Golf taster on the Riviera of Flowers in Liguria
While the capricious weather in our latitudes can't decide between hot and cold, the first roses are already blooming in Liguria, Italy.
Yes, why not go to a place where "eternal spring" beckons, where charming fishing villages nestle against rugged coastlines and where the Adriatic coast with its romantic bathing bays is experiencing a revival. Whether cultural vacationers, honeymooners or golfers - the time has come: Benvenuto in San Remo!
The region, which lured English aristocrats off the island with its seemingly eternal spring as early as 1860, had long been somewhat forgotten. The Riviera hype of the 1960s had fallen asleep in the more than 300 kilometers of coastline between Ventimiglia on the French border and the famous Cinque Terre southeast of Genoa. In the middle of it all is San Remo, the former luxury spa town with its steep streets, intact old town, lively markets and casino, which still bears witness to the luxury of the former seaside resort. True to the motto "Noblesse obligé", we opted for the most beautiful hotel here on the coast - the Royal Hotel San Remo, where Empress Sisi once stayed.
In Empress Sisi's chambers
Empress Sisi once resided in one of the suites hidden behind the gleaming white Belle Époque façade, and the interior is also reminiscent of the splendid royal era. The spa area, on the other hand, has a straightforward modernity and offers everything that discerning guests seeking relaxation expect from a wellness area: pool with hydromassage, experience showers, vitarium and relaxation zones, fitness room, various saunas and a unique Turkish steam bath. Bachelor ladies who want to celebrate their bachelorette party in style have also discovered this hotel and enjoy a luxury weekend in a wonderful location, right by the sea and in the middle of a 16,000 square meter subtropical park.
www.royalhotelsanremo.com
Golfing with a view of San Remo
The 18 holes of the Circolo Golf degli Ulivi course were opened back in 1932 on the mountain slopes above San Remo. A place that has always hosted major events: from the Italian Open in the thirties and forties, the Masters tournaments of the eighties to the European Senior Tour in 2004 and the Italian P.G.A. Championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. At par 69, the course is not particularly long, but difficult to play because the fairways glide gently down to the sea and run between the olive groves of the Val Gogna. You can easily lose a ball or two. Moreover, slopes are the order of the day and the greens are fast. If you're not a good walker, you're better off taking a cart so you can enjoy the view of the Mediterranean better. But it also has one drawback: despite the satnav, it is difficult to find and Tuesday is a day off. So check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
www.golfsanremo.com
