A spritz and a view at the Sky Bar.

Let's take a closer look at one of the aperitivo spots mentioned in this post, the Sky Bar on the rooftop at Hotel La Palma. I had heard a rumor at the end of last summer that La Palma had done a large reconstruction and opened a rooftop bar the likes of which had never before been seen in Stresa. One morning, after a run along the lake, I found myself in front of the hotel, and on a whim and still in jogging cloths, I stopped it to inquire. Despite my unannounced and somewhat sweaty visit, the owner of the hotel, a beautiful and elegant woman, offered to take me upstairs and show me the bar. We traveled up the elevator to the top floor, and when the doors opened, all I can say is, "WOW." It pretty much took my breath away. I'm not in Stresa anymore, I thought ... I'm in South Beach, Miami. My next surprise was to learn that Miami rooftop terraces had indeed been the inspiration for this one; the owner's son had traveled there and loved the concept.

I love the concept too... the cool neutral space has a glass half wall so that nothing impedes the incredible 360 degree view. Comfortable chairs, couches, and chaise loungers are scattered around, but spaciously; this is a place where you'll never feel crowded. The bar is set back and in the center, giving precedence to the view and seating areas. Next to the bar, on one of the sides, is a small, tent-covered eating area. There is a wonderful apertivo and small plate menu. There was soft music playing always in the background. It too had the repetitive jazzy beat that reminded me of places I've been in South Beach.

Eating, gazing, and relaxing.

All of this is open to the public. On the other side of the roof, however, is an area available only to guests of La Palma. A small infinity pool, and a row of private cabanas, private little white tents with chaise loungers facing the lake and mountain. Can it get much better than that? I'm not sure how...

But maybe it can. After viewing all this, we took the elevator down one level to the floor below, where a brand new spa is located. Equipped with all the latest technologies, and soothingly, serenely decorated, it also has well-thought-out touches such as a sauna with a glass wall, to still be able to see the view even when inside.

Very impressive.. but back to the terrace... Later that evening, no longer sweaty, I returned and ordered a Prosecco. And was the experience as good as the rooftops in Miami? Nope ... even better...

Here's the Hotel La Palma site.   

Here is Aperitivo In Stresa