July 18th 2024.
Italy is truly a sight to behold, with its breathtaking views and authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression. As I look out of the kitchen window of my holiday home, I am greeted by the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore, glistening under the warm evening sun. The majestic Alps in the distance make it feel like I am living in a movie scene. Despite being surrounded by such stunning views, I am completely focused on the task at hand. In front of me lies a batch of homemade pasta dough, as yellow as the Italian sunshine. I can already tell that this will be the best pasta I have ever tasted, and the secrets of its creation will stay with me forever.
Thanks to TUI Lakes & Mountains, I have the opportunity to participate in one of their unique experiences - cooking with Cesarine. This experience allows me to learn the centuries-old secrets of pasta-making from a local Italian family. My teacher and host, Giselle Motta, welcomes me into her immaculate home and teaches me the art of real Italian pasta-making. She learned this skill at the young age of seven, by watching her uncle who was a chef at a local hotel. Now, in her 50s, she invites travelers into her home to learn the traditional methods of hand-making pasta using eggs and water. After our lesson, we sit at her charming dining table, savoring the ultimate pasta meal paired with local wine and freshly baked bread. As we chat in excellent English, I realize that I have not only learned how to make pasta, but I have also found a recipe for a better life.
Giselle's secret to the best pasta ever? To use more egg than usual recipes call for. As I knead the dough, I can feel the stress of my busy London life melting away. There is something soothing and cathartic about making pasta, more so than any poolside relaxation. Giselle's method involves mixing the eggs with flour and creating thin ribbons of pasta that are kept from sticking by sprinkling plenty of 00 flour. This is just one of the many experiences that make a Lakes & Mountains break with TUI truly spectacular.
I arrived a day earlier at The Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees, after a smooth one-hour transfer from Milan. This hotel is a step back in time, with its ornate decor and spectacular views of the 40-mile-long Swiss-Italian lake. Surprisingly, it is not overrun with tourists, making it a hidden gem. The recent multimillion-pound overhaul has added a fantastic spa, gym, and outdoor pool that is warmed by the sun. It's the perfect spot to swim with a backdrop of mountains or soak up the sun while enjoying drinks from the trendy bar. For a total contrast, the modern and stylish Hotel La Palma is located next door. I visit their rooftop Sky Bar for cocktails and to snap some Insta-worthy photos. The panoramic views are simply stunning, and the Italian smart set adds to the ambiance. My tip? Dress to impress and allow plenty of time to people-watch.
A ten-minute stroll from the hotel takes me to the cobbled streets and charming piazzas of the bustling old town of Stresa. The fairy lights add a magical touch, and the local bars and restaurants are filled with friendly locals. One of my TUI experiences is a wine tasting at the Al Buscion bar and restaurant with the incredibly likeable Massimo. For just €20 per person, we get to try local wines that we wouldn't normally have the chance to taste, in a charming setting.
During the day, I embark on another TUI experience - a boat tour to the Borromean Islands, including Madre, Bella, and Pescatori. These islands are home to palaces, botanical gardens, and some of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever seen. We dine on fresh fish caught from the lake, adding to the authenticity of the experience. On Madre, we tour the spectacular palazzo, designed so that noblemen could ride their horses up the stairs - a symbol of true wealth. I am amazed to learn that when a storm knocked over the island's giant cypress tree in 2006, its exposed roots were kept wet with rags and sprayed with deodorant. Who knew that antiperspirant could save a tree?
On our final day, we visit the smaller and incredibly picturesque Lake Orta. It consists of an old village, with charming gift shops selling local crafts, and immaculate wooden taxi boats that take us to the island in the middle of the lake. Even the restaurants here seem to have stepped back in time. As I wander around, I can't help but feel like I have been transported to a fairytale land.
So, what was my favorite experience out of all the amazing ones I had? Was it the taxi ride across Lake Orta with a captain dressed in white naval regalia? Or the funicular railway ride into the Alps? Or perhaps the posh cocktails at the rooftop bar? Surprisingly, it was none of those. My favorite experience was the wine tasting and laughter at Giselle's flat, where I got to see her hometown through the eyes of a local. I will always remember our chats and cooking together, a truly authentic experience in every way. And let's not forget the best pasta I have ever tasted!
For those planning a trip to this enchanting destination, TUI Lakes & Mountains offers a four-night stay at the five-star Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees, starting from £863 per person. For a more budget-friendly option, the three-star Hotel Lido La Perla Nera starts from £547 per person. Both options include a bed and breakfast basis, easyJet flights departing from London Gatwick, and transfers. With 15kg cabin baggage included, it's a hassle-free way to enjoy the stunning lakes and mountains of Italy.
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