Le Macine Del Confluente.
Località Oxentina S/N, Badalucco, Liguria.
Surrounded by the Ligurian mountains, Le Macine Del Confluente is a pair of stone-built country houses lying beside the Fora di Taggia river. It has an extensive garden with lawns, terraces, a gazebo a swimming pool and a jacuzzi.
Olive trees dominate the surrounding hills, enveloping guests enjoying the garden in a peaceful blanket of greenery. The garden is delightful mixture of palms, planting, stone flagstones, old mill artefacts, combined with the more modern pleasures of the pool and hot tub.
The daily breakfast is a comprehensive buffet with typically Italian cheeses and cold meats, pastries and cold meats, eggs and fruit, washed down of course with some Italian coffee. The Locanda restaurant offers a tasting menu and a la carte for dinner most nights. Chef Borgo loves to produce dishes typical of the western Liguria region, but with his own little touches. He gives careful attention to the selection of genuine local produce including fresh pasta and homemade desserts. In winter the dining room has two roaring fireplaces providing warmth and atmosphere, while in summer the preferred easting place will be in the garden under the gazebo.
The six junior suites are generously spacious, rustic but with a real touch of style. They have wrought iron or wooden beds, private bathrooms with a shower, a sitting area with a fireplace and satellite television.
While relaxing in the garden of Le Macine Del Confluente is a very pleasant way to pass some time, there is plenty more to do in the area. One might start with some short walks around the local hills or along the river. Then move on to longer days out in the Valle Argentina, walking, by bike or car. The hotel can recommend and provide guidance for a number of different driving tours taking in scenery, good food and numerous places of interest from historic buildings, to caves, botanical gardens and even a pipe workshop. At the head of the valley are high mountains, snow-capped for much of the year, while at the opposite extreme the valley runs out into the sea near San Remo with all the opportunities that that provides.