Riviera botanical citadel
Terraced botanical gardens cascade down the hillside above the Ligurian Sea, framing five restored nineteenth-century villas filled with quiet charm.
“The showstopper is the two-acre garden, with its wisteria-covered pergolas, little fountains, quiet leafy areas, and climbing roses.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Restored 1875 Victorian estate built by British expatriates, encompassing five historic villas across cliffside botanical gardens.
Notable
Intimate nineteen-suite estate pairing personalized Relais & Châteaux hospitality with Michelin-starred dining from on-site gardens.
Notable
Inhabits Liguria's nineteenth-century Anglo-Italian colony, offering citrus tastings and dishes sourced from its terraced hillside farm.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The terraced botanical gardens...are even more photogenic today, thanks to modern restoration— and just as impressive is the villa itself.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set high in the pine-scented hills above Alassio, the property overlooks the sweeping coastline of the Riviera di Ponente.
The rooms
Individually styled suites feature English country decor, period antiques, and Victorian artworks, many opening directly onto sea-facing terraces.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated pool sits on the lawn terrace among cypress trees, looking out across the Gulf of Alassio.
The gym and hot tub
Floor-to-ceiling windows open the gym onto aromatic gardens, and an outdoor hot tub sits beside the villa facade.
Restaurant
Ristorante Nove
Michelin-starred tasting menus draw produce from the terraced farm, served along a sea-facing balustrade under canvas drapery.
At the table
Parasol-shaded tables spread across the gravel terrace before the painted loggia, looking out across the sea at twilight.
How it began
Scottish General William Montagu McMurdo built the estate in 1875 before botanist Daniel Hanbury expanded its rare Mediterranean plant collections.
Good to know
Stay here
Villa della Pergola
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Alassio
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.