Take me back to summers in Italy where the cicadas buzz and the Cypress trees grandly sway in the breeze. To long lunches in the shade and sleepy afternoons by the pool. Warm evenings strolling through the town and late ice-creams at the gelateria. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...

There's nothing like February in Cornwall to get the wanderlust sparking and the mind dreaming of holidays gone-by. The sweet smells of warm suncream and cold gin & tonics. The relaxed flip flop of feet on warm paved streets and the smells of bountiful Mediterranean cooking. 

The beautiful Borgo Torale  is located above Lake Trasimeno in Umbria, the 'green heart' of Italy. Once a small hamlet the Borgo is perfect for a family holiday or a gathering with friends - the relaxed ambience means you really can make it your own. The owner, Roberto is a true Italian gentleman and so warm and welcoming. He loves the bambinos!

Of course, Ebb Flow on location couldn't miss the opportunity for a photo shoot by the pool. In the shade of the olive tree, and adorned in ponchos and towels, the children look pretty chilled. 

We did promise them an ice-cream in return!

Is there anything better than hanging out by a pool in the warm summer sunshine - when the biggest decision of the day is what time you should open the bar, and whether you can be bothered to go for another dip! 

Dappled olive tree shade makes for some lovely shots.

Exploring beautiful Umbria and Tuscany is a total joy. Medieval hilltop towns such as Cortona, Montepulciano and San Gimignano are picturesque and truly magical. Head out to find backstreet cafes for a cup of the finest coffee, a lazy lunch of simple and delicious chichetti and then just one more gelato because you're on holiday! Be sure to absorb every last drop of this Italian loveliness, grab it with both hands and all of your senses.   

Back to Cornwall in February where the rain is slicing horizontally from the Atlantic and the cold wind blows. The hedonistic summer days definitely seem a long distant memory. But then we glance outside and daffodils are in bloom, the birds are tweeting, the days are getting longer and there's a sense in the air that summer really is just around the corner.