Lovely residences with charming gardens in which to relax after the beach.
We have selected for you three Garden Hotels on Elba of great personality; they are undoubtedly our favourite; charming, exclusive and, above all, surrounded by unparalleled landscape.
Boutique Hotel
The Boutique Hotel Ilio, immersed in a true paradise for nature lovers, the bay of S. Andrea, has two delightful gardens.
The more formal Idillium Garden, which is full of intense summer blooms, is near the main building; here the border of pittosporum, laurel and Mediterranean plants frames two large terraces, thus creating the ideal space in which to relax.
The well-finished hedges and tufa retaining walls increase the perception of geometric arrangement, which is nevertheless softened by local trees of lemons, persimmons and strawberry trees, apricots, pomegranates and, from time to time, delightful Mediterranean palms that intertwine throwing a cool shadow on the new titanium furniture.
This is the ideal place to relax while drinking a cocktail or surfing the Internet, thanks to the hotel’s Wi-Fi signal that covers the entire property right down to the beach.
At the edge of this delightful garden is the secluded, very intimate Idillium Corner, where you can treat yourself to a four-handed Ayurvedic massage as you listen to the sounds of nature (for information on all treatments: info@hotelilio.com).
Gardens of Boutique Hotel Ilio, S. Andrea, Island of Elba.
The transition from the “neat” and formal area of the Idillium Garden to the more natural Vigna di Ilio, the second garden, takes place gradually; the melodious singing of the birds gradually leaves room for the croaking of the frogs in the stream which, swathed in very green bamboo, flanks the property; we are further west than the main building, in a lovely Mediterranean vegetable garden where the vines of the former vineyard are still preserved along with many fruit trees, especially large lemon trees, which find the ideal micro climate in S. Andrea.
Don’t miss tasting the highly prized limoncino produced by the hotel every year for guests, an excellent, zero mile organic digestive.
The gardens of Hotel Ilio are illuminated by soft lights during the twilight hours and the evening to wonderful scenic effect; at night between spring and summer there is an even more exciting light show: countless fireflies glowing golden in the dark transform the gardens of the hotel into a truly sparkling open-air theatre.
Rooms in the Idilium Garden:
Double Tuscany, balcony, sea view >
Triple Contemporary, garden view >
Quadruple Mediterranean, balconies, garden view >
Rooms in the Vigna di Ilio:
Double Mediterranean, balcony, sea view >
Triple Mediterranean, balcony, sea view >
Quadruple Contemporary, balcony, private garden >
B&B
The farmhouse of Monserrato, in the valley of the same name near Porto Azzurro, is surrounded by incomparable beauty.
The luxuriant nature of the Casale’s gardens stands out against the backdrop of the rough and red valley on which it stands, a pleasantly surprising chromatic contrast.
The steep walls of the valley are the setting for the delightful garden in front of the property, which is full of colourful summer blooms and dotted with typically Mediterranean fruit trees.
The abundant citrus grove at the edge of the property offers tasty fruit in the summer to be grasped and savoured in a relaxing outdoor break.
The garden also offers a relaxation area with sun loungers and a whirlpool bath, ideal for those in search of absolute rest, far from the noise of crowded urban areas.
Il Casale also has a barbecue area where guests can have enjoy cooking meat or freshly caught fish.
Country & Sea
Il Termine is a recently renovated farmhouse, surround by one of the best conserved areas of Elba.
The garden of the Relais is actually the large unspoilt wood that embraces it, with paths and panoramic views.
Il Termine is the ideal place to completely unwind from everyday life and take a break, regenerated by the magic and enchantment that only luxuriant nature can offer.
Treat yourself to a walk among the olive trees and wonder into the Mediterranean maquis surrounding il Termine, you will find yourself enveloped by a deep sense of peace.
By Loredana Zugno
Loredana, originally from Biella, moved to the island of Elba in 1991 and has never since left. Owner of the publishing house Edizione Immagine, which publishes countless tourism editorials about the wonders of the Tuscan Archipelago, she told us at Elba Unexpected Paradise about some of the aspects that have fascinated her the most about this magnificent area.