Greenwich 54

like a rolling stone

WESTERN EUROPE: BEACHES, WALLED TOWNS & CAPITAL CITIES

HOTEL LA MALCONTENTA

THERMAE BATH SPA

TheVeneto, Italy ABANO GRAND HOTEL ABANO TERME (PADUA)

HOTEL TRIAS PALAMÓS

If you prefer your stay on the Costa Brava–or at least part of it–to be situated in a modern town and on the beach, then the Hotel Trias in Palamós is for you. Located on the seafront with views over the bay of Palamós and the town’s lively promenade, the Trias is laid back, family friendly, and full-service. The beach, the sun, the fun (the people!) are just a few steps away. The hotel offers simple, airy, white washed rooms with parquet

For awonderful visit to theVeneto region ofNorth- ern Italy outside of the fray that is Venice, consider a jaunt to fascinating, culture-laden, nearby Padua. Padua is a rich and dynamic, but less visited city. See one of the most important master- pieces of Western art, Giotto’s fresco cycle, at the Scrovegni Chapel. Visit the University of Padua, founded in 1222 and one of the oldest in the world, where the likes of Galileo and Copernicus were professors. Wander the historic center with its many piazzas, antique Jewish ghetto, outdoor cafés and fine shopping. In the elegant salons or on the terraces of the renowned Café Pedrocchi, enjoy the eponymous coffee concoctions and stupendous people-watching. Improve your sightseeing stamina by staying at the Abano Grand Hotel, an “anti-aging” thermal spa in nearby AbanoTerme. The only five-star de- luxe hotel in Padua, the Abano is an oasis of ther- mal swimming pools, healing mud baths, serene and elegant Louis XV style guest rooms, attentive service and fine dining. The recently opened and

Costa Brava, Spain HOTEL LA MALCONTENTA PALAMÓS

What can you expect from a luxury bou- tique hotel on the Costa Brava that calls itself “Malcontenta?” Well, as it turns out, plenty. This includes a serene country setting with swimming pool and gardens not far from the beach, large and airy guestrooms, marble-clad bathrooms, a dining pavilion serving refined, nouvelle Catalan fare, comfortable sitting rooms and terraces and bar. Hairdressing and massage services, as well as babysitting, are available. The hotel, once a rambling farmhouse, takes the name given to a fairytale woman who was never satisfied, and strives to offer all that she could have wished for. Guests are made wel- come with attentive and personalized service, and quickly slip into the easy flow of the intimate hotel’s routine. A lavish continental breakfast including local cheeses and jamon is served daily; hot dishes may be ordered a la carte. At night, enjoy the famous locally caught prawns; herbs, vegetables and fruits grown on the property, and other re- gional fare based on seasonal availability in the hotel’s stylish restaurant. The property is surrounded by bike paths that will take intrepid cyclists for miles, and bikes are available for loan at the hotel. A few minutes walk or bike ride brings guests to Castell beach, a lovely, remote fishing beach uncrowded by day trippers. Nearby, and ripe for exploring, lie the beauti- ful medieval towns of Gerona, Begurs, Pals and Peretallada, as well as the Dali Museum in Figueras. www.andilanahotels.com/en/

HOTEL TRIAS

floors and wood paneled walls. Bathrooms are rustic yet comfortable. Most rooms have balco- nies, and sea view rooms are especially delightful. The property includes a swimming pool, game room, bar, outdoor terrace dining area and hand- some restaurant. In the restaurant, enjoy a variety of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, such as seafood paella or grilled Iberian pork, with a daily prix fixe menu and à la carte options. Take the steps up into the older part of the city in the early evening to enjoy tapas, a glass of Cava (Spain’s sparkling wine) and a stroll among shops and restaurants. When the allure of the beach grows thin, the concierge can arrange a wide variety of local ac- tivities, including boat excursions, gastronomic tours and tastings, bicycle outings, and guided tours to nearby museums and attractions. The Hotel Trias offers the easy charm for which the Costa Brava is known, and a relaxed and restful beach holiday. www.andilanahotels.com/en/

ABANO GRAND HOTEL

highly glamorous Venezia spa offers medical well- ness treatments based on the beneficial properties of the local thermal waters and mud, ranging from hormone rebalancing, stress reduction, and rejuve- nation, to massages, facials and fitness activities. The hotel’s main dining room, Restaurant

156 WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker