Relais del Maro
Borgomaro, ItalyThe property is spread over three beautifully restored buildings that have belonged to the owners’ family for generations.
The relais’ headquarters are located in the early 19th-century Casa Madre, which previously hosted the family butchery and now houses the main common areas. From here, a delightful bridge leads to the heart of Borgomaro historic center and into Casa del Borgo, the building where most of the guest rooms are located and whose delightful terrace tempts to while away a few hours with a drink and a good book. The third building, Casa del Fienile, sits on one of the paths leading to the upper part of the village and was once a barn where hemp ropes and fabrics were once produced.
Relais del Maro provides an enchanting blend of comfort, tranquillity and authentic heritage, where the traditional aesthetics of each space has been brought back to life and enhanced with beautiful furnishings and handmade decorations by local craftsmen. What’s more, the “albergo diffuso” concept with rooms distributed across different buildings encourages guests to engage with locals and truly experience what daily life is like in a small Italian village. Available to guests is a delightful garden with a swimming pool and as well as electric bikes to explore the surroundings. Massages and yoga sessions can also be arranged.
Ligurian specialities, homemade bread and cakes, organic juices, cured meats from the local deli, as well as a selection of the finest products from nearby regions. The staff takes great care of special dietary requirements, offering a wide selection of dishes for celiacs, vegetarians, vegans and food intolerants.
There’s no on-site restaurant at the Relais, but the staff is can dish up delicious light lunches in the garden and is always happy to share the best addresses in the area to explore the local cuisine. And for those who’d like to learn more about the region’s most celebrated dishes and wines, cooking classes and tasting sessions can be easily arranged. Also, every day from 5 pm to 7 pm, guests are treated to complimentary tea with homemade cakes and biscuits.
There are 14 rooms of different sizes and styles spread across the three historic buildings. All are exquisitely decorated with natural wooden floors, soft tones, period features like exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, and beautiful antique furnishings belonging to the owners’ family, including grandma’s wardrobe. In-room amenities include courtesy sets with eco-friendly products, slippers, bathrobes, minibar, tea and coffee facilities.
Families or friends travelling together can opt for the larger rooms arranged over two levels, complete with a living room with a sofa bed and a kitchen cabinet. There is also a spacious Suite available in the main building, with a jacuzzi tub, elegant furnishings and lovely views of the garden and the swimming pool.
The “albergo diffuso” philosophy of Relais del Maro ensures guests live a genuine village life experience. With rooms located in different buildings scattered around the village, they are in close contact with villagers and quickly feel like they are part of the local community
The relais is run Elena and Piera, a mother-daughter duo who decided to open their family’s properties to guests seeking to explore the most authentic side of Liguria. Their warm hospitality and the beautiful décor that makes use of old family furniture and memories create that great feeling of being home away from home.
Sustainable practices are an essential part of how this hotel is managed, with a green philosophy that applies to anything from technology - with energy-saving measures and low environmental impact - to food - with a preference for natural and organic products. The staff also supports initiatives aimed at promoting local culture and traditions.
Via Guglieri Ambrogio, 1, Borgomaro, 18021, Italy