Swimming Stylish. Doesn't everyone feel more stylish in stunning surroundings? Like, the beauty of a place rubs off on you? By taking the www.theswimset.com collection abroad I have been lucky to be able to photograph our collection in some of the most beautiful locations. I spent the spring in the Italian Riviera - join me as I wear test The Swim Set in some fab locations and take advantage of crisp, morning swims and days on deck beds in the warming conditions.
First dip...Lake Como. A stunning lake side room at Hotel Fiori with a perfect swimmer's view to check out the silky water conditions. I took the plunge off the dock, it was a refreshing 16C but if that's not for you Lido di Cernobbio is a stunning pool where you can spend the day on the terrace, rent a day bed, and sip an aperitif lake side.
How stunning is the setting? To die for, right!
Next stop on the Italian Riviera - Cinque Terre - Levanto. A quick 2 1/2 hour drive from Milan, with a fashion fix on the way at Serraville Outlets for your designer faves. Then a terrifying drive through the hills and a windy road through the valley to reach the tree lined streets of Levanto. The area is known as one of the best surf spots in Italy. So it's got a Byron hipster feel, mixed with the hiking crowd and a good dose of Aussie style with a swimming pool perched by the sea.
Next dip is dark and stormy, not the Euro blue sky we expected. I checked out the local pool Piscina Casino to be told the season hadn't started yet. But with my "never regret a swim" mantra and my long sleeve 3mm wetsuit and bright red cap I braved the 12C outside wind and the chilly 16C water.
The sun is out! Bikes are hired to cove-hop from Levanto, to Bonassola to Framura through a 5km bike tunnel, taking a dip at every opportunity.
I especially loved the mermaid swimmer weather vane in Frarmura; a swimmer goddess protecting her paradise. Look out for La Cueva blanca...our fabulous lunch spot!
Perfecting the dive in our Lulu 3mm wetsuit at Bonassola.
Did I mention that Cinque Terre is a marine park and there are lots of fish to see? A nice surprise as most of the sea in Europe is pretty scarce of fish.
