Helen loves Villa Maria d’Abruzzo’s excellent “wellness centre”, really good service & comfy rooms with clean lines. Annie marvels that, despite not seeming “her kind of thing”, she just loves staying here – every time!

Only 10 minutes from Pescara airport and centre, near Francavilla al Mare, behind the modern façade of this hotel lies many a pleasant surprise. Set in 15 acres, on a hill facing the sea, it is immersed in greenery. Lawned gardens give way to olive groves and woods of maritime pines. The lovely swimming pool is on a sunny terrace and leafy arbours provide shade.

Elegant, with an Art Deco influence, comfortable lounges have sumptuous sofas and a grand piano, and even the corridors are stylish! The bar spills out onto the garden, in summer. The restaurant is spacious, with enough glass to make you feel as if you are sitting outside, and, in summer, guests may sometimes eat al fresco. Bedrooms are comfortable and tasteful, with garden or sea-view.

The Villa Maria d’Abruzzo has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The Manager, Angelo, is absolutely charming and believes strongly in the importance of good hospitality. His members of staff are friendly, but professional, and the service in the restaurant is attentive and solicitous.

The hotel cuisine is emphatically Abruzzese and Mediterranean, based very much on fresh vegetables, succulent meat from the nearby Maiella Mountains, and fresh, locally-caught fish and, in summer, there are regular barbecues. At lunchtimes, in summer, the “Easy Lunch” is very reasonably priced and delicious. It is well worth sampling dinner, too, which is slightly more formal than lunch and has more of a sense of occasion about it. Proof of any good restaurant is whether the locals use it. They certainly do, when it comes to the Villa Maria d’Abruzzo!

Five minutes from the hotel is its own section of private sandy beach. There is a courtesy shuttle bus, which operates quite regularly, and guests will have free use of sunbeds and umbrellas.

Clients highly praise the food and friendliness of the staff, here, and we agree. An ideal choice for a short break, or as a base for exploring Abruzzo, it is also a great place to stay for Pescara’s annual wine and food festivals, and the famous jazz festival, “Pescara Jazz” (usually July and August), which are hugely popular with Italians.

■ 87 rooms, all en-suite

■ Some standard rooms have a balcony

■ Value rooms are smaller and good value for money

■ Superior rooms have large, furnished balcony

■ There are junior suites and the very special "Master Suite" comprising, huge sitting room, shower room, bathroom, dressing room, large terrace with mini jacuzzi

■ Air-conditioning & Lift

■ Swimming pool 1/6-10/9 with limited “official” opening times

■ Private beach and shuttle service at set times 1/6-10/9

■ Function rooms (this is a popular choice for weddings and other functions)

■ Restaurant & Bar

■ Half-board can include lunch, instead of dinner, on request

■ Limited space for "al fresco" dining. Tables must be pre-booked with reception at a cost of €5 per person, per evening

■ Special rates for local golf course

■ Fantastic, very impressive, hi-tech "Wellness Centre" all year round - heated indoor pool, heated outdoor whirlpool, indoor whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath, fitness area, massage and treatments, etc (entry fee depends on type of room)

Special Offers:

Early bookings: any bookings made before 30/04/10 (for any time in 2010) and in June (for stays from 24/08 onwards) receive a discount of £5 B&B; £6 H/B, per person, per night (not applicable for extra beds)
Other: Value & standard rooms only - 7 nights or more, 1 night free (except 3/8-25/8)
(offers not cumulative)

Transfers / Car Hire:

HOTEL TAXI TRANSFER: approx €25 per taxi, each way, from Pescara airport

Recommended Airports:

Pescara approx. 0.25 hour(s)

Rome approx. 2.5 hour(s)