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ABBADIA SAN GIORGIO

Frescoed former abbey on the Ligurian coast

THE ABUNDANT CHARMS of Abbadia San Giorgio – a former medieval 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.

A hidden gem – secluded, yet just minutes from the beach – Abbadia San Giorgio is tailor-made for romantic getaways. You’ll be surrounded by history here, 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.

Halfway between Portofino and the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline, Moneglia is close enough to the region’s tourist attractions to make it a great base, while being away from the crowds. The town is sheltered by steep wooded hills.

Hit the Spot:
In the coastal village of Moneglia, complete with sandy beach.

Pillow Talk
Rooms have cool marble floors, 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.

Objets d'art

Every detail has been finished with care, from the antique framed mirrors and objets d’art to the rich fabrics and mahogany bedsteads.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 heaps of body jets, stocked with beautifully wrapped toiletries.

Moneglia's centuries-old caruggi (narrow alleys), churches and porticoes make for 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, Abbadia San Giorgio 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

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
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.

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

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.

Spa
Sister Hotel Edera has a sauna and pool, and you can always try nature's own spa on the private beach.

Diary 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.

GETTING THERE

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 185 - 300

Open/closed
Closed 6 November – 6 December

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
Generally three nights

Children
Over-12s are welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes

Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 100 guests can be catered for.