Archive for 'On the Coast'

For those dreaming of a perfect seaside break in Italy, Sicily is one destination that offers an endless list of gorgeous coastal towns, resorts, and little coves and bays that can be enjoyed on all sorts of days at the beach. From days spent luxuriating at beach resorts with a well-made cocktail, to holidays where water sports are tried for the first time or skills are improved upon, to escaping to a little gem where you can enjoy the sound of the lapping waves and enjoy peace and quiet – there’s a perfect beach option for anyone who books a villa in Sicily.

Among all of the pretty seaside towns and areas on the island, however, we think that one of the most picturesque and charming of all has to be Scopello. Located on the north-west of the island, this little village is in the Province of Trapani, 10km from Castellammare del Golfo, and borders the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. Down in a little bay, framed by green hills and striking cliffs, looking out onto impressive rock stacks jutting out of impossibly blue waters, is a collection of charming stone buildings that constitute this photogenic village.

Perfectly located in a peaceful and tranquil spot, surrounded by an olive grove, just 3km from the famous, “White City,” of Ostuni and 4km from the sea, Villa Vea is a stunning luxury villa in Apulia that offers guests a dream break from daily life. With sea views, a gorgeous pool area, complete privacy, and a team of staff providing various extra services to guests, this sleek villa has every bell and whistle that one could ask for if they are looking to get away from it all, unwind, and totally relax. Sleeping up to eight guests in four en suite bedrooms, with an additional two bathrooms (for a total of six), and with a slew of extra services, Villa Vea is the definition of luxury.

There are many tourist destinations that people have seen and imagined visiting for years but that have also become increasingly more popular. The worry, then, is whether or not your visit is going to be impeded by the crowds that now flock to the area? Take, for example, the Cinque Terre of Italy. This line of five villages along a stretch of the coast in the region of Liguria is known for its impossibly picturesque and photogenic beauty, drawing many admirers from all over the world throughout the year but especially during the summer months. But is it worth booking a villa on the Cinque Terre today? Can one still enjoy a vacation in this area or have the tourist crowds ruined it for everyone?

For a true luxury experience that is undeniably specific to Apulia, Masseria Isaia is the perfect way to go. A historic masseria, a type of fortified farmhouse estate typically built in Apulia in the 16th century, this incredible property is spacious, lovely, and abounds in character and style. Located minutes from the gorgeous coastline and the famous, “white city,” of Ostuni, right in the Piana degli Ulivi Monumentali, a large expanse of the region that is cultivated with olive trees, the villa is surrounded by centuries-old and thousand-year-old trees, with the glittering city and sea visible in the distance. It would be hard to imagine a dreamier location for a holiday in Apulia!

To almost the very south of Sicily, not far from the stunning Baroque city of Noto, you will find the dreamy little hamlet of Marzamemi. A historic fishing village, it has a charming old centre that dates back to the 18th century. Clustered around the Piazza Regina Margherita and looking out onto perfect beaches, Marzamemi is characterised by pretty little buildings draped in flowers, elegant open spaces, dining on colourful tables and chairs directly overlooking the sea, historic architectural gems, and a relaxed atmosphere.

This is one of those little places that one discovers on a holiday and with which one falls irrevocably in love. It is one of those gems of a destination that draw those in the know back time and time again. If you want to discover it for yourself, then we recommend a stay at Villa Paolina, a gorgeous two-bedroom villa with a private pool and sweeping sea views, just outside of town.