My mother kept dropping hints about wanting to visit St. Petersinsel (St. Peter Island) on Lake Biel so last year for her birthday we surprised her with an overnight stay in the hotel, which was formerly a convent. Last weekend I accompanied her there. We took the train to Biel and from there boarded the boat which would take us to the island. Technically, it's a peninsula, but it feels like an island. Quiet.

I love boats and any reason to take one, is a good reason. The ride from Biel to the island is only 50 minutes, but it goes by in a flash, especially when there are pretty villages to be seen from the water. We arrived on the island and after a quick lunch, we put on our walking shoes and went off to explore. We found a path which went right along the edge of the water and didn't see another soul. Everyone else walked along the gravel roads. The island is car free and there are plenty of walking and biking paths.

Along the path we heard only the water lapping, birds chirping and the sound of our feet walking through the leaves.

The hotel, which is a Swiss Historic Hotel, has been lovingly restored and modernized. The old convent walls and beautiful hardwood floors can still be seen in some of the rooms. The restaurant serves fresh fish from the lake, wine from the island and beef which grazed on the island's pastures. The food is delicious and served either in the courtyard or in lovely dining rooms overlooking the lake. Breakfast is served in the old convent (wine) cellar and the homemade plum jam is fabulous.

If you need to recharge you batteries, this is the place to go.