A Perfect Getaway
Review Submitted: February 26, 2008
Date of Stay: June 2007
Peralta is a perfect getaway for a lazy vacation, and it fulfilled our every expectation. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for a relaxing and sensual experience.
Peralta was originally the dream of Fiore, a sculptor whose exquisite work graces this property and some of the houses. She lived and entertained friends and family here before her death a few years ago.
The narrow, winding road that leads to Peralta is a little tricky but manageable. (A word to the wise: Rent a small car.) But when my husband and I saw the little cluster of rustic stone houses that make up this hamlet, we knew we had arrived in Paradise. Groves of olive and fig trees cover the slopes. Magenta bougainvillea trail from the walls of the rustic stone houses and pots of hydrangea line the stone steps. Spectacular vistas look down on the town of Camaiore and stretch all the way to the Tyrennian Sea.
Our accommodations at Casa Nuova were spacious, clean, well-kept and comfortable, and as beautiful as pictured in the photographs. The night we arrived we had Laura's delicious lasagne, one of the dishes you can select to have upon your arrival; all we had to do was heat it up. There is a bar at Peralta, stocked with aperitifs, Peralta's red wine, and Laura's herbed olive oil, which you can purchase. There is also a communal terrace across from the bar, but each house has its own private terrace. There are several good restaurants in the area, but we enjoyed shopping in Camaiore for fresh produce, meat and cheese and cooking dinner for ourselves. We had the best view in town as we relaxed over dinner on our wisteria-covered terrace and watched the sun go down!
We loved swimming in the pool at the top of the stone steps. There are walks you can take up into the hills; the staff supplies printed directions. There are many small towns in the area to visit, as well as Pisa and Lucca, which are an hour away. The marble quarries of Cararra are just north.
Fiore's compassionate, convivial spirit lives on in this lovely hillside hamlet and the staff who made our visit such a pleasure. Dinah, Kate, Naomi and Justin could not have been more friendly, accommodating, and efficient. One of them was always around if we needed anything and happy to assist us, including recommendations for restaurants and places to see and directions too.
We were so happy with our stay last summer that we are returning this summer and can't wait to see everyone again.
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
Helpful votes: 7/10
