Villa Paola Tropea

An elegant villa close to the centre of Tropea, in the south of Italy, facing the beautiful Coast of the Gods. Situated in a luxuriant Mediterranean garden, Villa Paola will provide the most restful stay in a gracious but informal environment.

The stylish design of its rooms and the meticulous care of its extensive outside spaces offer areas of great delight, all of them to be experienced: the terraced garden, the drawing room, the cloister or the infinity pool with its spectacular view over the sea.

Villa Paola derives from the rebuilding of a convent established by the Friars of the Ordine dei Minimi in 1543, and still preserves the hints of its past in the aesthetic charm of its design and the tranquillity of its spaces.

The rooms have been renovated with great care and enthusiasm. Inside are twelve bedrooms of tasteful design, breakfast rooms, and the relaxation area, and outside the cloister, the terraced garden with furniture and the spectacular infinity pool with its view over the sea.

THE HISTORY
Legend relates that it was the same San Francesco da Paolo who arrived at Tropea in 1464 that indicated the site where the sanctuary dedicated to him was to be built. The choice fell on a small promontory standing in the sea from which, then as now, a splendid view of the Coast of the Gods could be enjoyed.

A convent was built next to the sanctuary. To finance the building work a local noble, Giovanni Adesi, recounted that the saint had helped him survive a fall in a ravine, which changed his life and, initially living as a hermit, he later returned to Tropea to build the convent and church in honour of his favourite saint.

A FAMILY HOME
Over the years the convent, having become a private house, saw various reconstructions, the most important in 1920 planned by Basile, the Palermo architect. Since then new works obscured its original beauty and the passage of time caused structural damage.

The villa was returned to its splendour from 2000 onwards through the work of Bruno Huber, an architect from Lugano, to whom the family of Giuliano Born who became its owner in 2001, had entrusted the renovation work.

Once this was complete in 2008, the family moved into the villa and decided to devote some of the space to hospitality. After ten years, the family transformed the villa wholly into a hotel which welcomes its guests in a unique environment, the perfect combination of exclusivity and the elegance of its past and the warmth of a family dwelling.

ROOMS & SUITES
The elegant design, the technological equipment and the scenic position at the heart of the Coast of the Gods will make your stay at Tropea truly special. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, an ample walk-in shower, L’Occitane bath products, hairdryer, TV, Sky, safe, internet wi-fi, minibar and linen sheets.

EREMITA SUITE
The Eremita Suite is the most exclusive space of the whole villa. An apartment of three separate rooms with large windows plus a bathroom with double sinks and private Turkish bath in real mosaic. The entrance opens onto an elegant living room with sitting area, a double bedroom with walk-in closet, and finally another room where a third bed can be added on request.

The minimal furniture is well combined with the wooden beams on the ceiling and the terracotta floor. Looking out from the large windows you can admire the authentic cloister of the eighteenth century and in the background the blue sea of Tropea. A privileged space to let yourself be pampered immersed in the serenity that surrounds the hotel.

DINING
Every morning a special awakening with a buffet breakfast to satisfy every palate. A vast choice of sweet and savoury dishes and a selection of local products; bread, cakes, jams, salami and cheese, among other delights.

Without a doubt the main features are the fresh products from our own kitchen gardens carefully tended by local farmers. Tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, apricots, peaches, pears, medlars, plums and blackberries enrich the buffet with aromas and colours, according to the season.

Villa Paola cuisine showcases the most authentic flavours of the region. Seasonal ingredients, handcraft pasta, fresh seafood and locally grown herbs all create a quintessential and light Mediterranean cuisine.

Authentic flavours to relish in the open on the terrace, surrounded by the brilliant colours of the garden and the intense blue of the sea, enjoying the magnificent view to the distinctive fortress of Tropea with its noble palazzi overlooking the sea and lining the Marina. A unique moment to spend peacefully thanks also to the extended hours of service.

THE TERRACES
This privileged position on a promontory dominating Tropea and the Coast of the Gods has resulted in dividing the open spaces into terraces. Each terrace hosts corners of complete relaxation in which to enjoy, in complete privacy, the brilliant colours of the garden and the azure sea of Tropea.

Unique glimpses frame the corners for restful reading, for sunbathing, a swim in the pool or a delicious aperitif to sip at the enchanting hour of sundown.

THE APERITIF
At dusk you have an appointment in the garden for a delicious aperitif. Sparkling wine with a selection of the best local produce to be enjoyed in company, admiring the spectacular golden reflections of the sun in the sea.

THE SWIMMING POOL
The infinity pool immerses you in the beauty of a breathtaking view in which the blue of the sea is the undisputed essential feature. Bewitched by its marvels and refreshed by a cool drink or a tasty snack available in the pool house, enjoy restful moments of unforgettable delight.

THE GARDEN
You are immersed in a lush garden, surrounded by the perfumes and colours of beautiful Mediterranean plants; palms, cycas, oranges, lemons, roses, jasmine and bougainvilleas are just some of them. Delightful stone staircases link the terraces to each other, forming a fluid space and giving access to unique glimpses of the beaches of Tropea and Parghelia.

EVENTS
Tailor-made experiences, exceptional service and a spectacular location, at Villa Paola we dedicate the utmost attention to all kind of events. Our location, in the heart of Tropea overlooking the marina, about an hour from Lamezia Terme airport, is ideal for formal occasions and special moments. We can host corporate and private events, weddings and anniversaries.

The villa can be booked entirely hosting up to 25 people in the 12 rooms and suites.Due to its secluded location, guests can enjoy complete privacy and freedom to celebrate late without time constraints.

Our qualified staff will guide you in choosing the most suitable spaces for your needs. Our experts will give you the right advice to get to the big day without anxiety and ensure your successful event.

WEDDINGS IN CALABRIA
Experience the exclusivity of a private villa overlooking the crystalline sea. Discover the different locations of the magical terraced garden to satisfy your secret desires. The perfect location for your wedding in Tropea, where the fascinating surroundings, the quality of the service and attention paid to details will make your reception unforgettable.

Imagine waking up in our beautiful bridal suite facing onto the sea and treating yourselves to moments of pure relaxation in the garden or in the spectacular infinity pool. The perfect complement to your finest day.

THE SPA
Spoil yourself with a day at the nearby Thalasso SPA at Capo Vaticano. A vast selection of treatment programmes and therapies to regenerate mind and body.

Waiting for you are 3 swimming pools with heated sea water, a kneipp pool, water massage cabins, emotional showers, algae therapy and a team of professionals will provide sensations of profound well-being and vitality.

SAILING EXCURSIONS
A beautiful yacht will take you for the day to discover the fantastic sea of the Coast of the Gods. The rocky stacks of the Pizzuta, Praia Zambrone and the small bay of Capo Cozzo are the first destinations, and then a swim at Praia di Fuoco and Baia Grotticelle. Finally, a rest on board, enjoying some local specialities with an aperitif and light lunch.

THE FLAVOURS OF CALABRIA
Treat yourself to a special meal at an exceptional place by the sea. Two restaurants, ‘Le Pignate’ and ‘Le Giare’ at the Baia del Sole Resort, await you for a tasty lunch or romantic dinner. Discover the flavours of Calabrian cooking, enhanced by the freshness of garden produce, of fresh pasta, local salamis and really fresh fish.

KITESURFING
At little more than an hour’s drive north along the coast lies Gizzeria, one of the windiest places in southern Italy, and a favourite among kitesurfing enthusiasts. The clearest water and a long wide beach with 2 centres catering for kitesurfers.

There is also a school which hires out the necessary equipment. The features and shape of the coastline, here forming a wide bay, ensures completely safe kitesurfing, with guaranteed return to the beach in case of adverse winds.

There is also a small area near Gizzeria Lido which is habitually used by freestylers for practising. The ideal season for an exciting day of kitesurfing at Gizzeria Lido is definitely the summer, when the maestral wind and the thermal west winds are blowing.

THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF CALABRIA
A region rich in magical places, with both unusual towns and art, Calabria is seldom explored but is well worth doing so. The Ducal Castle of Corigliano Calabro is among the most beautiful castles in all Italy.

A jewel, in the province of Cosenza, with its frescoed ceilings, mirrored rooms, period furniture and torture chambers, will convey you far into the past.

Further south, in the province of Crotone, the Aragon fortress of Le Castella on the Isola di Capo Rizzuto is practically in the sea, joined to the mainland only by a narrow strip of land from which there is a splendid view over the Ionian sea and surrounding nature.

Still in the province of Crotone, the baptistery, castle and cathedral of Santa Severina form part of one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.

The town stands high on a rocky spur and dominates the whole valley of the river Neto, with its baptistery, castle and cathedral representing perhaps the most important Byzantine presence in Calabria.

On the road to Reggio Calabria, Stio is a small medieval centre in the shape of a horseshoe which preserves its city walls, the remains of the castle and many small churches. The Cattolica is well known, built by monks in the 10th century, a perfect example of Byzantine art.

A further hidden treasure is the rocky village of Pentedattilo, established about 600 BC. This fortified town on a rock, on the cliffs of Monte Calvario, has the shape of a hand with five fingers (from which the name derives, Pentedattilo – ‘five fingers’). Today it is a ghost town, a fascinating place and full of mystery.

THE BEACHES OF TROPEA
Spend the warm summer days on one of its numerous beaches. The delightful beach of Marina dell’Isola, situated between the rocks of Isola Bella and the beach of Rotonda, which enjoys a delightful view of the church of Santa Maria.

The sanctuary stands on a small island in the sea, with a well maintained garden and a small and typical interior. From here, if the day is clear, you will be able to see the Aeolian islands!

The less crowded Spiaggia l’Occhiale, a series of small bays bordered by the sea from which you can reach the cave to admire the light effects created by reflections of the water on the rocks.

Or again, for those who don’t like crowds, the Litorale del Cannone, a corner of paradise, hidden between the tourist port and San Lorenzo’s rock. Lovers of swimming can choose between the beach of Passo Cavalieri and the beach ‘a Linguata, noted for their interesting seabeds.

THE ROCK CAVES OF ZUNGRI
During your holiday at Tropea don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Caves of Zungri, a unique rock settlement in Calabria, a magic place which will immerse you in another civilisation, consisting of caves dug into the sandstone and with natural springs.

The ancient settlement nestling in the rock is about 20km from Tropea, lying in a deep valley with a view over the Coast of the Gods, one of the most beautiful coasts in Calabria. The village was apparently established between the 6th and 7th centuries when the Basilian monks fled from the east to escape persecution and found refuge in the area of Monte Poro.

The village has about one hundred caves which were used as homes or silos for storing grain. The oldest was built on four levels and inside it a rock drawing of a fish can be seen. At the back of the site there is also a natural spring of water immersed in vegetation. There is also a Museum of peasant and cave civilisation within the village.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 271 EUR per night

Source: www.villapaolatropea.it