Our group vacation was to reconnect five lifelong girlfriends. We brought our friends and families together too and the trip was magical. The villa is even more gorgeous in person. The landscaping, replete with natural beauty, is comfortable and inviting- flowers, herb and vegetable gardens, grape vines, and ponds with fish and frogs. Don't forget to bring a swimsuit because the pool saved us all on HOT July days and nights. The village is very small and intimate, atop narrow, winding, country roads, bordered with grape orchards, small shops, roadside water fountains of white marble statues, and a local cemetery. Plan to do your driving in the daylight; the views are not to be missed, and the roads are more manageable. The local church community center allows villa guests to mingle with villagers over ice cream on weekend evenings. Church bells ring out the hours, lending warmth and charm. Beatrice and her father took care of all our questions and needs. The apartments provided privacy for couples and families. Communal areas were great for dining and lounging. A road just outside the villa is the perfect place for a morning walk through luscious green trees and picturesque farms with old farmhouses. The site houses deep wounds from World War II, explained by placards along the route. It is a place of commemoration and healing. A medieval castle, mineral springs, quarries, Pisa, and the sea, were great day trips. Overnights elsewhere included Parma & Pompeii.

I stayed at PODERE BEATRICE for a week with a group of friends and I did not want to go home! The villa is in an idyllic location and is HUGE - it has everything you could need and it was very nice to take a dip in the pool when it was too hot. We had a tasting tour of the local wines and a private chef in villa who cooked for us delicious "trenette al pesto". EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!

For the second year in succession we stayed in this lovely property. The living/dining area is very spacious with comfortable beds. The property itself was clean and well maintained. As in the first year we were warmly welcomed by Beatrice and her family - more so in the second year; it was like visiting friends. S TERENZO itself is well placed for visiting lesser known but amazing places which often are not found in (British) guidebooks - maybe I'll write one! Beaches are a short drive away, Cinque Terre is well worth a trip and I would advise taking the train from aulla - you don't have to worry about parking then! Pisa, Lucca, Viareggio and other places are all accessible too. What we loved about the podere and location was the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle but not being isolated. Wonderful, local food, excellent wine, and a great chance to chat with other guests, most of whom were other Europeans. Great for discussions over bruschetta, local pecorino, salted olives , wine etc .

Villa Riviera is really fabulous ! Wonderful property with all facilities and amenities you expect on vacation: Tennis court, Football Soccer field, Gym, Large swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Wi-fi, Barbecue and also a small outside relax area reserved for us only! The location is perfect! Halfway from Cinque Terre and beach resorts! Friendly and helpful staff!