Liguria is about stunning cliffs and green terraces, low vineyards overlooking the sea, and the inviting smell of fresh basil pesto and focaccia. But Liguria is also a cultural immersion into local traditions, and several hiking opportunities with breathtaking natural landscapes offering inspiring visions that will fuel your creativity and free up your artistic soul. If Liguria has just entered your Italian travel wish list, with BeMyJourney you can now combine your local exploration of the Cinque Terre area with an artistic experience to experiment with watercolours.
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A week or at least a long weekend. It might be a nice idea to combine Cinque Terre with other areas of Liguria, Tuscany or maybe Milan. If you want help to define your itinerary, get in touch with Andrea and you’ll discover places you would not find otherwise.
The best moments to avoid crowds are late spring/early summer and September.
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Mastering watercolour takes years of practice, forging a special relationship between you and the materials. Therefore, these few hours you’ll spend with resident artist Susie Barrow are not aimed at producing a “pretty painting” but rather encouraging you to be bold and free in your approach, creating experimental studies to give you a taste of the many possibilities this wonderful medium is capable of.
During this experience, you will first absorb the beautiful surroundings. Then, you will chat with Susie about the aims of the lesson, she show you some watercolour techniques and guide you on a one-to-one level to meet your individual creative needs, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced painter.
At the end of your painting session, you’ll enjoy a local wine aperitif with appetisers on a terrace with a sea view.
Prices start from 330 euro for 2 guests, get in touch with Andrea to learn more.
About Susie Barrow
Susie trained as a Jewellery Designer and Silversmith. She created textile & surface print designs and has taught Art in colleges and private Art studios in the UK. Inspired by her love for nature and the simple beauty of the Cinque Terre, since moving to Italy in 2002, she has chosen to concentrate on painting. Susie has exhibited extensively, working with galleries in Cinque Terre, Venice, Torino, Genova and Mantova, and had her own personal gallery between 2011 and 2014. Her paintings have been collected worldwide.
WHERE ~ Near Levanto
BEMYJOURNEY’S EXPERIENCE ~ “At La Sosta I fell in love with Liguria. The kindness of Angela and all the staff, the flavours of the aperitif at sunset, the sea view from my room and waking up to the sound of the nearby church’s bells. If you are looking for an authentic way to experience Liguria, this is the stay you have been looking for.” Andrea
BEMYJOURNEY’S EXTRA ~ BeMyJourney’s travellers will get a complimentary welcome La Sosta by Glass aperitif. To enjoy this treat get in touch with Andrea or book your stay on the hotel website and add “BeMyJourney” to the notes of your booking.
WHAT TO EXPECT ~ La Sosta di Ottone III is a small local boutique hotel with a restaurant nestled in the magical landscape of Chiesanuova, a little-known tiny village that is close enough to the renowned Cinque Terre, but away enough from tourist crowds. This gem is perched on the hills at 200 meters above sea level, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Levanto Valley. Here you will find a few lush terraces where to relax, six guest rooms to wake up with a sea view as well as the most genuine local cuisine and natural wine. On top of the watercolour experience, La Sosta organises other immersive experiences, get in touch with Andrea to learn more. Prices start from € 150.00 per night.
FOOD PHILOSOPHY ~ La Sosta Restaurant combines tradition with innovation, enhancing the food and wine heritage of Liguria. The cornerstone of good food is the quality of the ingredients and the close collaboration with a selection of local farmers is the core element of La Sosta’s food philosophy. When the sun is shining, you can enjoy the meal on the terrace with a stunning view over the Mediterraneo. Here, all you’ll have to do will be to relax and enjoy the sunset, while sipping a glass of local natural wine.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY ~ The property is located inside a 16th-century listed building where you can experience the atmosphere and rhythm of an Italian medieval rural hamlet. During the renovation of the property, the hosts took particular care to use local materials and work with local artisans to enhance the regional excellences and traditions. Moreover, in November 2018, La Sosta di Ottone III committed to using renewable sources, joining the program promoted by LifeGate Energy. Since then, the property network has been powered exclusively by sustainable electricity.
OTHER INFORMATION
The village of Chiesanuova is car-free, what a joy! A parking area is available for La Sosta’s guests at the bottom of the village, about 150 metres away. To reach the hotel, guests can use La Sosta’s car/monorail or walk up the village.
Closest airports: Genova approx 1.20 h Florence approx 2 h
Pets are welcome and national health and safety regulations must be observed: the pet must be on a leash in all the public areas and must not be allowed on beds and sofas.
La Sosta di Ottone will be open until the end of October 2021 and then again from April 2022.
Check-in time: from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm ~ Check-out time: by 11.00 am
CANCELLATION POLICY ~ Up to 4 days before arrival cancellation is free of charge.
DROP A LINE TO ANDREA, SCHEDULE A CALL AND PICK HER BRAIN TO DISCOVER OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS IN ITALY YOU WOULD NOT FIND OTHERWISE
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