Grand Villa Balbi, Liguria

One free night for stays of 7 nights or more for stays completed 13 Sep-12 Oct 08.
Situated within its own gardens and yet located only a few meters from Sestri Levante's beach area, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi is brimming with character.

Once the 17th century home of a prominent Genoese family, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi's impressive entrance leads to the public rooms that have retained the beautiful vaulted, frescoed ceilings and tapestries.

The guestrooms are housed in a more modern wing.

The Grand Hotel Villa Balbi also features a swimming pool set amongst greenery behind the villa.

Embodying the faded grandeur of a bygone era, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi's location in Sestri Levante is convenient for visiting nearby towns such as Rapallo, with its charming 16th castle, and the exclusive Portofino.

By venturing further south, you will come across Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most picturesque stretches of coastline adorned with archetypal fishing villages.

Rooms with bath or shower, television, minibar, hairdryer and safe. Single £11. Half Board £17. 99 air-conditioned rooms (20 in the villa)
Restaurant
Bar
Lounge
Swimming pool (normally in use May-Sep)
Private beach area & beach bar
Lift
Beach charges are included (except in Jul & Aug when charges are payable locally approx. 15 Euros per guest per day, beach normally in use mid May-Sep)
Parking (payable locally approx. 10 Euros per day) Dinner (or lunch) and buffet breakfast.
Minimum stay 3 nights.
 
Liguria, a metaphor of simplicity, Italian style and sophisticated pleasure.

Its two rivieras are divided by the Gulf of Genoa, with the Riviera Ponente bordering the French Côte d'Azur stretching off to Monaco.

The Ponente is a picture book story of pastel houses and green gardens perched on towering cliffs whilst the Riviera Levante presents a more rugged beauty and the ancient maritime republic of Genoa.



THE SIGHTS OF LIGURIA
City of Genoa
The Cinque Terre
Villa Hambury gardens in Ventimiglia
San Fruttuoso Monastery

SAN REMO
Just a stone's throw from the French border is the charming 19th century resort of San Remo, known as the 'town of flowers' and with a fascinating old quarter of steep streets, covered alleys and secret squares contrasting with the elegant and famous resort that has blossomed in the ancient fishing port below.



PORTOFINO
Once a struggling artists' refuge, Portofino has become one of Italy's most exclusive and sought after holiday resorts.

Its harbour is moored with ocean-going yachts and its pedestrian-only streets crammed with a galaxy of designer names and stylish Italian restaurants.



ALASSIO
A favourite of Hemingway, Alassio is spontaneous and fun with a charming old town rising above a former fishing village with spectacular beaches overlooked by the 16th century church of Sant' Ambrogio.

From its bell-tower are spectacular views to Isola Gallinara with its historic Benedictine abbey.



RAPALLO
Set among orange groves and a thriving marina popular with international yachting crews.

Its palm-lined esplanade culminates in a 16th century castle jutting from the harbour.



SESTRI LEVANTE
A stretch of coast close to the promontory of the romantic Cinque Terre.

It has a picturesque sandy beach overlooking a lovely curving peninsula with a congregation of pastel-washed houses.



DIANO MARINA
Surrounded by olive groves, this lies on a wide bay and is a popular beach resort for family holidays.



SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
An enchanting and well-heeled town leads down to a traditional harbour filled with brightly coloured fishing shacks.