An Elegant Party at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in Italy (Part Five)
It was a chilly day at Lake Como but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this truly memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid 16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.
It was a chilly day at Lake Como, but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid-16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.
We arrived at the famed Villa Balbiano by boat from Villa d'Este. Crossing gravel paths lined with picturesque gardens and grand statuary, there was an early spring mist, an ethereal beauty in the air, that set the stage for this elegant event. Once we entered the Villa Balbiano we were greeted with warm smiles, sparkling glasses of prosecco and opulent decor. The architectural details are embellished by the exquisite frescoed ceilings, luxurious fabrics in jewel-toned colors, handcarved furniture, extravagant floral arrangements and jaw-dropping views of Lake Como from every vantage.
“Situated between Il Dosso di Lavedo and the Comacine Island, Villa Balbiano is one of the most important historical properties on the shores of Lake Como. The history of Villa Balbiano can be traced back to mid 16th century and is strongly linked to the noble Giovio family who used it as their residence. At the end of 16th century, the Villa was sold to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who redesigned the original palazzo after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. A century later, in 1787, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, politician and patron of the arts, acquired the Villa. Enlarged and embellished, Villa Balbiano was used to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one by another relentlessly.”
A number of the interior shots for the Gwen Stefani video, "Cool", were filmed at Villa Balbiano. See if you can spot them!
Villa Balbiano is available to rent and is perfect for a destination wedding, family reunion, girlfriends getaway, or incentive trip for business professionals.
Learn more about Villa Balbiano and the Heritage Collection
Contact me to book Villa Balbiano or to find the perfect villa for your next getaway.
Here is a list of additional villas (and specials!) found in the menu above at Curated Villas.
For more on my visit to Italy last spring:
A Sunny Visit to San Remo, A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como, Villa Views, An Italian Spa Getaway
Many thanks to Nebe Club/Travelux 2018 and the Heritage Collection for the invitation to this extraordinary event in Italy.
How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy
After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!
After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits, and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most important trip of my travel advisor career, my first luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France for my first few days in San Remo. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!
Here I am, at the airport in Sacramento, with my roller bag that, in the end, would make additional flights to Munich and Milan without me. I had no idea I would have to manage six days of professional and semi-formal luxury events by living out of my carry-on and one quick shopping trip.
Here's what I learned about making do with the clothes on my back and in my carry-on luggage for 6 days.
1 - Create a survivor capsule in your carry on. Think through your carry-on luggage as a mini version of what you would need for (the unthinkable) numerous days. I had a skeleton version of my makeup but nothing like I needed for the semi-formal events and 2 days of professional meetings. Take small versions of all the products you need to create your look. Include the moisturizers and lip balm to keep you comfortable. I always carry a toothbrush & toothpaste, hand cream, roller ball perfume and a multiple stick (mine is Nars) for blush, but never thought to pack deodorant in my carry on. Day three this will feel like a necessity, I promise you. Also include a hair brush, accessories and hair products to tame the mane.
2 - Stick with neutrals - I debated between wearing the comfy, trendy track pants or a pair of black stretch leggings on the plane. As you can see, I went with the track pants, but in the end it was the wrong choice. Though I was thrilled to see that track pants are definitely a fashion statement in Italy (image above), what I found, over the next several days, was that the more neutral your pieces are, especially for reuse in a pinch, the better. Do you really want to see me wearing obviously the same pair of pants three days in a row? I think not.
3 - Pack jewelry and accessories - to mix up your look with basic neutrals. I got lucky! At the last minute I moved my jewelry bag from my checked luggage to my carry-on. Having a sparkling necklace and multi-strand of pearls definitely helped my basic black 'uniform' feel more festive for fancy cocktail parties. Also, scarves are ideal with neutral basics. They can be used as a scarf or a wrap as I did for a formal night at Villa d'este.
My purchases in my quick one hour to shop for backup items in San Remo
4 - Be practical (not precious) when you need to shop for necessities. When I realized my luggage would be delivered to the Italian Riviera after I was scheduled to leave for Lake Como, I knew I had to get smart. I knew there would be no time to shop at our Travelux 2018 event, so I made a quick list of necessities and walked to San Remo to power shop. Though Italy has amazing fashion, I didn't have time to browse the expensive boutiques for something special. I hit the inexpensive makeup store (mascara, tinted moisturizer, day/night cream) the pharmacy (a brush, dry shampoo) plus an inexpensive boutique (undies, black leggings, black top, a graphic scarf). At another, more hip boutique, I found a pretty green blouse with bold sleeves and a gold tank sweater with a bit of sheen (for semi-formal nights).
4 - Pack two shoe options - One pair for comfort and one pair for professional or dressy events. I had this one covered. I wore sneakers on the plane which came in very handy when I had to sprint through the international terminal in San Francisco to catch my Swiss Air Flight to France. This is where my luggage and I parted ways since it did not make the quick connection. Also, pack socks (to prevent blisters) and band-aids, just in case you end up getting blisters from repeating the same shoes day after day. Despite the band-aids, my blisters became so bad I had to wear my sneakers to a couple of the semi-formal cocktail parties and events... Seriously, sneakers at a semi-formal event at Villa d'Este? As a shoe lover, that is my personal fashion nightmare!
5 - Get creative. I had packed my black halter swimming suit in the carry-on since there was a spa at my first hotel. I considered pairing that black halter with my black legging and a long wrap for one of the semi-formal evenings. In the end, I decided it was too bare for the cold weather, but it was a creative option. I also pulled my cosmetic bag out of my purse and used it as a clutch for our spectacular evening at Villa d'este. In the end, I felt like a 'fashion MacGyver'.
6 - Pack Multi-Use Pieces - At the last moment I grabbed my reversible vest - faux fur on one side and nylon on the other. That turned out to be the most versatile piece I packed. It was a pillow on the plane, a warm/rain shield on the boat tour of Lake Como and a stylish layer (faux fur with gold tone zipper) for a cocktail party.
And when my bag finally arrived in Italy(BLISS!!) just moments before we left Lake Como for Abano, I was elated. I told my traveling companions to expect to see me in at least 3 outfits per day, just because I could FINALLY wear my packed clothing. Our last stop was at the Grand Hotel a spa hotel in Abano where robes were enocouraged for day wear. No matter, I still rocked as many outfits as I could.
Struggling to put myself together for these luxury events in Italy for six days was NOT easy. I had one moment, on the phone with my husband (furiously tracking my luggage on his end), when I wondered if I had taken on too much with this international trip for my new career. I used pretty 'descriptive language', shed a couple of tears, and then my wise husband said to me, "flash that beautiful smile and they won't notice how you look". That was just the push I needed and resolve set in. I was in ITALY invited to attend 3 hosted luxury travel events for nine days and I was bound and determined to make the best of it! It helped tremendously that I made some wonderful friends who were sympathetic and encouraging about my plight. They shared their luggage stories and agreed my situation was a tough one. They even offered to loan me clothes and do my makeup. One Italian friend brought a pair of socks to me at a fancy cocktail party. These kind gestures helped keep my spirits up for the most part.
Being without my luggage, and all the elements that make me feel like myself, was a life lesson to me. It's not about having the right clothing, makeup or the right shoes. It IS about making the best of a challenging situation, getting creative, and letting go of the things you cannot control. I also had to be self-forgetful about my appearance, which is not easy at my age, when being polished and put together feels essential at times like this. It was a mind game and I simply had to make the choice not to let this issue impact my enjoyment of the trip.
In the end, I learned new lessons about what to pack in my carry-on, to get creative with my resources, and how to make it work with the right attitude. I learned that fireworks and candlelight do wonders to hide makeup flaws and wild hair. My husband is right, if you lead with a bright smile, maybe they won't notice that you are wearing sneakers to a formal event at Villa d'este.
Bellissimo!! Heather
An Italian Spa Getaway in Abano (Part Four)
After being reunited with my luggage, just as we left the hotel in Lake Como, our driver headed to the Abano Grand Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand Hotel could not have been more warm and welcoming. As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view.
Following our final event at Lake Como for Travelux 2018, our driver swung back to the hotel where I was finally reunited with my luggage, on day 6 of my trip to Italy. The pickup was successful and our driver headed east towards Venice to the Grand Hotel in Abano. It was a cold and rainy day but our welcome at the Abano Grand couldn't have been warmer or more welcoming at this luxury spa resort.
As I was introduced to my spacious 'Panorama View' suite I was captivated by the view and the welcoming fruit basket and bottle of chilled prosecco. It felt wonderful to have my suitcase and belongings. I was finally able to unpack, for the first time on this trip, day 7! I informed my traveling companions, now friends, who knew all about my lost luggage, that I would likely change outfits three times a day just because I finally had options again.
Our itinerary at the Abano Grand included several complimentary spa treatments, a tour of the premises/additional local properties as well as semi-formal cocktails and dinners each evening. There was also free time to enjoy the thermal pools, both inside and out. On this stormy day, I took a swim in the expansive outdoor pool. Lost in the steamy waters and relaxing my cares away, snowflakes started to fall. It was truly a sensory experience (catching snowflakes on my tongue) that I'll never forget.
“For your Italian vacation under the banner of wellness and relaxation, choose the exclusive GB Thermae Hotels in the heart of Abano Terme, the largest thermal waters area of Europe located in the vicinity of Venice. All GB luxury hotels offer large thermal indoor pools connected to the outdoor, large parks for relaxing walks and exclusive SPAS with sources of healing waters, where to take good care of yourself thanks to the numerous beneficial properties of mud therapy.
”
The spa treatment regimen began with a 60-minute evaluation performed by a spa physician to assess wellness. Based on my specific profile, I was prescribed a unique set of treatments. My program included a mud bath (You can't be modest for this one ;), a 90-minute hydrating facial, and a 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage. Each treatment left me feeling relaxed and renewed. Adding in water treatments from the thermal pools, steam room, sauna, circulation pools circuits to the spa time enhances the health benefits of the treatments. The physician told me that Italians will typically stay at the health spa for a week at a time for daily treatments to achieve the maximum wellness benefits.
Though I finally had my luggage and 9 days worth of unworn clothing, I discovered it is essential to wear the white fluffy robes, and slippers, from one stop to another at the spa resort. I can definitely get behind this kind of relaxing environment and attire while on a luxury travel tour.
Our tour of the hotels one afternoon revealed the diverse style of the GB Hotels brand. While some properties cater to the classic, Italian decor and spa style, other hotels had contemporary decor and a fresh, stylish vibe at the spa. With 5 spa hotels in the GB Hotels brand, it is easy to find the perfect fit for those seeking a preferred spa resort experience.
While days were spent in fluffy robes, reveling in the spa, our evenings were filled with semi-formal cocktail parties with our hosts and fellow travel professionals. Meals were elegant, tasty menus created by the chef from regional cuisine with impeccable service from the staff. The hotel even provided entertainment which made a spontaneous dance party, Italian style, a must.
Our one trip away from the spa hotel was a lovely afternoon visit to the jewel of a city, Padua. I'll share more on my discoveries in Padua in an upcoming post.
Following a few days in San Remo on the Italian Riviera, 3 days at Lake Como for Travelux 2018, the luxury travel event, enjoying 3 days at an Italian Spa resort was perfect planning. I highly recommend a stay at any of the GB Thermae Hotels in Abano. This spa retreat could be a short getaway after touring Italy or even a destination following a stay in Venice. It would also make a wonderful girlfriends' group getaway.
My thanks to the team at GB Thermae Hotels, especially Chiara Borile, Daria, Paolo, Simone and Carlo for your gracious hospitality, luxury suite, spa treatments and lovely spa products. Thank you to Nebe Club and Travelux 2018 for creating this memorable luxury travel opportunity.
To book a visit to a GB Spa Hotels or to create a group spa trip, contact me at Curated Travel.
Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)
While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como. This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held.
Villa Balbiano
While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'Este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como. This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held. It was magnificent and will be featured in an upcoming blog post.
The weather worked it's chamelon magic and we experienced a few showers, snow on the mountainside and bursts of pale sunshine which my iPhone 8s captured beautifully. Ahhh, spring in Lake Como! As you will see through these images, the very best way to get a view of Lake Como is from the water.
George Clooney's Villa Olendra appears to be the essence of living 'la dolce vita'. Our guide told us that when the curtains are up on the circular gazebo and the white boat is anchored out front, the Clooneys are usually in residence.
Villa Balbianello is one of my favorite villas on Lake Como. During warmer months the grounds, lush with green, the vibrant flowers, especially lavender wisteria, create a showy accent to the classical structures of the villa.
The Ferrari experience, on our final day of Travelux 2018, looked like a blast! Despite the rush of a powerful engine, I'm glad I chose the boat tour for this trip. Being out on the water is always my favorite way to see a place, plus, the images I captured help me relive this immersive experience at Lake Como.
Next time, I'll drive the Ferrari!
“When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como. ”
Contact me for more information on the hotels, villas, Red Ferrari experience and boat/walking tours at Lake Como.
Learn more about Villa del Balbianello.
Ciao! Heather
Thank you to the team at Travelux 2018 for making this trip extraordinary.
A Luxury Travel Event at Lake Como (Part Two)
I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes, waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks. Living La Dolce Vita!
I feel extremely fortunate to have received an invitation to the hosted luxury travel event, Travelux 2018, in Italy last month. This 3-day event was held at Villa Erba as well as several esteemed venues on the shores of Lake Como. Travelux 2018 was the perfect blend of luxury travel brand exposure, elevated travel experiences with an elegant Italian flair and fun relationship building with fellow travel professionals from around the world. It never hurts to toss in historic villas, sparkling chandeliers, vibrant bouquets of flowers, delectable dishes, waiters in tuxedos, prosecco toasts, dance parties, Ferraris and fireworks. Living La Dolce Vita!
Following our 3-day stay in San Remo on the Italian Riviera, our small group was driven to Lake Como. Lodging was reserved for me at the sleek and modern Hilton Lake Como. This hip stay was the perfect blend to the classic elegance of my previous stay at Royal Hotel San Remo.
Our first event, on this rainy evening March evening, was a cocktail party at the classic and lovely Hotel Villa Flori with views of Como. I was excited to see this venue on the itinerary as I have a honeymoon couple booked to stay here in August. The prosecco sparkled, tasty bites were served, the harp and rain sang a duet and the mingling of travel professionals from around the world began.
The next day dawned with a clear view of the snow-capped mountains and blue skies from the window wall of my room. After a tasty Eurostyle breakfast we hopped on the Mercedes van for our ride to Villa Erba for Travelux 2018.
Our time at Lake Como was filled to the brim with two days of individually scheduled meetings with luxury travel brands, connecting with new friends in the industry and ended with elegant parties each evening. We also enjoyed leisurely lunches, conversations around the table, lovely service (with wine for lunch-so Italian!) and walks by Lake Como in the sunshine during our breaks. I love the Italian approach to the balance of life in work and play.
The cocktail party/dinner on this night was hosted for us at the famed Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzina on Lago di Como. The hotel was lit up for our arrival and the entire night was a kalidescope of luxury, colors, sounds, tastes and fun!
Day two of Travelux 2018 brought another full day of brand collaborations at Villa Erba, complete with a celebratory prosecco toast thrown by our hosts to end the day and the working part of Travelux 2018. We then had time to freshen up for the gala event at the elegant, luxurious and iconic Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.
How do you say my "mind was blown" in Italian?
The surprise fireworks showduring dinner was like the icing on the cake to this magical evening at Villa d'Este thanks to our wonderful hosts, Nebe Club and Travelux 2018.
And yes, I'm day 6 with no luggage at this elegant event. More to come on that saga, but despite the discomfort, I had made the essential decision to smile and enjoy every moment. :)
Next up: Part 3 of this luxury travel event at Lake Como.
Ciao,
Heather
A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)
The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria. Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.
Lovely San Remo
The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria. Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.
Click on image below for video of views of the Italian Riviera from my balcony at Royal Hotel San Remo
The next day dawned bright and clear with stunning sea views beckoning on the balcony of my suite. Following a leisurely breakfast, our group was invited to a food & wine walking tour of San Remo. Vibrant flowers were everywhere and showcased the iconic beauty of the sun-splashed Italian Riviera.
Espresso, gelato and a local wine tasting followed our walking tour. Next, we headed back to the hotel for a 2-hour, 4-course lunch. #livingladolcevita
The dining options at Royal Hotel San Remo are impressive. Each lunch and dinner brought multiple courses of fresh salads and vegetables, fish, unique pasta creations and meats dishes. The flavor combinations are a nod to local Northern Italian cuisine. Many of the plates were adorned with edible flowers from the region. Prosecco toasts kicked off each meal and wait staff kept our glasses topped off with local white and red wines. Service was always impeccable in the dining room by the handsome Italian wait staff.
Even a glass of wine to the suite was served with potato chips ( a lovely combination as it turns out) and the handsome smile was a bonus.
As you may already know, my luggage did not arrive with me at the airport in Nice. This was a bit of a panic, knowing I was scheduled for business events and 9 nights of cocktail attire for formal dinners and parties during my trip. I'll share more on how I handled 6 days without luggage in an upcoming post. Let's just say, I was happy to see that track pants are chic in Italy since they were the only pants I had with me when I arrived from the airport.
My thanks to the Royal Hotel San Remo managers and staff for the beautiful suite, gourmet dining, spa treatment, food and wine tour and hospitality during my visit.
First stop, the Italian Riviera, next up ---- Lake Como.
Ciao!
Heather
For more on the luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo. If you are considering a trip to the colorful Italian Riviera, contact me to get started today.
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