Unbelievable Villa Gioia 8: Your Dream Sanremo Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Villa Gioia 8: My Sanremo Dream (Mostly) Come True! – A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so… Unbelievable Villa Gioia 8. Sounds promising, yeah? "Your Dream Sanremo Escape Awaits!" They say. Well, I just got back, and let me tell you, it's more like "Your Pretty Decent Sanremo Escape, With a Few Quirks." But overall? Yeah, it's a solid win. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, 'cause it's gonna be a rollercoaster. I'm not gonna lie, I'm still slightly frazzled from the trip, both good and bad, so this might be a bit… scatterbrained. Just warning you.
First Impressions & Getting There (and the Accessibility Bit, Since I Know You Folks Care):
Finding the place? Not a nightmare. But not a walk in the park either. It's nestled in Sanremo, which is gorgeous, mind you, but also… hilly. Like, seriously hilly. So, Accessibility is… mixed. Wheelchair accessible? Some areas are, some aren't. The main entrance seemed okay, and there's an elevator, thank god (because those hills…). But getting around everywhere? Probably not the best. I’d recommend checking with them directly about specific room access and the lay of the land. They offer airport transfer, which is clutch because trust me, driving in Sanremo would probably land you in a ditch. Thankfully, valet parking is a lifesaver because, again, hills. Car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] are also there, but spaces felt a bit tight.
Internet Woes (or, the Saga of My Wi-Fi):
Right, the dreaded Internet. They shout, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Which, technically, is true. But my Wi-Fi in the room was… inconsistent. "Sometimes there, sometimes not there" would be a good summary. I had to work a bit during my stay and used Internet access – wireless, but it kept buffering. I did hear it's better in the Wi-Fi in public areas, but I didn't spend a whole day there. I guess they are also offering Internet [LAN], but I didn’t know and didn't check. So yeah, that needs some work. The Internet services are there, but, well… good luck.
Cleanliness, Safety & The Covid-Era Tango:
Okay, this is where Villa Gioia 8 shines. They're serious about Cleanliness and safety. I felt genuinely safe, which is a HUGE weight off your shoulders right now, isn't it? They’re using Anti-viral cleaning products, there's Daily disinfection in common areas, and everything felt sparkling. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool since they don't force it on you. I saw staff everywhere with masks, following Staff trained in safety protocol. They provide Hand sanitizer liberally. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – they actually tried to enforce it. I'm impressed. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They had Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, and the whole nine yards. Just the thought of Sterilizing equipment made me feel safe. It felt like a Safe dining setup too and they had Individually-wrapped food options, which is always a good idea in the pandemic. Also, they offered Cashless payment service which is always a good idea.
Let's Talk About Food & Drink (My Favorite Subject!)
Alright, the food situation. The Restaurants are pretty good. Breakfast [buffet] was decent: a good, basic Western breakfast. Okay, maybe a bit repetitive after a few days, but you get your coffee, croissants, and all that jazz. They had a Coffee shop if you needed an extra kick. They had a Poolside bar, which was absolutely perfect for sunset Aperol Spritzes. The Bar itself was really lovely, all cosy and romantic. Actually, the Poolside bar had a Happy hour which I loved. The A la carte in restaurant was good for dinner. The International cuisine in restaurant was their main offering. I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant once, it was okay, but nothing to write home about. I had Coffee/tea in restaurant too. They also had Breakfast takeaway service, which was a plus. Room service [24-hour] is a Godsend after a long day of… well, doing nothing, which is what you're supposed to do on vacation! They even offered Alternative meal arrangement. I'm a sucker for Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant too, which they had, which was great. Also, they had a Vegetarian restaurant which is amazing! They provided a Bottle of water in the room.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Because You Need This):
This is where Villa Gioia 8 almost blows you away. They seem to have it all. They mentioned a Spa, which I was so looking forward to! And they have Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Sauna! They also had Swimming pool [outdoor] - gorgeous, and with a Pool with view – breathtaking! They sell Body scrub and Body wrap, though I didn’t try them. The Massage was a must, and it was divine. They also had a Gym/fitness. I'm not exactly a fitness guru, but I poked my head in, and it looked reasonable.
The Rooms (My Humble Abode):
My room? Lovely, overall. They have Non-smoking rooms. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Additional toilet in the bathroom was a pro! Everything was clean, the linens were fresh, and the desk was perfect for the few emails I had to deal with. They provided Complimentary tea, which I appreciated. Bathrobes and slippers? Yes, please! The Bed was comfortable with Extra long bed. My Window that opens to the amazing Sanremo view. But… the Soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could hear the neighbors. So bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. They include Safety/security feature. Also, the Blackout curtains were amazing. The Mirror, hair dryer, safe-box made it a good value. Also included were the free, bottled water and tea/coffee maker!
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
They have a Concierge, which is helpful. Daily housekeeping was fantastic. They offer Laundry service and Ironing service. Luggage storage is available. They had a Convenience store, which, let's be honest, is vital. Cash withdrawal? Yup. Dry cleaning? Yep. They have Facilities for disabled guests, which is great to see. They also had a Doorman, though I didn’t really need it. They offer Invoice provided and Air conditioning in public area which is nice.
For the Kids (Grandma's Guide to Sanremo):
I wasn't traveling with children, but I did see they had Family/child friendly setups. They offer Babysitting service and Kids meal, which makes it better for you. So, it's definitely a place you could bring the whole clan.
The Quirks & Imperfections:
Okay, let's be honest. It wasn't perfect. The Wi-Fi situation, as previously mentioned, was a pain. And one morning, the hot water took… a while. A long while. The staff was friendly, but sometimes a bit stretched thin. And the hills. Did I mention the hills? I also had to walk in the Exterior corridor. But honestly? These are minor quibbles.
Overall Vibe & My Verdict (The Emotional Bit):
Unbelievable Villa Gioia 8 is a solid choice. It’s not unbelievable in the sense of, like, space-age luxury. It's more… "unbelievable, for the price." It's comfortable, clean, safe, and the location is fantastic. The staff is trying hard, and the spa, pool, and general ambiance are lovely. I left feeling relaxed and refreshed, which is the whole point, isn't it?
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if they iron out the Wi-Fi issues.
Final Thoughts & The Offer You’ve Been Waiting For:
So, here's the deal: Book your Sanremo escape with Unbelievable Villa Gioia 8 and get 15% off your stay! Plus, we'll throw in a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival. But wait, there's more! The first 10 bookings also get a free pair of slippers. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the beauty and charm of Sanremo with a touch of luxury. Book now and
Da Nang's Hidden Gem: Vitalis Riverside Hotel - Unbelievable Views!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a week at Villa Gioia 8 in Sanremo, Italy. They promise "luxury," I promise…well, chaos. Let's see how this unfolds, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Glorious Lemon
10:00 AM: Arrive at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. Okay, the airport is pretty. But also? Overcrowded. I’m already regretting that impulsive decision to wear those ridiculously stylish, but absolutely impractical, white boots.
11:30 AM: Found our rental car. It's a Fiat 500. I'm convinced it's a toy car. Pray for me.
1:00 PM: Arrive at Villa Gioia 8. HOLY MOLY. The villa itself? Stunning. Like, Instagram-worthy, jaw-droppingly beautiful. The view of the Mediterranean? Forget about it. I’m currently fighting the urge to just… live here forever.
2:00 PM: Luggage unpacked (mostly). There's that one suitcase that's always a disaster zone. My fault. Food shopping done, so we eat a quick sandwich. And the first lemon. Oh. My. God. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the BEST lemon I've ever had. Seriously, it's like sunshine in your mouth.
3:00 PM: Quick exploration of the villa. Found the pool; the one which my partner and I immediately made a bet on, who will touch the water first. I lost. The water is cold. Maybe not jump on my next trip, after all.
5:00 PM: Cocktail hour on the terrace. This is the life, right? The sun's setting, that lemon is still singing to me, and I've poured myself a generous Aperol Spritz. Perfection.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the villa; a quick pasta dish. It's decent but doesn't hold a candle to that lemon. I'm already planning how to smuggle some of those lemons home.
9:00 PM: Crashing hard. Jet lag is a beast. Dream of lemons.
Day 2: Sanremo Scramble & Gambling's Grace
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, but not without a fight and a long run.
- 10:00 AM: The Sanremo market! This is what I've waiting for! Bursting with colours, smells, and an overwhelming number of things I want. I overspend on things I don't need but look pretty.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny trattoria. The food is good, the wine better. I'm getting the hang of this Italian dining thing. The waiter is charming, and I may have flirted a little. Don't tell my partner.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring the town. Discovering that Sanremo is a bit of a maze.
- 4:00 PM: The Casino! Oh, the glamour. Even if I don't win, I feel glamorous – or try to. My partner wins a few Euros. I lose, hilariously.
- 7:00 PM: Wandering the streets again. Soaking it all in. The air is crisp. The gelato is divine.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner
- 10:00 PM: Bed. Again, I should be asleep, but I can't stop thinking about the Casino.
Day 3: The Botanical Gardens and an Existential Ice Cream Crisis
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast on the terrace. Trying to figure out how to replicate that lemon in Paris.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to the Hanbury Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a complete sensory overload! The colors, the smells, the sheer variety. I could get lost here for days, probably.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a garden cafe. The food isn't amazing, but the view? Spectacular.
- 3:00 PM: Ice cream. One scoop of pistachio. Which is absolutely divine, but then I see a chocolate hazelnut… Oh, the agony! I have a crisis.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the villa. Swimming in the cold pool to cool off.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner prep. Learning is not easy.
- 8:00 PM: Pasta!
Day 4: Portofino! (And the Price of Beauty)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up and had a horrible breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: The drive to Portofino. The views along the coast are breathtaking. Seriously, stop-the-car-and-take-a-picture breathtaking.
- 12:00 PM: Portofino. Okay, it’s beautiful. Stunning. Like a postcard come to life. But… it’s also packed. And expensive. Like, "a small gelato costs more than the entire market haul yesterday" expensive. My bank account is already sobbing.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch in Portofino. Even a modest lunch is a splurge. The food is good, but the experience is tainted by a feeling of being, well, slightly fleeced.
- 4:00 PM: Portofino walk. It is full of rich people and yachts.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the villa. Back to normal.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Day 5: Relaxation, Limoncello, and Minor Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: We need today! I'm exhausted from all of this travel.
- 10:00 AM: Lay around, drink coffee, and read!
- 12:00 PM: We made a BBQ. We eat outside.
- 2:00 PM: I might have had a tiny, tiny, meltdown. I just needed a day of doing absolutely nothing.
- 4:00 PM: Limoncello. Oh, glorious, glorious limoncello.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 9:00 PM: We try to arrange our trip for tomorrow. But nothing happens!
Day 6: The Lemon's Legacy and Departure Panic
- 9:00 AM: I have a plan!
- 10:00 AM: More lemon.
- 12:00 PM: Another market. Again!
- 2:00 PM: Packing. I'm already dreading the inevitable mess.
- 4:00 PM: Return the car.
- 5:00 PM: Last Aperol Spritz. Sadness. But also gratitude.
- 7:00 PM: Final dinner at Villa Gioia 8. The food is meh, but our memories (and the lemons) are priceless.
- 9:00 PM: Last look at the Mediterranean. This is it.
- 9:30 PM: Early sleep.
Day 7: Departure
- 6:00 AM: Up, up, and away!
- 7:00 AM: Last look at the villa.
- 8:00 AM: Airport.
So, that's it. Sanremo. Villa Gioia 8. The lemons. The chaos. I wouldn't trade any of it. Except maybe the white boots. And I'm already planning my return. Maybe next time, I’ll try to make it a little less messy… but don't count on it.
Bali's BEST Private Pool Villa in Legian: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Villa Gioia 8: Seriously, Your Sanremo Escape? Let's Dive! (and Maybe Slightly Regret Some Decisions)
Okay, Okay, Villa Gioia 8... What *Is* It Exactly? Is It Actually Gioia?
Seriously, Is It *Nice*? (Be Honest!)
How Far Is It From, You Know, The *Action*? (The Restaurants, The Beach, The... Casino!)
Okay, Let's Talk Practicalities: Is the Wi-Fi Any Good? Because I Need My Netflix. (Sad but True)
Parking? Is This a Nightmare or a Dream?
Is There a Balcony/Terrace? Because I Need to Drink My Espresso in Peace and Quiet.
Are There Any "Hidden Costs" I Should Know About?
What's the Best Thing About Villa Gioia 8? Other than the View, of course. Because, duh.
Would You Stay There Again? Be Brutally Honest!
