Discover Il Borghetto Creative Resort & Spa, a tranquil 4-star escape near Tropea, Italy. Nestled among citrus groves and palm trees, this boutique gem offers an infinity pool, garden breakfasts, intimate spa treatments, and cozy rooms with countryside views. Just minutes from Tropea’s beaches and old town, it’s the perfect blend of Italian charm, relaxation, and understated luxury.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Nestled among swaying palm trees and citrus groves, Il Borghetto Creative Resort & Spa feels like a well-kept secret, a tranquil retreat just minutes from the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of Tropea, one of Calabria’s most enchanting seaside towns. With its infinity pool overlooking the countryside, intimate spa services, and a breakfast spread that rivals a rustic Italian feast, this 4-star boutique hotel is the perfect blend of relaxation and understated luxury.
Getting to Tropea is an adventure in itself. After a 3.5-hour train ride from Naples, we transferred at Lamezia Terme Central, though a missed connection turned into a happy accident when we hired a private Mercedes van for the scenic 54-minute drive to the resort. The route wound through rolling Calabrian hills, olive groves, and glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea, setting the tone for the serene escape ahead.
Upon arrival, we were struck by the resort’s secluded charm. Tucked away from the bustle of Tropea’s old town (a 25-minute walk or short drive), Il Borghetto feels like a private oasis. The property’s whitewashed walls, lush gardens, and terraces draped in canniccio immediately transported us – was this Italy or the Caribbean?
The resort’s 16 rooms are designed for comfort and simplicity. While not overly spacious, they are impeccably clean, with plush beds and pillows so divine they put every other Italian hotel we’d stayed in to shame. Our room featured a private patio, where we relaxed each morning while watching small green lizards and birds go about their day.
Thoughtful touches, slippers, a mini bar, a flat-screen TV, and sleek bathroom amenities made it feel like a home away from home. Some rooms even have spacious seating areas with sofas, perfect for lounging after a day of exploring.
Each morning, we selected a breakfast time slot (8, 9, or 10 AM), and the experience was nothing short of magical. Served al fresco under a vine-covered pergola, the spread was a homemade Italian dream:
Dining amid lemon trees and flowering shrubs, with the soft hum of bees in the background, was a daily highlight.
The infinity pool quickly became our midday sanctuary. Surrounded by sun loungers and swaying palms, it was the ideal spot to unwind with a book or a lemon spritz from the poolside snack bar.
For lunch, we indulged in simple yet flavorful Calabrian dishes:
The vibe was effortlessly chic—no blaring music, just the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional clink of glasses.
Though it was tempting to spend all day lounging at Il Borghetto, the allure of Tropea’s old town was irresistible. A short drive or pleasant walk brought us to cobblestone streets, cliffside churches, and breathtaking sea views.
We booked a 4-hour private boat tour with Sea Sports Tropea, and it was the highlight of our trip. Captain Michele guided us along the Tropea coastline, where we swam in the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea and sipped wine during a stunning sunset aperitivo. The boat was stocked with local wine, snacks, and refreshing sodas, making it a truly luxurious experience.
Each evening, we ventured into town for dinner. Standouts included:
Visiting in May (off-season) meant the resort’s spa wasn’t fully operational, but the staff arranged for a local masseuse to come on-site. The treatment room, serene and softly lit, provided the perfect setting for a rejuvenating massage.
Il Borghetto Creative Resort & Spa is a rare find; a place where understated luxury meets authentic Italian hospitality. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, savoring breakfast in the garden, or exploring Tropea’s charms, this boutique retreat offers a slice of paradise for the discerning traveler.
For those seeking a quieter, more intimate alternative to Italy’s crowded Amalfi Coast, Calabria—and Il Borghetto—await. Just be warned: once you experience its magic, you may never want to leave.
