The Italian region of Liguria in the north west of Italy is famed for authenticity and a relaxed pace of life. However with exciting new openings for 2016 and 2017 the area has lots of reasons for visitors to explore now and combine the traditional with the contemporary. 

New Hotels

From hotels in UNESCO listed palaces to agritourism resorts in the Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria has an array of new accomodation options for visitors to enjoy:

Palazzo Grillo, Genoa (Opening 1 October 2016)

Due to open in autumn 2016, the Palazzo Grillo will be an exciting addition to Genoa's hotel scene. This splendid building is one of the city's Rolli Palaces that has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 2006. It has been completely restored thanks to investment from the Region of Liguria and this year will be opened as a hotel and an exhibition area for design and contemporary art. The hotel is currently being furnished and the exhibition populated. The Palazzo Grillo is owned by a new society named 'Palazzo 71' that includes the owner of the Hotel Le Nuvole, one of the most stylish hotels in the region.

For more information, please see here: www.HotelPalazzoGrillo.it (website live September/October 2016)

Hotel Sant' Andrea, Santa Margherita Ligure (Opened 11 June 2016)

The refurbished Hotel Sant' Andrea reopened in early June after a careful restoration project. The three-star boutique hotel has kept all of its beautiful original features including a marble fireplace, numerous frescoes and the colourful Genovese pavement outside. The hotel has 11 unique guest rooms, each one reflecting the charms of the classic Ligurian Riviera residences. The Hotel Sant' Andrea is a short stroll from Santa Margherita Ligure Castle and Villa Durazzo, making it a great place to explore the Italian Riviera in Liguria. It is owned by the Pastine family, the same owner of Hotel Jolanda and Hotel Tigullio et de Milan in Santa Margherita Ligure.

A double room is available from €90 (based on two people sharing with breakfast).

For more information, please see www.hotelsantandrea.net.

B&B 'A Due Passi dal Lago', Garaventa (Opened June 2016)

This quaint B&B is located in the Antola Regional Park in the village of Garaventa, located north east of Genoa near Monte Prelà. It can be found just in front of Lake Brugneto, the starting place for many hiking and mountain biking paths. Perfect for an escape away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, the B&B has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a communal kitchen and dining room. Guests can also use the BBQ in the garden after a day of walking in the Ligurian hills. There are several paths leading to Lake Brugneto while in September or October, guests will be able to spot deer in the surrounding countryside. A bike shelter and a free shuttle bus to and from Torriglia are also included.

Rooms are available from €40 per night. For more information, please see - www.aduepassidallago.wix.com.  

Podere Case Lovara, Punta Mesco – Levanto (Accommodation opens in 2017)

Podere Case Lovara is an agritourism project located in the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In total 45 hectares and three rural farming buildings on the clifftops along the coast are being renovated. Currently two buildings have been fully restored, one dating from the 18th century and one from the early 20th century, as well as the surrounding farmland including an olive grove, vegetable garden and an orchard. Beekeeping facilities will also be introduced.

Guided tours are currently available offering guests the chance to learn about the history of the site and the sustainable farming techniques now being implemented. The second phase of the restoration will see the completion of a small farm-holiday complex with bedrooms, bathrooms, camping options and a catering area. This agritourism facility will be open to the public in 2017. The project is funded by Fondazione Zegna and the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Italian National Trust).

For more information please visit the Italian National Trust website – www.eng.fondoambiente.it.

New Restaurants & Bars

Seventh, Genoa (Opened May 2016)

Bringing a modern twist to the classic pizza, Seventh is a stylish restaurant located on Genoa's coastline between the neighbourhoods of Boccadasse and Nervi. Expect a blend of traditional and modern topping combinations as well as delicious and creative cocktails. When not serving Italy's most famous export Seventh also hosts live music and DJ sets on the weekends, including swing nights. Every Wednesday is Focaccia day with special deals on Genoa's famous flat oven-baked Italian bread, while the restaurant's Facebook page is home to various special offers for brunch, dinner and special evening events.

For more information, please see - www.facebook.com/gourmetbeachclub.

Restaurant 'I Cuochi', Genoa (Opened May 2016)

With rave reviews from visitors, 'I Cuochi' has taken Genoa by storm since opening in early summer. Offering a mix of French and Italian cuisine, the cosy restaurant has received praise for the quality of its food as well as the attentive service and relaxed atmosphere. The head chef chooses the best fish and meat at Genoa's morning food markets while 'I Cuochi' also has an extensive wine collection to match the dishes of the day.

To make a booking, please call +39 0102 4761 70.

Cala Torcida, Varazze (Opened April 2016)

Cala Torcida is a beach club restaurant and bar located on the Ligurian coastline in the picturesque town of Varazze. The hip beach club offers a menu of light, summertime dishes and an eclectic cocktail menu. There is a special 'Bubbles Menu' with a range of Champagne and wine, as well as local ice cream served under the arches along the promenade. Hot tubs are also welcome for guests to rent with a drinks service available. Four beaches in or surrounding Varazze (Arrestra, Ponente Teiro, Levante Teiro, Piani D'Invrea) were recently awarded Blue Flag status.

For more information please see here - www.calatorcida.com.

For further information on “In Liguria” please visit www.turismoinliguria.it

-Ends-

For press enquiries on Liguria please contact Jules Ugo (jules@wearelotus.co.uk) or Tim Thackray (tim@wearelotus.co.uk) at Lotus or call 0207 953 7470.

For further information on “In Liguria” please visit www.turismoinliguria.it