In our journey to discover the wonders of Italy, we aimed to offer new insights to those who love Tuscany and delved into the history of Villa Metelliano in Cortona. It’s time to hit the road again. We head north to Lombardy and Liguria, our new destinations.
Each stop on this journey has connected us with beauty, art and nature. We have stayed in prestigious residences that tell a story.
These new destinations will lead us to discover enchanting places and the beauty and authenticity of the ‘villa holiday lifestyle’ in Italy. Not just “slow living,” but also discovery through unique and memorable experiences.
On the Shores of Lake Maggiore: Yoga at Villa Eden
Heading north, we arrive on the shores of Lake Maggiore, in Ispra, and set our luggage down at the entrance of Villa Eden. This charming property is nestled on the remains of one of the 17 disused furnaces in the area, active since the early 19th century. Villa Eden, with its octagonal roofs reminiscent of the style of the old furnaces and its cliffside position over the lake, offers a view that is always different, yet authentic and spectacular.
Immersed in greenery and absolute tranquillity, the villa is a true earthly paradise in a secluded and unique setting, yet very close to the prestigious attractions of Lake Maggiore, such as Isola Madre.
But this leg of the journey is dedicated to villa experiences…
On the first morning of our stay at Villa Eden, we welcomed Erica, a yoga teacher, in the garden for a class dedicated to our group. Why? A holiday in a magical place like this is a perfect moment to work on our psycho-physical balance. We were keen to involve even our youngest guests in the experience, as yoga and meditation are not practices meant exclusively for adults. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “If every eight-year-old child were taught meditation, we would eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”
Erica was extraordinary and we were an inspired yoga class…pure wellness in the villa. We asked her to return tomorrow at sunset. We feel like we never want to leave this place…
To learn more, contact our booking team. Click here
Overlooking Sori: Gong Bath at Villa Ponti
We leave Lake Maggiore at dawn. Our journey continues to Sori, an ancient fishing village overlooking the tranquil bay of the Gulf of Paradise. We are guests of Villa Ponti, boldly carved into the cliffs of the coast, facing the mountain of Portofino.
The villa’s furnishings pay tribute to the style of Gio Ponti, the father of Italian industrial design. The “Collezione Blu Ponti,” with its geometric and infinitely combinable features, dominates the interiors. The large “prow” terrace and the “bridge” terrace with a pool, decorated with handmade majolica tiles, extend to the “cabins” of this imaginary cruise ship, furnished in retro style. Villa Ponti is a perfect starting point for exploring nearby Portofino, Santa Margherita, the Cinque Terre, and, of course, Genoa, known as “The Superb.”
At Villa Ponti, besides enjoying the magnificent view, delighting in the villa’s design and relaxing on the terrace, we decided to continue the wellness experience we had started at Villa Eden. Who has heard of a ‘Gong Bath’?
The ‘Gong Bath’ is an experience of listening and relaxation, thanks to the sounds of the gong, angelic harps and other unique handmade instruments. We were very curious to discover this practice, which is also useful for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and alleviating jet lag.
So, on the terrace of Villa Ponti, we invited Ludovico – a musician, gong master, sound researcher and master of meditative concerts. It was a unique experience, to be tried at least once, made special by the breathtaking view.
To learn more, contact our booking team. Click here
EV Icon Italy, by Emma Villas: What Will the Next Stop Be?
Our journey through the wonders of Italy will still hold many surprises…
Try to guess the next stop and keep following us…
