Have you ever fallen in love with a place without actually seeing it?
Or better, after just seeing it on Instagram? I guess it happens quite frequently, nowadays. I fall in love with places with a special soul, places that are able to communicate such soul through a picture, a quote, some meaningful words, some daily sketches of life. I fall in love with those places and I want to visit them, be part of them and their magic.
Instagram is a very amazing way to discover new locations, restaurants, B&Bs and have a true feeling of how these places really are. After seeing their pictures on a daily basis, you feel like you know them a little bit and they are a part of your daily life – even if you have never been there.
That’s basically how I fell in love with the Art B&B A Crêuza in Verezzi.
welcome to the B&B (photo courtesy of A Crêuza B&B)
I don’t remember exactly how I found out about it, but I know that it was love at first sight when I saw their Instagram account. And I was super pleased to realize that the B&B was just a short drive away from where I live! So an idea came to my mind: why not go there, have a look at it and see if it could be a nice place to recommend to you guys? Not a bad idea, right?
Therefore, after following the Crêuza on Instagram for a while, I decided to go ahead and ask Ludovica – the lovely lady who owns the B&B and whom I have become friends with, after chatting online every now and then – if I could visit the Crêuza and maybe write a post about it. She very happily said yes and that’s how, after a few weeks, I found myself in some kind of paradise.
Let me tell you that I had set my expectations very high, after seeing all the magic on Instagram, but I was not disappointed at all. Not a single bit. After spending a few hours there, I was more than convinced that it was the perfect place to recommend to you guys and let me list the reasons.
the beautiful terrace seen from down below
the doorbell 🙂
The location
The Art B&B A Crêuza is located in Borgio Verezzi, one of the most beautiful Italian villages. Borgio Verezzi is actually divided in two distinct locations: Borgio, which is down by the sea, and Verezzi, an enchanting village perched on the hill. Verezzi is quite a famous location in Liguria, renowned for its panoramic view, its scenic little alleys and its picturesque corners, and for hosting a very famous open-air theatre season every summer.
What makes la Crêuza special is that it is not located in Verezzi proper, but in a borgata, a little group of houses a bit further up on the hill. This secluded hamlet has all the beauty of Verezzi minus the crowds, making it the perfect place to spend some quality time.
Actually, the borgata has no shops, no coffee places, no busy streets, only the magnificent view and the sound of crickets to keep you company – and a newly-opened restaurant, if you feel like tasting the local cuisine. But only 10 minutes by car and you’re in Finale Ligure, in the hustle and bustle of a very popular tourist location. Could it be better?
borgata Crosa seen from terrace of the B&B
the lovely sight of the sea from the terrace
The area
Borgio Verezzi is a lovely little village on the Italian Riviera. It is located one hour from Genoa and a little more than an hour from the border with France. The Italian Riviera is one of the most beautiful seaside locations in Italy – ok, I may a bit partial to it, since it is part of my home region, but it is really amazing.
What makes it so awesome is the fact that it is a very narrow coastal strip that stretches between the Ligurian sea and the mountains, which give the scenery a unique shape. You have the sea and then hills right behind it, with lots of perched villages overlooking the Mediterranean. Needless to say, views can take your breath away.
Such a variety of landscape gives you a lot of opportunities for your holidays.
You can relax on the sandy beaches and swim in the blue sea, you can go whale watching – the Italian Riviera is right in the Cetaceans’ Sanctuary of the Mediterranean – do a lot of outdoor activities like free climbing, mountain biking and hiking (there is quite a number of trails up on the hills), or explore the old stone villages in the area. Time to visit, uh? 🙂
Finale Ligure seen from the Borgata Crosa
a view of the beach in Finale Ligure
The breakfast terrace
When you finally get to the B&B, after walking up and down the alleys of the borgata, wondering if you have come to the right place – while stopping a hundred times to admire the view or to take pictures of the magnificent blooms in the houses of the village – Ludovica will welcome you in the terrace (no worries, she’ll also come and pick you up if you are lost somewhere).
This terrace, which serves as the main entrance to the B&B, is the place where breakfast is served when the weather is nice – quite frequently, in this corner of Liguria. The view is lovely, of course, but what makes it special, is the way Ludovica has arranged everything to make you feel at home.
There are lots of plants, colorful cushions and throws, crystals reflecting the light, treasures gathered around the world, pieces of old tiles scattered around: there are so many little details it will take you a while to actually see all of them. Such a welcoming place is where Ludovica serves breakfast every morning, offering guests homemade cakes and all sorts of treats, giving you the opportunity to start the day in the best possible way.
the breakfast table
a detail of the breakfast table
The room
Unlike other B&Bs, La Crêuza offers just one room, called la stanza azzurra (the blue room). In such a way, you’ll be the only guests in the place, avoiding uninteresting conversations with strangers while having breakfast and giving you all the privacy you need. The privacy is also guaranteed by the fact that you’ll have your own private access to the room – so that you can come and go as you like.
The room is cozy and vibrant, just like the rest of the place. It is full of colors and clearly reflects the likes and passions of Ludovica, who has literally poured her soul into this place. And if you fall in love with a piece of furniture, you can buy it as everything is on sale there!
Moreover, the room hides a very special treat. There’s a very little terrace with a table, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the sea and there’s a shower outside: can you imagine returning to your room on a hot summer day and having a shower in the open air? Quality of life at its best!
the amazing blue room
a detail of the room (photo courtesy of A Crêuza B&B)
The owner
Besides being a very nice and welcoming lady, someone who likes traveling and seeing the world, Ludovica is an artist and you have no doubts about it if you just look around the B&B. The place is full of her eclectic artwork – which is on sale as well, giving you the chance of bringing home a unique souvenir of your holiday.
Ludovica is also known as Clorophilla and is a very multifaceted artist, whose works include photography, mixed media art, embroidery, illustration, design and much more. Basically, she simply applies her creativity and great taste to a wide variety of media, with unique results. If you come to La Crêuza, you’ll have the chance of admiring her works of art and chatting with her about art and inspirations.
Ludovica gathering flowers (photo courtesy of A Crêuza B&B)
delicious treats for the guests (photo courtesy of A Crêuza B&B)
But Ludovica is also very passionate about the area where she lives and can give you lots of tips and suggestions about places to visit, restaurants where you can have great local food and cute shops not to be missed. She actually has a section on Instagram called #lacreuzaconsiglia, which she uses to give tips about the area and that’s why I asked her three suggestions regarding Verezzi. There she goes!
A Crêuza suggests…
1. Treat yourself with a special scented candle at the Orangeria in Piazza Sant’Agostino
2. Have a glass of Nostralino while admiring the sunset on the beautiful terrace of Il Cappero Ristorante e Bar
3. Climb up to the Borgata Crosa and have an amazing pasta con le sarde at the Rosa dei Venti
This place looks so amazing! It just makes me more determined to visit Italy soon!!
That’s so great to hear! I am sure you’ll love it.
Cinzia