Just Back from the Royal Hotel Sanremo
Mark Anderson, Waterstone’s Director of the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, has just returned from visiting the ROYAL HOTEL SANREMO located along the charming Italian ‘Riviera of Flowers’. The western jewel of Liguria, Sanremo is easily accessible from Nice International Airport just 40 minutes away. Follow along on Mark’s journey below and get a better sense of why your clients may want to add a stop in Sanremo to their Italian itineraries.
The Inside Scoop
Stepping out of customs, my wife and I are immediately whisked away by our driver who loads our bags into his E-class Mercedes for a quick transfer to the Royal Hotel. On arrival, we feel a sense of glamour. Is it the beautiful coastline, the art deco style signage, the pristine gardens, the striking building, or the smiling staff in impeccable uniforms? Maybe a combination of all these elements.
Once checked in by the impressive Adrian who welcomes us by name and reconfirms our arrangements, we are then taken up to our Junior Suite on the 5th floor, where our jaw drops as we see the view from our balcony. Throughout the room, modern touches, such as USB charging points and Smart TVs, blend in with the hotel’s elegant style, accompanied by a luxurious bed which is beckoning to take my tiredness away.
The team at the hotel have planned the perfect itinerary to ease us into our holiday and banish our jet lag. First, a refreshing dip in the pool where the charming Francesco has sunbeds and towels ready, followed by a light snack from the Coralina Bar and Restaurant before heading off for some pampering.
The hotel’s Royal Wellness spa is a welcome tranquil and calming oasis, and ahead of our massages, we take advantage of the large hydrotherapy pool and Vitarium. Using exclusive Mei Spa products, the therapist expertly removes tension developed on the flight, leaving us to feel lighter and looser. After an incredible session on the Nuvola dry tub, we are fully relaxed and ready to sleep.
Waking refreshed, we are ready for breakfast, which takes place in the hotel’s Fiori di Murano Restaurant. Despite the room’s large panoramic windows with views over the gardens and to the sea, our eyes are drawn to the stylish chandeliers made from precious Murano glass flowers – simply stunning. The extensive buffet provides a wide choice of hot and cold dishes accompanied by fresh juices (there is even a nutri-bullet if you want to make your own blend), infused water and of course fantastic coffee.
We are greeted in the lobby by Roberta Giovannina for our first activity of the day, a culinary walking tour of the city. A long-time partner of the hotel, Roberta runs Sanremo Experience and has over 25 years of expertise. She’s a charming and incredibly knowledgeable guide, passionate about the history, culture and cuisine of the Italian Riviera.
After just a 10-minute walk, we find ourselves in the Old Town of Sanremo – an area known as La Pigna – where Roberta leads us through narrow winding alleys into small squares full of character. Attention-grabbing street art adorns the walls, much of which can be attributed to local artist Tutto mat who resides and has a gallery in La Pigna.
Next, we head to a nearby family run Enoteca to sample Ligurian wine and food. We enjoy excellent Focaccia bread, pesto and delicate oil made from Taggiasca olives while learning about the proud traditions that ensure the excellent quality of the local produce. The Enoteca has literally hundreds of different wine varieties, the majority of which are locally produced and provide a great value. We particularly enjoy the Vermentino from vineyards close to the sea which gives the wine a special character. Whilst we are in the shop there is a steady flow of French customers buying cases to ship home – surely a good sign, no?
We walk back to the Royal Hotel along a charming, tree-lined promenade with restaurants and cafes dotted alongside it. Next to us is the 'Pista Ciclabile', which is a 24 KM long pedestrianised route that runs along the coast.
After an afternoon spent lazing by the pool and enjoying the beautiful gardens, it’s time for an Olive Oil Tasting menu. The hotel’s restaurant manager, Enrico Amiotti, expertly guides us through the menu, which uses a different oil for each course. Samples of the oil are also on the table to try and Enrico explains how the method of production and type of olive influences the subtle variety of flavours. Our favourite was the Tumai oil paired with a chocolate ganache to create an outstanding dessert.
In the morning after another exceptional breakfast, it is unfortunately time to leave. This has been the perfect introduction to Italy, and we leave refreshed, more knowledgeable, and ready to make the most of our trip to the Bel Paese.
Five Things We Loved
1. THE STYLE AND GRACE OF THE HOTEL
A stunning building complemented perfectly by a well-trained and friendly team with a professional service style that is hard to find these days
2. THE CUISINE AND CULTURE
The Ligurians are rightly proud of their traditions and the Royal Hotel honours them well.
3. THE LOCATION
Well connected to Nice airport and beyond. The hotel enjoys an impressive location in Sanremo with a resort feel but just a short walking distance from everything.
4. THE ACTIVITIES
We barely scratched the surface, there are so many options depending on your interests: cycling, golf, nature, gastronomy, horticulture, sailing, designer shopping, exploring – you choose!
5. THE HOTEL FACILITIES
If you don’t want to leave the hotel you don’t need to. The rooms are well appointed, the grounds are immaculate and during the summer months there is entertainment for young and old.
Social Suggestions
"Want to make the best possible start to your Italian adventure? How about flying into Nice and spending a couple of days relaxing & enjoying the elegance of the Royal Hotel Sanremo? Whilst there you can learn the secrets of Ligurian cuisine with the most amazing pesto, olive oil and wine – what more do you need?"
"Let me help you plan your dream Italian trip. My experience will help you make the very most of your time in the Bel Paese. For example, if you want to do lots of touring throughout your trip, ease yourself through jet lag in Sanremo where you can get a taster for the Ligurian culture while also enjoying the beautiful gardens, gracious service and ambience of the Royal Hotel. After a couple of nights, you will be refreshed and ready to go."