Sublimely romantic and peaceful, this 15th-century monastery recalls the life of St Francis in frescoes and sculptures beneath vaulted ceilings. You can almost hear the sandalled Franciscans padding round the cloister garden. Dipping into a delicious spread for breakfast, served by candlelight in the refectory, you will breathe more monastic air. Nothing monkish about the bedrooms: Orietta and Francesca, a mother and daughter team, have searched Italy for antique furniture and sensual fabrics to make them both sumptuous and individual. Many of the beds are wrought-iron; one’s a four-poster. Floors are of original octagonal terracotta or terrazzo tiles. The large and ethereal honeymoon suite is swathed and festooned with gauze and ivory furnishings. Elsewhere, tones range from lavish red to green, apricot and gold, all opulently matched. Neat marble bathrooms sport spa shower cabins with pretty olive-oil-based toiletries. A special amorous evening might begin with wine tasting in the cellar, then stepping out for dinner. A haven of peace in the centre of beautiful Moneglia.
The beautiful historic building, a former abbey, has been lovingly restored and elegantly furnished. It is a tranquil and cool retreat from Moneglia’s busy beach town activities yet only a 5-minutes’ walk to the beach. Rooms are quiet, spacious, and very private. Greta’s attentive and gracious presence is what makes the Abbadia experience so special. Breakfast was served at private tables overlooking the olive trees in the courtyard: a feast of eggs cooked to order, delicious breads and cakes, organic yogurt, fruit, muesli, delicious local honeys, and of course, a perfect cappuccino.