Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House is a peaceful corner in Santa Margherita Ligure overlooking the Gulf of Portofino. Already in May two years ago it should have joined our #Sognidoro but Otto’s sudden illness and the consequent surgery he received in Milan to solve the twisting of the stomach we had made us postpone the appointment.
Villa Gelsomino in Santa Margherita Ligure
This year both we and the all-female team of Villa Gelsomino have decided to pick up on that promise and we wanted to keep it. So we landed in one of the most beautiful tourist resorts in Liguria, elegant and nestled in the hills of the Golfo di Tigullio, where this refined residence was built in 1874, which boasts frescoed vaults and original floors, but above all a wonderful terrace overlooking the sea.
Around the villa an inviting Italian garden where lemon trees coexist with Mediterranean plants and scents where even the four-legged ones can unwind under the tall palm trees planted one hundred and fifty years ago.
Furry friends are also allowed in the six large, charming rooms, all equipped with king-size beds and carefully chosen furnishings. The names of the rooms refer to the territory, one of the most extraordinary in Italy, that of the Ligurian coasts between Cinque Terre, Golfo del Tigullio and Golfo Paradiso. The Deluxe Room is dedicated to the Cinque Terre, the Standard Rooms are Monterosso and Portovenere, while the three Suites are named after Camogli, Portofino and San Fruttuoso.
But what makes this already enchanting place truly special due to its location is the team that takes care of it and pampers its two and four-legged customers. Barbara, Giorgia and Maya will make you spend the perfect holiday, from the delicious continental breakfast in the morning in the Ligurian version with focaccia and homemade desserts, to the aperitif enjoyed on the terrace between the sky and the sea with the wonderful sunset light that turns everything pink and gold.
Speaking of breakfast, to avoid any waste, you can choose from a wide range of proposals that is sent via whatsapp upon arrival: by filling in the form online, you request what you want to find on the table the following morning, ranging from sweet to savory among homemade cakes, yoghurt, croissants, eggs and bacon, avocado toast and, of course, Genoese focaccia.
The jams with the nice name “Belin” are home-made, as are the honey and the juice extract which varies every day and comes from the garden of Villa Gelsomino.
100% certified green energy is used in the Villa and there is a column for recharging guests’ electric cars, who can also rent electric scooters and two e-cycles to move around in an ecological way by discovering the area.
The structure is totally plastic free and at guests’ disposal there are charming old glass bottles that can be filled at the dispensers located in the halls on the upper and lower floors with still or sparkling water, microfiltered and free.
Upon arrival, Giorgia welcomed us who, together with Maya and Barbara, decided in the midst of the pandemic to give new life to this splendid villa which was not in good condition: the first floor was completely abandoned and only a small portion of the house was still inhabited from the last owners, the Bruno family of Rapallo. They told us that it was not easy to restore the house to its splendor and create this little paradise, above all because the works have undergone continuous stop and go due to the period. But there were also nice surprises: by cleaning up the garden, paths and flower beds emerged that had been completely covered by vegetation.
Upon entering we had a déjà-vu: the large hall with the staircase leading to the main floor reminded us of the houses we visited in the city of Trinidad in Cuba. Impossible? But no, as we discovered by listening to the story of Villa Gelsomino, built together with its twin located a few meters away, by a family that had made its fortune with trade in the Antilles. As evidence of this, a large fresco that reproduces the view of a stretch of coast complete with tall palm trees and sailing ships.
And all the architecture of the villa represents a mix of tropical and local styles such as the frescoed ceilings and the perfectly preserved Genoese grit floor. Later, passing from hand to hand, it was also home to an orphanage: it was exciting for the girls to hear the stories of those who had lived there as a child and returned to visit them and admire their Exclusive House.
The villa, perfect for a romantic getaway in all seasons, is open all year round, offers free private parking, is pet-friendly and adult only given its location which can present difficulties for families with small children. Through a long staircase you go down to the beach and you reach the railway station, from which you can leave for Camogli or the Cinque Terre.
This is a land that must be discovered slowly and Villa Gelsomino represents the ideal starting point to do so: in this oasis of well-being, the waves of the sea cradle dreams, the view takes your breath away, the scents inebriate warm evenings that herald summer and a mini heated swimming pool with whirlpool is ready to put you at peace with the world. There is also the possibility of massages and treatments in the intimacy of one’s suite and, in collaboration with a local restaurant, even dining on the terrace.
Together with our Otto we were welcomed in the bright San Fruttuoso Suite with a spectacular view of the garden and the sea: we arrived tired and exhausted after a hard period and a long journey, but we immediately relaxed thanks to the atmosphere breathe within these walls and the love and devotion that Barbara, Giorgia and Maya dedicate to their guests. Villa Gelsomino will remain in our hearts!
Villa Gelsomino
Via Assunta Costa, 31 – Santa Margherita Ligure (Genova)
Info: + 39 348 6117923 – info@villa-gelsomino.com
www.villa-gelsomino.com
