6 fascinating hotels on the Italian Riviera

Splashed with colors, inviting sparkling blue waters and a coastline with powdery sand beaches and rocky cliffs – the image we paint in our minds is known to everyone as the Italian Riviera, the stretch of coast between France and Tuscany. In Summer, the people crowd to this Ligurian coast for its beautiful scenery and amazing gastronomy.  And in this area, there are 6 luxury hotels that formed a group called The Fascinating Hotels scattered in different towns along the coast, each with their own unique characteristics. La Meridiana Hotel in Garlenda Set in the middle of manicured gardens, an 18-hole golf course and a swimming pool, staying in this five star hotel is a holiday on its own. The hotel is housed in a sprawling two-storey old villa, refurbished to perfection with elegance and coziness. La Meridiana has 27 rooms and suites, each with its own unique character.  It also has two restaurants, Il Rosmarino and Il Bistrot, serving local Ligurian cuisine carefully prepared by their chefs with excellent wines. Villa della Pergola in Alassio With a 22,000 sq. m. lush park filled with Mediterranean flora and exotic evergreens around it, this luxury hotel enjoys a very tranquil and private position overlooking the Gulf of Alassio. The hotel has three 19th Century villas in the premises which house 13 elegant suites. There is a small relaxation pool set in the middle of the gardens. A perfect hotel for those who are looking for complete relaxation immersed in nature. Hotel Punta Est in Finale Ligure Slightly elevated from the sea, but just steps from the beach, this 4-star hotel is housed in an 18th Century summer residence villa which has 40 rooms and suites. Staying in the hotel’s terrace and rooms overlooking the sea, you will enjoy a picturesque view of the beach of Finale Ligure below, with a 12th Century small castle to complete the picture. Aside from a swimming pool, a particularly unique spa is located inside a natural grotto just under the hotel. Palazzo Vescovile in Noli The town and hotel itself is rich in history being the former Bishop’s Residential Palace from 1239 until 1820. Retaining some items in their original state like some frescoes, and the church underneath the hotel, Palazzo Vescovile was refurbished to meet the needs of a modern 4-star luxury hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, Il Vescovado, serves Ligurian cuisine with fresh products prepared by their 2-starred Michelin chef. Arriving at the hotel with their private elevator and funicular from the beach of Noli, the view is beautiful. Palazzo Fieschi in Savignone More inland to a small village called Savignone lies this 16th Century noble residence in the very heart of the town. The 3 star hotel has a big park to enjoy with 24 rooms decorated with period classic Italian furnishings. In its restaurant, you can enjoy classic Ligurian cuisine in its period dining room. Relais Il Casale in Bardino Vecchio Dubbed as a bio-resort in 4-star surroundings, it’s a place for those who are after a holiday of wellness immersed in olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards. The hotel has a wide range of massages, beauty treatments, spa treatments and a large swimming pool with whirlpool. The hotel’s restaurant serves Ligurian food using fresh organic ingredients from the area. It offers diverse types of accommodation ranging from suites to apartments and the newly-constructed private villas with gardens.