Villanova - Nature & Wellness

After comprehensive research about the available accommodations in the vicinity of Cinque Terre, I found the Villanova agriturismo in Levanto, Italy. Once I read about it and saw the pictures on the Villanova website, there was no going back. I booked it for our family of five and we stayed there in May 2025 for eight nights. It could not have been more perfect for our needs. Everything about the Villanova is A1. There is culture, history, gastronomy and scenery. How to adequately describe the scenery from every window at the hotel? Coming from Toronto, a huge and modern megalopolis of some five to six million people, arriving at the Villanova felt like being transported into a magical fairytale village in the mountains. I wasn’t expecting the lush vegetation of the property and its surroundings, all perfectly manicured. And the fragrance of the olive trees, the star jasmine, the mock orange and all the various pines was heavenly. As for the nuts and bolts of the accommodation, it was perfect. The rooms were attractively appointed with antiques, the beds and bedding were lovely, the bathrooms were well equipped and there was plenty of hot water for showers. As for the organic breakfast offered daily, it was so over-the-top wonderful that it bears special mention. A bounteous, delicious repast that we looked forward to every day. And a shout-out to the staff, particularly our delightful and gracious shuttle driver, Giovanna, who took us back and forth from the hotel to town and back. Also, the breakfast staff were efficient, pleasant, quick to deliver everyone’s coffee orders, and completely lovely. I have only one note of caution for North American travellers. In the U.S. and Canada, when there is a hot tub on the premises for the guests’ use, it is generally hot. It was a bit disappointing to have the spa tub merely tepid, especially after a long day walking up the hundreds of stairs of the Cinque Terre towns, and doing 12,000 steps or more. But some of my family members braved the cool water temperatures to get into both pools, and were glad to do so anyway. There was, after all, the scenery to gaze at while there. Thank you to the proprietor, Giancarlo Massola, for his unfailing attention to every detail at the Villanova and for ensuring our family’s stay was perfect. His family’s property is a very special place I hope we can return to one day. MLB, Toronto

Throughly enjoyed our time at Villanova. Great room for a family of four. Beautiful surroundings, delicious homemade organic breakfast, lovely staff and a great shuttle service that takes you downtown either in the morning hours or in late afternoon/early evening. The pool area was really nice too, but as we were here in late march, weather wasn’t really for it. The hiking opportunities in and around cinque terre are amazing and Villanova serves as a perfect base to explore. We would love to return.

Villanova was the perfect place for our entire family of 10 adults and 12 children and teens to spend a week. For the children and teens it was a first time visit to the country where their great grandfather was born and the experience could not have been better. Villanova's shuttle ran for two hours twice a day, making it easy to get to the beach in Levanto, which was not overly crowded midweek, or to catch a train to Cinque Terra for hiking. For breakfast there was something delicious for everyone, including the vegans in our group. The pool was lovely and the location spectacular. The staff was helpful, friendly, and patient with the joyful exuberance of the children. I would happily stay at Villanova again in the future.