Outfit Details:

Julia- Christy Dawn Dress (sold out, but also love this one, this one and this one), Preston & Olivia Hat,J.Crew Flats (old, similar here), Illesteva Sunglasses, Fendi Bag

Rose- ASOS Dress, Chloe Bag, Ralph Lauren Sandals

When we booked our stay for Lake Garda, one of the day activities we knew we wanted to do was visit Isola del Garda. Rose had found it online and we all agreed that a day trip out to the island was in order. What we didn’t know was that you have to call the Countess and book an appointment to visit the island. Luckily when we had discussed this with our hotel, they made things happen and next thing we knew, we had a boat booked to take us out to Mermaid’s Bay for lunch followed by a trip to the island. We quickly headed up to our rooms to change for quite a glamorous day on the lake!

Next thing we knew, we were flying off on the lake, leaving the beautiful villa behind. Being out on the water gives you an even more incredible panoramic view of the lakeside towns and Garda Mountains. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day- the clearest blue sky and 75 degrees.

When the hotel had recommended lunch at Punta S.Vigilio they said it was a “nice place on the water with ok food”. Maybe to some guests this is the case, but we were blown away when the boat started to pull up. The water turned from a deep turquoise to a bright green which made a stunning juxtaposition against the 15th century buildings. In between them sat an outside terrace where we were seated at a table for lunch looking out at the lake. We all ordered rounds of pasta and seafood and rosé, trying to keep well aware of time so we wouldn’t miss our appointment for our visit to the island.

About a month ago, I was browsing Free People when I stumbled upon this dress. At the time, it was sold out, so I googled the designer, Christy Dawn, to try and find it on her website. What I stumbled upon was dress heaven! I love Christy’s feminine designs that all have a vintage touch to them. While she has a few signature styles, the dresses vary in fabrics because she uses all deadstock fabrics (leftover fabrics from larger fashion houses) so there are a variety of prints and colors in every style of dress. I fell in love with this cream floral maxi dress that made me feel oh so glamorous once I slipped it on.

After a delicious lunch, we had to hurry back on the boat to head out to Isola del Garda. We were quickly whisked away back onto the serene lake with nothing in sight but endless water. Next thing we knew, we could see a small island in the distance, barely making out the massive villa. Isola del Garda is the biggest island on Lake Garda and it’s where the Cavazza family has lived since 1927. The seven children of Countess Alberta currently run the island and opened it up for private tours and events in 2002. The villa was built between 1890 and 1903 by the then owner, Duke Gaetano de Ferrari. You can read more about this history of the island here. It’s quite fascinating!

We were greeted on the island by one of the daughters who told us stories of what it was like growing up in such a magical place. Can you imagine!? She still lives on Isola del Garda, alongside her family and children, who get to experience the same wonders as she did. Although she was telling us that her children have to learn how to drive a boat at a young age in case of emergencies. They are on a private island after all! She walked us through the incredible gardens that her mother, Countess Alberta, still loves to maintain. They were some of the most fragrant roses I’ve ever smelled!

We got a tour of the Neo-Gothic-Venetian inspired villa and walked through the various terraces filled with gardens and mazes. From each terrace, you have a spectacular view of the lake that glistened in the afternoon sun.

After our tour was done, we hopped back on the boat heading back to Villa Feltrinelli.

When we got back, the pool was calling our names, so we ran upstairs and changed into our swimsuits (I’m wearing this Kate Spade one), ordered a round of bellinis and jumped it. It was the perfect end to an absolutely wonderful day!