bike hire, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, Village and Sani Asterias Suites offer a high standard water skiing, scuba diving. Eating out plays a big of accommodation in a unique setting. There are part in any holiday, and the Sani Resort gives you independent crèche and childcare facilities provided a wide choice, hence the standard board is bed and through Melissa’s Creche Club and Melissa’s breakfast. Nevertheless, clients at the Sani Village Children’s Club for children aged 6 months to 12 can opt for half board and can still enjoy some of years, plus a resort run teenagers club. At the centre the marina restaurants on the resorts’ flexible dine- of the resort is the fabulous marina, around which around programme at no extra charge, or have a are located nearly a dozen bars and restaurants and meal allowance in the a la carte restaurants. good selection of shops. All of the 50 Asterias Suites Direct flights from Gatwick are just 3 and are either marina or beach-view, whilst the suites half hours to Halkidiki, with just under an hour’s at the Porto Sani Village are set behind the marina transfer time to resort. A S H D O W N A S H D O W N CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

Opera in Verona The Ballet in Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas Folies Bergere Paris During the summer months, the vast Arena di World class performances of music, opera and Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment The Folies Bergère is a cabaret music hall, located Verona welcomes hundreds of thousands of ballet take place every evening at St Petersburg’s company that mixes dramatic street theatre with in Paris, . Established in 1869, the house was people for the annual Opera Festival. Different theatres and concert halls and one of its most awe inspiring circus acts. Amongst its many at the height of its fame and popularity from the operas are performed each season but Verdi’s famous, the Mariinsky Theatre opened in 1860. iconic residences in Las Vegas is the timeless 1890s’ Belle Époque era through the 1920s’ Années Aida is always in the programme. The sheer scale It has a long and distinguished history of both production of “O” at the . It is inspired folles. The institution is still in business, and is always of the performing space is perfect for this most opera and ballet performances and the new by the concept of infinity and the elegance of a strong symbol of French and Parisian life. spectacular of all grand operas. The Arena is a Mariinsky Theatre opened in 2013. A stay in St water’s pure form, and weaves the simplest street Paul Derval was 86 when he died, he had reigned focal point, however, Verona offers so much more Petersburg can be coupled with a river cruise performance to the most lavish of operas, with supreme over the most celebrated music hall in the for a weekend visit. Visitors can enjoy the elegant where you can gently meander down the river world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, world. In August 1974, the business was passed onto squares including the Piazza Brà, the Piazza delle from Moscow enjoying the beautiful sights along divers and characters performing in, on, and Hélène Martini, the empress of the night (25 years Erbe, the Roman Forum and the Giardini Giusti, the way. At the end of the cruise, an overnight above water to create a breathtaking experience. earlier she had been a showgirl in the revues). This new as well as Juliet’s house with its famous balcony. stay onboard the ship will allow you time to enjoy Combine with a 4 night stay at the Bellagio in mistress of the house reverted to the original concept The opera theme continues at the wonderful a ballet performance at the Mariinsky. Tickets are Las Vegas, enjoy a flight over the Grand Canyon to maintain the continued existence of the last music new museum of opera, AMO, which tells the available for purchase prior to departure from the by day and a fantastic Vegas show in the evening. hall which remained faithful to the tradition. story of how an opera develops, from the libretto UK and will be delivered to your ship on the Cirque du Soleil are also showing The Beatles Since 2006, the Folies Bergère has presented and music to a fully staged performance, using a morning it docks in the city. Love at the Mirage, Zumanity at New York New some musical productions with stage entertainment wealth of material from the Arena’s own archive. York and Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay. like Cabaret and Zorro the Musical. In 2014 amongst All tickets are available to book prior to leaving many productions are the musicals Love Circus and the UK. Hello The Buddies. Arena di Verona Arena di

© Ennevi Photo. Courtesy© Ennevi Photo. of Fondazione

A S H D O W N T R A V E L 24-26 Station Road East, Oxted A S H D O W N T R A V E L 0 1 8 8 3 7 1 4 3 1 2 A S H D O W N T E A M T R I P S

around the little streets and enjoy a coffee and Lake Como & by Abigail watch the world go by. It was an early start for our flight to Milan but once Following an idyllic couple of days we returned we had arrived and were in the taxi, skirting the to Milan and took a train through the Italian shores of Lake Como, it was well worth it. The views countryside to Venice. Wow! It was as picture perfect were breath-taking with the backdrop of the snow- as all the iconic images show it to be. Every twist capped Alps framing the picturesque lake and by and turn of the narrow streets revealed another lunch we had arrived to a very warm welcome at photo opportunity of a bridge over a canal with a the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. gondolier drifting on by. We did enjoy a gondola The hotel dates back to the early 1900’s and serenade but part of the charm was just strolling is one of the oldest in the area. It has a stunning through St Marks Square, past the Bridge of Sighs lakeside position, next door to Villa Carlotta, and and Rialto Bridge and then just getting lost around with incredible views over to the famous town of all the back streets. Bellagio. Our rooms were the recently renovated We stayed at the Bauer Palladio, on Giudecca Lake View Prestige rooms which have kept the Island facing St Mark’s Square. It is sister hotel to flavour of an historic hotel but given a contemporary the and Bauer Il Palazzo, just a short and stylish twist. The views from the balconies boat ride across the lagoon, and within minutes you were just incredible but even the Park View rooms, are in the heart of the city. The advantage of the overlooking the 20,000 sq m of parkland behind the Palladio is the beautiful gardens you can relax in hotel, are beautiful. They also have a small number after a busy day sightseeing, and even more relaxing of ultra-modern rooftop suites each with a private is the Spa! Across the water the Bauer Hotel gives a terrace and outdoor heated Jacuzzi. The ‘beach’ contrasting modernity to its neighbour the Palazzo was one of the most unexpected parts, with a sand housed in an original Venetian house from the 18th covered terrace, sun-loungers, cool bar area and a Century, with rooms opulently decorated in a more unique pool on a floating platform over the lake. traditional Venetian style. Whilst in Como we visited the historic Villa It was a fantastic few days and I thoroughly enjoyed Balbianello reached by the hotel’s own launch, seeing another side to , one so easy to reach as a and we took a ferry over to Bellagio to stroll short twin-centre break or extended holiday!

A S H D O W N T R A V E L www.ashdowntravel.co.uk