Villa Palazzola

Paul Drummond10 months ago

5/5

I sit here in the dining room looking through an open French door at the green grass and hedges being coated in a fine Yorkshire rain and think of Palazzola. 48hrs ago we were living “La dolce vita”, 30 degree heat, shaded seats by overhead trees or canopies, life guard attended swimming pool, three meals a day and local red or white wine by the carafe full to enjoy. Our Lake View room didn’t disappoint with its rustic charm TV free design. There’s a communal kitchen type room downstairs where you can make your own teas and coffees and if you want a drink in the room at night just borrow a glass or mug and fill it. The local tap water is fine to drink and there’s also a vending machine downstairs for other bits. There’s also the communal fridge so should you place newly acquired cakes in there don’t be surprised if some of them go walkies, this is a “caring is sharing” environment after all. making your own bed may come as a shock to some people but this not a hotel, It's more like your home for a few days. The cleaners do turn up but they don't spot everything they are like the rest of us, human. It’s a quiet place, generally, unless the venue above on the top of the cliff hosts a wedding or a party, however it’s always toned down or finished before the end of the evening. A head space place it is, allowing thought and reflection to be enjoyed away from the pressures of modern life, and if that’s what you want, you get it. Turn up, turn off the wi-fi and the mobile and return to you or to each other. Romantic destination is not initially what comes to mind when you think of Palazzola, well I didn't, but when you consider the number of Weddings at this place, then maybe you should think again. Standing by the wall, high above the stunning waters of Lake Albano, on a beautiful clear evening with the one you love Is without doubt beyond price, because it is a unique moment within the eternity of time! There’s a beautiful chapel in the place that facilitates the ability to return into another meaningful space, which is without doubt a world away. We visited with friends and had such a wonderful time, however, one of the things I realised is that this place also offers a sanctuary for single people who just want an uncomplicated break. Ironically, it’ll be nigh on impossible to exist in isolation for long as the fraternal side of the place shows itself quite quickly and new associations are promptly established. For those who can’t separate themselves from the world the wi-fi is quite excellent so lap tops, tablets and mobile phones work well. The food is local, home cooked traditional Italian with no pretence of gastronomic celebrity chef indulgence, it is like what Mama used to make, or would be if Mama was Italian! Don’t expect Pizza’s, Lasagne’s or frozen reheated stuff you can find that in the tourist spots nearer to Rome. Eating is a communal affair, large refectory tables that everybody shares. And if that doesn’t encourage conversation then the combined efforts of cutting the morning bread and cajoling the catering conveyor toaster to produce it’s finest results will. It will also produce some carbon induced laughs and giggles along the way. I would only add that should you go with friends, your significant other or may be even by yourself, you’ll return with priceless memories to cherish. Despite the newly acquired stresses of Ryanair travel, British road works and drizzly Yorkshire days I find myself now suitably equipped to survive!