Villa Paola, Calabria

ITALYSEA
Dating back to the 16th century, Villa Paola was originally part of a Franciscan convent, converted into a private home in the 1920s and fully restored to an elegant villa in 2000 by Lugano-based architect, Bruno Huber, retaining the warmth and informality of a family-owned hotel.

Stylishly decorated, Villa Paola is a charming, intimate and romantic adults-only escape. Steeped in local history, restaurant De’ Minimi focuses on quality produce with fresh vegetables, pulses and seafood.

At the foot of the villa, in Marina Vescovado di Tropea, lie the estate’s citrus groves and vegetable gardens. Aromatic herbs, tomatoes and Tropea red onions grow in the gardens where monks once stood. Mesmerising views from one of the many manicured terraces overlook the Costa degli Dei, the ‘Coast of the Gods,’ which offer an unrivalled setting for an evening aperitivo.