ah, a spa

We did a lot of different things on our vacation.  It wasn't all walking and eating and drinking, though it was a lot of those things.  We did organized activities, we took in museums.  We shopped, we relaxed on balconies and patios and beaches.  And, in one instance, we did spa treatments.

I rather enjoy spa treatments.  I had a manicure and pedicure before I left so I was in shipshape for vacation.  I get massage monthly.  A facial is a special treat.  Bring it all on!

So, when we checked in at Nordelaia, we asked to book afternoon treatments in the hotel spa the next day. 

We had only one full day at Nordelaia, and we wanted to enjoy the fine hotel as much as we could.  Massages all around,

the three of us in succession.  I was the last to go.

It was a nice massage, perhaps a little light, but with some stretching included.  I also took advantage of the little spa pool

and its glorious views after I was done. 

It was a welcome bit of pampering at the end of a trip and after a day with a nice bit of walking including some uphills and stairs.

Happily for everyone involved, I have no photos of the tiny little "briefs" that they had each of us wear for modesty.  Those things were NOT designed for gentlemen with larger butts, I tell you!

Italy recap: last destination, Nordelaia

It was a lovely start to the morning when we woke up in Lezzeno. 

So lovely that it was a shame to have to leave Lake Como behind.  Alas, we did, and kudos to Conrad again for doing the driving and to Van for doing the navigating.  And there I sat in the back again, not rattling anyone by talking too much.  I kept my cool.  Until the rest stop.

Folks, look at this:  an Eataly. 

No, this is not a regular occurrence in Italy, but how awesome is this? 

A freaking Eataly! 

Love it.  We actually didn't eat anything there, though we bought a few snacks.  Oh, and for those reading this who think Eataly is an American thing, no, sorry.  It's an Italian company that started out there.

Enough of that, and back on the road with us!

On this trip, we've spent time in Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and - finally - Piedmont.  Just past the village of Cremolino, we came to our hotel, the Nordelaia.

I'm going to let the photos do the talking here.  The hotel building was gorgeous outside

and in. 

Our suite was spacious

and opened out not just to a terrace on the garden level

but another large one overtop the hotel entrance.  The restaurant building was also handsome. 

We were greeted with glasses of their own wine to sip,

shown around, and then left to get settled in our room.  After that, we wandered more to take in the views of the valley,

the vineyards,

and Cremolino,

then relaxed some

and eventually found our way over to the bar at the restaurant.  What a space! 

We enjoyed cocktails there

and some lighter fare for dinner.

 

Van had found Nordelaia - he did all of our hotel research and bookings - and showed it to me.  A book, an article, an online feature - I can't recall.  But I was smitten when I saw it, and I knew we had to stay there.  We only got two nights, but I am so glad we did!

a walk into Cremolino

We made it to our last destination of the vacation yesterday:  Nordelaia, a beautiful hotel

about a mile outside of Cremolino.  Just the two nights here, alas.

We’re having an easy day today.  Tomorrow will be travel down to Rome, Friday will be the flights home.  So before I head to the hotel spa and then to a fine dinner, let me post photos from our earlier activity today:  a walk into Cremolino.

It’s only a small village, but it has some pretty sights.  The walk alone was enjoyable:  a cool, foggy/cloudy day for the most part (though the sun is now trying to blaze through),

the country lane smelled fresh and green, and there were last flowers on view.  

We ambled around the town and took some photos,

then found a place near the tiny library

to get a bottle of water and some chips.  And then it was time to head back.  Those massages coming up awaited us!