Here's a nice detour to incorporate into your stroll along the lungolago. As guest writer Tony points out, not many know that it is possible and permitted to enter the gardens of the five-star Hotel Iles des Borromees. I didn't know this either... although I have stepped inside a few times to take a peek because the gate was open. It is nice to know that it is allowed... So please do... feel free to enter; be respectful of course, but stroll, admire, and, as Tony says, enjoy...

From Tony -- Giardini de Hotel Iles des Borromees

Not well known is the fact that the gardens of the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees are open to the public. Well, we’ve never been tossed out, but we don’t walk on the grass or carry a dripping gelato in our hands. These gardens are protected, according to the Hotel website, from development, as they should be. Like many fine Italian gardens, they have specimen trees and plants are stunning in their beauty. It is now Spring and these gardens, like all of the gardens of the lake, are in full bloom.

The gardens begin to the left of the gate that is to the left of the hotel as you face it from the lake. The gardens are on that side of the hotel and go back and beyond the parking lot that bisects them. There is some statuary in the gardens but the main statuary is directly at the end of the drive into the left of the hotel. The azaleas are mature and full of blooms. Pansies border the gardens in the Spring and annuals border in the Summer. The lawn is manicured.

These gardens back from the center of the Stresa lakefront are a treat and easy to reach. Enjoy.