HEATED SWIMMING POOL for late September vacation..... Italy or Spain.
Apr 2nd, 2013, 11:46 AM
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HEATED SWIMMING POOL for late September vacation..... Italy or Spain.
Looking for ideas in northern/NE Spain (Costa Brava, Asturias, Cantabria, País Vasco) or, perhaps, Italy. Open to anyplace!!
We are 2 serious swimmers who would like to vacation for a week or two in a hotel or private rental with a large heated pool (at least 15 meters in length).
Looked, especially, at hotels in and around Begur, but pools do not seem to be heated which would be a must in late September.
Would also like to learn of options on the Italian coast....we've been to Puglia several times but might want to consider another area this year...would consider Liguria, anywhere along Adriatic Coast..etc, etc.
Many thanks to any and all who can contribute to this rather wide-ranging request...
We are 2 serious swimmers who would like to vacation for a week or two in a hotel or private rental with a large heated pool (at least 15 meters in length).
Looked, especially, at hotels in and around Begur, but pools do not seem to be heated which would be a must in late September.
Would also like to learn of options on the Italian coast....we've been to Puglia several times but might want to consider another area this year...would consider Liguria, anywhere along Adriatic Coast..etc, etc.
Many thanks to any and all who can contribute to this rather wide-ranging request...
Apr 2nd, 2013, 11:53 AM
#2
hi eck,
nice to see you again.
are you sure that you need a heated pool in spain/italy in September? the water should have had the whole of the summer to warm up and it's certainly when the sea is at its warmest. even in Cornwall I find that I can go swimming in it then!
most of the hotels visited by package tour Brits will have pools, probably quite large ones, but you'd need to look at the sorts of resorts that they tend to like which I doubt would be to your taste. Rimini would be a place to start!
nice to see you again.
are you sure that you need a heated pool in spain/italy in September? the water should have had the whole of the summer to warm up and it's certainly when the sea is at its warmest. even in Cornwall I find that I can go swimming in it then!
most of the hotels visited by package tour Brits will have pools, probably quite large ones, but you'd need to look at the sorts of resorts that they tend to like which I doubt would be to your taste. Rimini would be a place to start!
Apr 2nd, 2013, 12:05 PM
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Well you did mention Adriatic, so have you been to Croatia yet? I read about this hotel recently, hence the off-topic suggestion: http://www.lonehotel.com/en/activiti...ches_and_pools (next to Monte Mulini)
Apr 2nd, 2013, 12:15 PM
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Didn't like the location of this hotel but it has indoor and outdoor pools, though it's hard to tell from the video how long the inside one is:
http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels...scription.aspx
http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels...scription.aspx
Apr 2nd, 2013, 12:51 PM
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Any place where they have thermal waters in Italy. Hotel Petrarca Terme in Montegrotto Terme has the largest pool in the twin towns of Abano and Montegrotto Terme. Close to Padova and many gardens/villas/smaller walled towns to visit around. While the hotel is not memorable - there are others more posh - the pools are good and the area is to be discovered.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 04:00 AM
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Thanks, everyone for your responses and good ideas to follow up. I just wrote several paragraphs that have not disappeared, so forgive me if I do not take the time to type all of this again.
Bedar: If you noticed my report, I did not discuss the rental in Gaucin much. It was not as advertised, in that the pool was heated to only 60F. AFter being told several tales of why this was so, and having heard promises that the pool would be fixed, if only the fix-it person could be located. Fixit person is not to be found. Pool system cannot work if outdoor temp os less than a certain limit....on and on. BEcause we had chosen that rental specifically for the pool (my original travel partner was looking for a winter rental to work on a book for NEXT winter and this was a reconnaissance foray for her), we were disappointed. The dismal weather did not help, and we checked out a day early and headed to Malaga.
Details are in my report and I will happy to answer any and all further questions:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-malaga.cfm
Yorkshire: I've not been to Croatia since it has been independent, and since I hitchiked along that coast to Dubrovnik! Maybe time to return!
MIlena: Had not thought of the spa towns in Italy and will do some reading on those.Also the spa towns in Tuscany (???)
Perhaps I jumped the gun with this post, and ought to keep in mind how limiting my quest for a pool would be......and how many wonderful places I would exclude (Abruzzo, Le Marche, Umbria, and on and on--places I've either not been or have only dipped my toe in the water, so to speak....) by keeping this at the top of the list...will do some reading and return later!!
Thanks, once again, to all of you who are so helpful! And Ann, maybe time I bought a wetsuit!!!!!!!
Bedar: If you noticed my report, I did not discuss the rental in Gaucin much. It was not as advertised, in that the pool was heated to only 60F. AFter being told several tales of why this was so, and having heard promises that the pool would be fixed, if only the fix-it person could be located. Fixit person is not to be found. Pool system cannot work if outdoor temp os less than a certain limit....on and on. BEcause we had chosen that rental specifically for the pool (my original travel partner was looking for a winter rental to work on a book for NEXT winter and this was a reconnaissance foray for her), we were disappointed. The dismal weather did not help, and we checked out a day early and headed to Malaga.
Details are in my report and I will happy to answer any and all further questions:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-malaga.cfm
Yorkshire: I've not been to Croatia since it has been independent, and since I hitchiked along that coast to Dubrovnik! Maybe time to return!
MIlena: Had not thought of the spa towns in Italy and will do some reading on those.Also the spa towns in Tuscany (???)
Perhaps I jumped the gun with this post, and ought to keep in mind how limiting my quest for a pool would be......and how many wonderful places I would exclude (Abruzzo, Le Marche, Umbria, and on and on--places I've either not been or have only dipped my toe in the water, so to speak....) by keeping this at the top of the list...will do some reading and return later!!
Thanks, once again, to all of you who are so helpful! And Ann, maybe time I bought a wetsuit!!!!!!!
Apr 3rd, 2013, 07:41 AM
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Yes, I read your other report, but Gaucin and Malaga were barely mentioned. Anyway, sorry to hear the pool in Gaucin didn't work out. Ya never know about rentals. The tales you were told sound like the Spain of old where nothing much worked. Oh well. Did you have any great meals in Malaga ?
Apr 3rd, 2013, 07:55 AM
#10
And Ann, maybe time I bought a wetsuit!!!!!!!>>
funny, eck - we went to St Agnes yesterday on the Cornish north coast and there must have been a dozen surfers out there in their wetsuits.
the water is VERY cold this time of year, and worse than usual this year because of all the bad weather we've had. i won't be going in until August.
funny, eck - we went to St Agnes yesterday on the Cornish north coast and there must have been a dozen surfers out there in their wetsuits.
the water is VERY cold this time of year, and worse than usual this year because of all the bad weather we've had. i won't be going in until August.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 08:04 AM
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Hi! I thought I had mentioned the meals in Malaga here but not yet..
Three nights in the city of Malaga closed our recent 17-day visit to Spain and even though our meanderings were hampered somewhat by dismal weather, we were captivated. The Malaguenos are often lauded for their warmth and hospitality, and based on the welcome we received at the markets and eateries we visited, this reputation is well deserved.
ATARAZANAS MARKET. We chose our hotel partly for its proximity to Malaga’s main food market, and this proved to be a wise idea, as we paid several visits to this architecturally impressive temple of food where, here again, we were struck by the friendliness and the willingness to inform casual visitors about the products on offer. I stocked up on Marcona almonds—both raw and toasted with olive oil and salt—and the D.O. pasas de Malaga, raisins made from sun-dried Moscatel grapes. Belying the proximity of North Africa, and their use in Andaluz cooking, dried fruits were also much in evidence.
( I wish I had brought home a kilo of figs and a few slices of the fig cake, known as Pan de Higo.) My favorite discovery here came from one of several halal butchers: M’semen, known as panuelos, or “handkerchiefs in Spanish, a flaky Moroccan bread lavished with clarified butter, or s’men.
LA CAMPANA
One of many quintessentially Malagueno seafood bars clustered in the pedestrianized city center, this one has garnered good reports on Spanish food sites and a few minutes past the 8:30pm opening, the place was clogged with what appeared to be locals, chowing down on all manner of fried and steamed seafood. My order was minuscule: Tortillita de Camarones, a battered pancake composed of bits of shrimp in a batter of wheat and garbanzo flour that reminded me of a less greasy version of the emblematic Puerto Rican bacalaito, made here with shrimp instead of bacalao. Total for tortillita and a glass of local wine, 3.80e.
Calle Granada, #35.
TAPEO DE CERVANTES
While part of its popularity must stem from its very early opening time—7:30 for dinner—this miniscule place near the teatro de Cervantes in the center, appears to deserve its reputation for creative tapas in a city oriented more toward the traditional. Owners and staff hail from Argentina and there are many Argentine wines on the list. Ten minutes past opening time every one of the perhaps 10 tables, and the few seats at the bar and counter, were filled.
We began with two of the day’s specials; each of our four dishes were tapas, the smallest portion available.
Grilled mushrooms (these looked and tasted like porcini but were listed only as “setas,” the generic name for all mushrooms). Sliced lengthwise, grilled with olive oil and topped with bits of jamon, this deceptively simple dish was a standout and one of the many dishes I still crave, more than a week after that dinner.
Carrillada de Jabalí..Served in a cocotte, this was the tender, braised cheek of the boar, served in a light guisado, or stew. High marks from my partner.
From the main menu:
Sauteed Chipirones (small squid) with balsamic (?)-laced spinach. Excellent rendition of a personal favorite.
Croquetas de Pollo con Mermelada de Pina. My partner ordered the emblematic tapa, every chance he got. These were better than most; served with pineapple marmelade.
We would have remained longer to sample more dishes but the temperature inside the restaurant became very hot, not surprising in such a tiny space. Desserts appear to be a strong point.
Reservations are taken, and diners at reserved tables can order from the tapas menu and are not, as in many places we visited in Seville, confined to raciones or half raciones. The restaurant is open for Sunday dinner; closed Mondays. Calle Carcer, #8.
HERMANOS ROLDAN. Excellent ice cream (smallest size: 2 euro; my personal favorite flavors: dulce de leche and turron) in the city center. Fresh orange juice for 1.50e small; 2e large. Popular gathering spot. Calle Especeria.
More soon, to include Dani Garcia’s Manzanilla Bar, and a fried fish lunch at the beach.
Three nights in the city of Malaga closed our recent 17-day visit to Spain and even though our meanderings were hampered somewhat by dismal weather, we were captivated. The Malaguenos are often lauded for their warmth and hospitality, and based on the welcome we received at the markets and eateries we visited, this reputation is well deserved.
ATARAZANAS MARKET. We chose our hotel partly for its proximity to Malaga’s main food market, and this proved to be a wise idea, as we paid several visits to this architecturally impressive temple of food where, here again, we were struck by the friendliness and the willingness to inform casual visitors about the products on offer. I stocked up on Marcona almonds—both raw and toasted with olive oil and salt—and the D.O. pasas de Malaga, raisins made from sun-dried Moscatel grapes. Belying the proximity of North Africa, and their use in Andaluz cooking, dried fruits were also much in evidence.
( I wish I had brought home a kilo of figs and a few slices of the fig cake, known as Pan de Higo.) My favorite discovery here came from one of several halal butchers: M’semen, known as panuelos, or “handkerchiefs in Spanish, a flaky Moroccan bread lavished with clarified butter, or s’men.
LA CAMPANA
One of many quintessentially Malagueno seafood bars clustered in the pedestrianized city center, this one has garnered good reports on Spanish food sites and a few minutes past the 8:30pm opening, the place was clogged with what appeared to be locals, chowing down on all manner of fried and steamed seafood. My order was minuscule: Tortillita de Camarones, a battered pancake composed of bits of shrimp in a batter of wheat and garbanzo flour that reminded me of a less greasy version of the emblematic Puerto Rican bacalaito, made here with shrimp instead of bacalao. Total for tortillita and a glass of local wine, 3.80e.
Calle Granada, #35.
TAPEO DE CERVANTES
While part of its popularity must stem from its very early opening time—7:30 for dinner—this miniscule place near the teatro de Cervantes in the center, appears to deserve its reputation for creative tapas in a city oriented more toward the traditional. Owners and staff hail from Argentina and there are many Argentine wines on the list. Ten minutes past opening time every one of the perhaps 10 tables, and the few seats at the bar and counter, were filled.
We began with two of the day’s specials; each of our four dishes were tapas, the smallest portion available.
Grilled mushrooms (these looked and tasted like porcini but were listed only as “setas,” the generic name for all mushrooms). Sliced lengthwise, grilled with olive oil and topped with bits of jamon, this deceptively simple dish was a standout and one of the many dishes I still crave, more than a week after that dinner.
Carrillada de Jabalí..Served in a cocotte, this was the tender, braised cheek of the boar, served in a light guisado, or stew. High marks from my partner.
From the main menu:
Sauteed Chipirones (small squid) with balsamic (?)-laced spinach. Excellent rendition of a personal favorite.
Croquetas de Pollo con Mermelada de Pina. My partner ordered the emblematic tapa, every chance he got. These were better than most; served with pineapple marmelade.
We would have remained longer to sample more dishes but the temperature inside the restaurant became very hot, not surprising in such a tiny space. Desserts appear to be a strong point.
Reservations are taken, and diners at reserved tables can order from the tapas menu and are not, as in many places we visited in Seville, confined to raciones or half raciones. The restaurant is open for Sunday dinner; closed Mondays. Calle Carcer, #8.
HERMANOS ROLDAN. Excellent ice cream (smallest size: 2 euro; my personal favorite flavors: dulce de leche and turron) in the city center. Fresh orange juice for 1.50e small; 2e large. Popular gathering spot. Calle Especeria.
More soon, to include Dani Garcia’s Manzanilla Bar, and a fried fish lunch at the beach.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 11:12 AM
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eck - heated to what temperature?
Having swum - in my youth - in LocH Lomond, North Berwick and the bay of Tobermory I have had enough of cold water and look for warmer climes.
I am a fan of Abruzzo and would strongly recommend - http://www.hvillamaria.it/index.html
The weather should still be warm and the pool too.
Also I highly recommend Ristorante La Barcaccia in Pescara - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...a_Abruzzo.html.
I added the TA link for the phone number etc. Forget the rating. The food is fantastic. I have been there at least 15 times and go there every time I visit Pescara. In fact I have never NEVER eaten a "secondo". The antipasti are amazing - caldi, freddi e crudi. One follows after another and the crudi are out of this world - especially scampi crudi. In Pescara if the weather is bad the best fish restaurants don't open! Also locals buy fish as the French do baguettes - twice a day. I have been to a fishmonger in the afternoon waiting for the consignment of fish at four in the afternoon to buy for dinner.
At La Barcaccia after roughly twelve/fifteen piatti of antipasti I have spaghetti allo scoglio e poi BASTA. Sono pieno!
Final recommendation - just below the hotel you will find the cantine of Pasetti - http://www.pasettivini.it/en/ - visit them. Their wines are incredible.
Having swum - in my youth - in LocH Lomond, North Berwick and the bay of Tobermory I have had enough of cold water and look for warmer climes.
I am a fan of Abruzzo and would strongly recommend - http://www.hvillamaria.it/index.html
The weather should still be warm and the pool too.
Also I highly recommend Ristorante La Barcaccia in Pescara - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...a_Abruzzo.html.
I added the TA link for the phone number etc. Forget the rating. The food is fantastic. I have been there at least 15 times and go there every time I visit Pescara. In fact I have never NEVER eaten a "secondo". The antipasti are amazing - caldi, freddi e crudi. One follows after another and the crudi are out of this world - especially scampi crudi. In Pescara if the weather is bad the best fish restaurants don't open! Also locals buy fish as the French do baguettes - twice a day. I have been to a fishmonger in the afternoon waiting for the consignment of fish at four in the afternoon to buy for dinner.
At La Barcaccia after roughly twelve/fifteen piatti of antipasti I have spaghetti allo scoglio e poi BASTA. Sono pieno!
Final recommendation - just below the hotel you will find the cantine of Pasetti - http://www.pasettivini.it/en/ - visit them. Their wines are incredible.
Apr 4th, 2013, 03:48 AM
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Nochblad: Your advice is always spot on. YOu are one of the posters here I would like to meet up with someday!
I had not heard of, no less considered, the places you mention. I am all for sampling areas of Italy that are off usual tourist track. Pool has to be long enough to swim serious lengths....50 feet in length. Love the Villa Maria but from the photos that looks like a pool for lounging, not fast swimming. (???) Do they have a large pool not shown in snaps? Would need to work off the piatti di antipasti!
In September, from experience, the pools must be heated to minimum of 80F, or preferably 82F for long swims. I have tried quite a few that are not and while they are ok for a quick refreshing "dip," they are not warm enough without heat to support an hour or two in the water.
Serious, I know it sounds strange..the whole pool idea. It was just a thought.....but now you have me interested in the Abruzzo, Pescara, and that entire coast north of Gargano. (and even Gargano, if only it were not so out of the way for a driving trip; see link below)
http://www.torredeipreti.it/it/
I had not heard of, no less considered, the places you mention. I am all for sampling areas of Italy that are off usual tourist track. Pool has to be long enough to swim serious lengths....50 feet in length. Love the Villa Maria but from the photos that looks like a pool for lounging, not fast swimming. (???) Do they have a large pool not shown in snaps? Would need to work off the piatti di antipasti!
In September, from experience, the pools must be heated to minimum of 80F, or preferably 82F for long swims. I have tried quite a few that are not and while they are ok for a quick refreshing "dip," they are not warm enough without heat to support an hour or two in the water.
Serious, I know it sounds strange..the whole pool idea. It was just a thought.....but now you have me interested in the Abruzzo, Pescara, and that entire coast north of Gargano. (and even Gargano, if only it were not so out of the way for a driving trip; see link below)
http://www.torredeipreti.it/it/
Apr 4th, 2013, 03:50 AM
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Noch: My error: Yes, Villa Maria has large outdoor pool...will inquire about heating..looks good.
I became so interested in this area after reading the Matthew Fort book about cruising mainland Italy on his bike! GReat lead!!! Thank you!!
I became so interested in this area after reading the Matthew Fort book about cruising mainland Italy on his bike! GReat lead!!! Thank you!!
Apr 4th, 2013, 06:39 AM
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Yesterday I did a quick search but did not know if 28 Celsius would suit you. Since you mentioned the 82 F, take a look at this hotel. The area might be closer to what you had in mind.
http://www.villadicarlo.it/default.asp?id=366
http://www.villadicarlo.it/default.asp?id=366
Apr 4th, 2013, 07:30 AM
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I've not read all the replies but have you considered a hotel near an indoor public pool?
Years ago when I swam daily, I would do this when traveling, particularly on business.
We haven't heated our pool yet so a lightweight wet suit extends my "season" by about six weeks on either end and would work for your timeframe. You also could well hit a late heatwave or Indian summer but no way to predict that.
Good luck.
Years ago when I swam daily, I would do this when traveling, particularly on business.
We haven't heated our pool yet so a lightweight wet suit extends my "season" by about six weeks on either end and would work for your timeframe. You also could well hit a late heatwave or Indian summer but no way to predict that.
Good luck.
Apr 6th, 2013, 03:50 AM
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Milena that hotel looks lovely. But I do not think that the outdoor pool is heated.....
Cath: Happy to hear from another swimmer.....sometime I will relate the tale of my attempts to buy a wetsuit at a sporting goods store in NYC....suffice to say it took me about 20 minutes to get one arm in! It was comical, to say the least. And who is going to pull up the back zipper for me each time I want to swim? I know I have more work to do on this subject....I do wear one of those swim tops/rash guards, but more for sun protection than anything else. Will return to this topic later with you....
Ann: I did read the Sicily book. I liked the other one better, I think, and I gleaned so much info from both about places to put on my travel list!
Cath: Happy to hear from another swimmer.....sometime I will relate the tale of my attempts to buy a wetsuit at a sporting goods store in NYC....suffice to say it took me about 20 minutes to get one arm in! It was comical, to say the least. And who is going to pull up the back zipper for me each time I want to swim? I know I have more work to do on this subject....I do wear one of those swim tops/rash guards, but more for sun protection than anything else. Will return to this topic later with you....
Ann: I did read the Sicily book. I liked the other one better, I think, and I gleaned so much info from both about places to put on my travel list!
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