ABBADIA SAN GIORGIO
Frescoed former abbey on the Ligurian coast
THE ABUNDANT CHARMS of Abbadia San Giorgio – a former 15th century monastery in the heart of cliffy Moneglia – could tempt a saint. From its frescoed garden cloisters to its elegant four-posters, this luxury B&B on the scenic Ligurian coast has been finished to perfection. Every detail has been thought through with care, from the antique framed mirrors and objets d’art to the rich drapery and mahogany bedsteads.
A hidden gem, Abbadia San Giorgio is tailor-made for romantic getaways. You’ll be surrounded by history in this centuries-old residence, walking on original marble and terracotta floors and breakfasting around a large table in the monks’ old refectory – though we doubt they would have tucked into the array of fresh pastries, fruits and organic yoghurts you’ll find waiting today.
Hit the Spot:
In the lovely village of Moneglia.
Bedtime:
Rooms have cool marble floor, antiques and elegant drapery.
Be Savvy:
Bells from the church tower may wake you – at a civilised 8.30.
Be Smitten:
Bags of family-run warmth in a unique setting.
Deliciously cool pool
Our vast bedroom came with tall shutters, original tiled terracotta floor, silken bed covers and a burnished antique armoire. An immaculate bathroom had a shower with enough jets to spritz you anywhere you liked, and was stocked with beautifully wrapped olive oil based toiletries.
Moneglia's centuries-old caruggi (narrow alleys), churches and porticoes provide some great exploring. You're just two minutes from the beach here (we were down in the water in no time), and the palm-lined main boulevard is sprinkled with outdoor cafes perfect for a late-night gelato. Backed by high wooded hills, the town's streets of tall pastel-painted villas are a treat to the eye.
As well as being just steps away from the sands and blue waters of Liguria's Riviera del Tigullio, the Abbadia is just five minutes from the rail station. You can dine on local Ligurian specialities at the excellent restaurant of sister hotel Villa Edera, just up the road. This also has a pool and sun terrace for afternoon siestas.
We loved the open-air gallery with easy chairs just outside our door, where a glass of vino went down a treat to the background of a symphony of church bells before we headed out for dinner. Abbadia San Giorgio's friendly family owners will bend over backwards to help ensure you enjoy your stay.
Abbadia San Giorgio was reviewed for Room for Romance by Claudia Vicenzi
RATES: EUR 180-280 Minimum stay: Three nights
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Though only breakfast is served at the Abbadia, guests are welcome to dine at the nearby Hotel Villa Edera which offers typical Ligurian dishes such as verdure ripiene alla Genovese and pansoti in salsa di noci.
Dining out
La Ruota and Campagna d’Angio – both in Moneglia – come highly recommended. We also loved Limonatta – a charming, family-run trattoria just five minutes from Abbadia San Giorgio, with checked tablecloths and delicious deep-fried dough balls for you to nibble on while the main course arrives. There are also some good nearby restaurants up in the hills, whose owners will happily arrange transport for you there and back – saving late-night drives back into Moneglia on winding roads.
Where?
Hotel Villa Edera – the Abbadia's sister hotel.
What’s cooking?
Traditional Ligurian cuisine such as orata alla ligure. Vegetarians also have a great choice of dishes (something of a rarity in Italy) and it’s all gluten free.
Dress the part
Relax – you're on holiday.
Top table?
Out on the terrace gazing at the hills.
See & Do
There's plenty to keep you busy here. Wannabe gourmets can brush up their skills at one of Abbadia San Giorgio's Ligurian cooking classes, or book a guided tour to one of the local olive oil mills and wine cellars.The Cinque Terre national park and valley of Varese Ligure are musts for keen walkers, while the old town of Moneglia, with its churches and palazzi, begs exploration.
Shop
Abbadia San Giorgio has its own shop where you can stock up on hand-milled soaps, olive oil, homemade preserves, wine and grappa. There are also some nice little artisan shops in the town.
Spa
Sister Hotel Edera has a sauna and pool, and you can always try nature's own spa on the private beach.
After dark
Sip an aperitivo before dinner and a digestivo after on the open-air gallery outside your room. Wander through though Moneglia's narrow streets to walk it off
Dates
May-September
Moneglia plays host to a classical music festival that's a feast for the ears.
July
Fireworks light up the sky during the Festivitá del Santo Cristo.
Location
Piazzale San Giorgio, 16030 Moneglia
Parking
For a small fee you can park in either the open-air parking lot or the covered garage
Trains
Moneglia is only a five minute walk away
Taxis
EUR 100-120 from the airport.
Airport
Genoa – 60km
Rooms and suites
6 rooms and 2 suites
Special features
The suites have four poster beds and all rooms have a jacuzzi/shower, LCD TVs and wi-fi.
Also…
There's a pool at the Abbadia's sister hotel and a private beach just 50m away.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180 - 280
Open/closed
Closed 6 November – 6 December
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Generally three nights
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10am. Expect homemade pastries and preserves in addition to Ligurian delicacies, all sourced locally.
Room service
Late risers can have their breakfast in bed
Children
Over-12s are welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
Italian, English, French and German
Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 100 guests can be catered for.
Your contact
Orietta Schiaffino Sella – owner
