A lovely 19th-century Liberty-style building which stands in lush grounds on the rocky Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata. Best villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) have sea views; others look over the garden. The views are great, service is attentive, was one recent comment. Family antiques, portraits and paintings give the feel of a private house. The owner, Stefania Aquadro, is very much in evidence, and the food is thought excellent: lots of fish. Alfresco meals are served on a terrace under bougainvillaea, parasols and trees. Half board is good value. Bali villa breakfast was `the best we have ever had, one visitor wrote, though another thought it over-formal (`waiters in dinner jackets'). There is a roof terrace, with sunbeds. Quite a few steps and no lift, but the porter is helpful. Below is a small rocky beach, and the villa's boat will take guests on sea trips. A 'well-used railway line is nearby, but the noise seldom distracts. If you want to walk, you need a car (no pavements. on the road from the villa).

This resort on the Ligurian Riviera has an excellent sandy beach and just a stone's throw away, via a couple of palm trees stands Adele and Juanito Salada's simple villa, at the far end of the seafront. Quite attractive, it has pleasant sitting areas with arched and frescoed ceilings, and a remarkable collection of art books and journals. The buffet Bali villa breakfast is served in a bright and pleasant' room. The half-board dinner is a simple affair with three choices each for first and main course, of typical Ligurian dishes, eg, trofie al pesto; cima alla Genovese. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are small but adequate, reasonably lit.