Neilson’s Airone hotel is a pretty in pink
affair with a modern look and
rooms/villas to suit all requirements. A
massive swimming pool, newly erected
tennis courts, kids club and piazza bar
and spacious restaurant round off the
in house facilities. And then there’s the
beach…
Stroll through the dense pine forest and you emerge to a stunning view
across the bay. There’s plenty of sun lounging space available with the
obligatory watersports kit – featuring dinghies, windsurfing boards and sails,
kayaks and SUPs – spread out to the right. A grandiose safety tower, with
ever vigilant Neilson staff AND Italian lifeguards, keep watch as guests frolic
in the brine. All in Airone whiffs of ‘new’ and anyone visiting for the first time
will be impressed by the set up.
Stand up paddling Airone style
For those into stand up paddling a fleet of Red Paddle Ride inflatables perch
on a rack at the far end of the beach next to the kayaks. Seasoned paddlers
will find these a doddle to pilot whilst newbies will get to grips with stand up
atop this very craft. Paddles are adjustable so there’s no issue with your
engine’s shaft being the wrong length and all boards come with coiled leash
as standard.
Out for a float and mornings with light offshores provide the smoothest
water. Sweeping along the coast, in either direction (albeit staying in the
large sailing area), will get the blood pumping. Heading further out will see a
sweat inducing upwind slog back to shore if the breeze picks up – great for a
bit of SUP fitness. If you’re a group of stand up friends then why not take the
Red Ride XL for a spin – spills and laughs abound.
During our stay we experienced a bunch of onshore days where the
chop/swell increased significantly. So much so that it was good for a spot of
wave gliding. (For those with experience the possibility of riding these small
wa ves in SUP surfing mode is more than doable). A shallow area extends from
shore towards the left hand side of the sailing area which is where the
steepest/suckiest lumps could be found. Although you’re not here to actually
SUP surf if you should luck into one of these sessions then I’m pretty sure
you’ll be beaming.
For the touring aficionado Neilson staff can organise longer excursions away
from the hotel. If you fancy burning up the miles there’s certainly this
opportunity – check in with the guys when making yourself known at the
beach. For everyone else dabbling with paddle is par for the course Airone
being an awesome spot for getting your kiddies into SUP and taking their
first strokes (kiddy paddles are also available).
Other stuff (water)
As much as SUPers will be wanting to get afloat and sweep there are plenty
of other on water activities to sink your chops into. Those big things with
sails, often called dinghies, are begging you to test drive them whilst
standing with a boom in your hand (windsurfing) may also be on the cards.
Sit down paddling is an option for those not wanting to elevate themselves
too much and if all else fails then just go for a swim. Fear not those without
prior experience of the above as Neilson staff deliver a range of lessons
throughout each week which will have you up to speed in no time.
During our stay we enjoyed a few decent blows which saw the windsurfer in
us getting a fix. Although billed as a light wind centre it was nice to get a
blast in the bag across five days – not a bad hit rate for a low breeze resort!
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