The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitetravel Calabria, Italy Offers Something for Everyone A t the foot of Italy, occupying the ‘toe’ of the country’s boot-shaped peninsula, lies Calabria consisting of rug- ged mountains, old-fashioned villages and a dramatic 55 km coastline with famous sandy beaches. Calabria is believed to have been the home of the Ancient Gods thanks to its scenic beauty, with the Coast of the Gods located in the stunning village of Tropea, a seaside destination characterised by white beaches and topped by rocky cliffs. This sunny, relaxing place shrouded in fascinating legend recalls Hercules discovering the area upon liberating Calabria from the gi- ants or searching for the Golden Fleece with the Argonauts. With many flocking to Puglia and the Amalfi, this extraordinary destina- tion is an alternative option offering off-season getaways, spa breaks and romantic moments; with a rugged coastline, rich history and sunny weather, the ideal place to experience something new. Capovaticano Thalasso Resort Spa offers uninterrupted views of the azure blue sea and expansive white sandy beaches. From the re- sort, a few minutes from the Tropea city centre, protected by the Capo Vaticano, a natural white and grey granite cape, guests can see across the Aeolian islands and the Stromboli volcano. The hotel has 123 rooms separated into three categories, two restaurants serving Mediterranean flavours with beach-club vibes and a refined gour- met atmosphere. A range of water sports and access to two tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, a private beach and a five-a-side football pitch will keep guests active. It has an impressive 2,000 sqm Thalasso Spa using seawater as the basis for treatments encouraging physical and mental wellbeing, and the swimming pools and whirl- pools, with a Kneipp walkway, sensory showers and sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation areas. Guests can book customised body treat- ments and massages in one of the fifteen treatment rooms illuminat- ed with natural light. Villa Paola provides a backdrop for couples seeking a romantic breakaway. Initially part of a Franciscan convent, the property dates back to the 16th century and was converted into a private home in the 1920s. It was fully restored to an elegant villa in 2000 by Luga- no-based architect Bruno Huber, retaining the warmth and infor- mality of a family-owned hotel. This charming, intimate and roman- tic adults-only escape has twelve bedrooms. Also steeped in local history, De’ Minimi restaurant focuses on quality produce such as fresh vegetables, pulses and seafood. The estate's citrus groves and vegetable gardens are at the foot of the vil- la in Marina Vescovado di Tropea. Aromatic herbs, locally grown tomatoes and Tropea red onions help make mesmerising dishes. At the same time, the view from one of the manicured terraces over- looks the Costa degli Dei, the Coast of the Gods, while sipping an aperitif n the evening. Direct flights to Lamezia Terme Airport with Ryanair on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays take three hours. Rooms for two people at Capovaticano Resort Thalasso Spa and Villa Paola can be booked via their websites. www.capovaticanoresort.it www.villapaolatropea.it/en Mediterranean Hospitality Images courtesy of ASA Luxury