ForbesLife: The Italian Riviera's Garden Paradise: Villa della Pergola

Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre—fuggedaboutit. For an Italian hideaway that puts your seaside dreams to shame head to the under-the-radar Riviera town of Alassio, where cypress and palm tree-laden hillsides, dancing blue seas, and some of the best sandy swaths fringe red-roof abodes. And the place to ogle it all: the masterfully restored 19th century Villa della Pergola, a 13-suite tropical paradise overlooking the Gulf of Alassio. Here’s why you’ll never want to leave:Views, Views, Views. Don’t be surprised if “wow” is the only word you can utter for your entire stay. Artists and writers like Edward Lear (The Owl and the Pussycat) have been drawing landscape inspiration from Alassio for centuries. And who can blame them? From the villa’s ivy-draped stone terraces, Eden-like gardens, and grassy knolls, you can pull up a chaise and gaze endlessly at the serene sea blues, verdant slopes, and terracotta hues that deliver a seascape masterpiece straight out of a fantasy.Hello, garden paradise! Water lily ponds, ancient stone fountains, olive and citrus trees, banks of roses and lotus blossoms—the property’s six-acre tropical garden is a labyrinth fairytale. Stroll the leafy, pebbled walkways with peekaboo sea views, discover hidden stone staircases, meander beneath grape-strewn canopies, and stop to smell the 28 varieties of wisteria. Even better—with few guests and sprawling grounds, this utopian parkland feels like it’s all for you.Ready your appetite. Let’s be honest, the olive oil alone will have you licking your plate (or at least sopping it up with gobs of focaccia). If you can save room, Chef Maurizio Dagrada is a master of traditional Ligurian dishes from pasta to fish made from ridiculously fresh, local ingredients the kitchen gets every single day…and if you’re craving chicken tonight, they’ll pick it up just for you.It’s a history haven. Alfred Hitchcock’s first film “The Pleasure Garden” was shot here. Before that Virginia Woolf’s cousin bought the villas from a well-to-do British family. Every room is stocked with art, books, and memorabilia on the history and famous folks who’ve graced the villa and region. In other words, you’ll be well educated by the time you leave…Or you can ignore it all and just look at the views.Say hello to your own private villa. 13 suites comprise the property’s three villas, one of which—Casa del Sole—is a home all its own….or for the best splurge of your life, all your own. We’re talking a two-story Italian pad decked in 19th century dreamy beach décor and terraces boasting to-die-for views on every floor. Like I said, why would you ever want to leave? **READ MY FULL ARTICLE ON FORBESLIFE.