Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House
Aristocratic Italian villa turned intimate boutique guesthouse. Faded-glamour elegance with genuine warmth. Adults-only, romantic, and genuinely quiet.
Book the Suite Portofino for the best frontal sea view and balcony combination on the first floor
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels listed. One of the very few properties in Santa Margherita Ligure that puts you inside a preserved 1874 villa with original frescoes and period floors, steps from the harbor but a world away from the busy seafront hotels.
A 19th-century patrician villa built in 1874 by a wealthy Santa Margherita Ligure family, Villa Gelsomino sits on a hillside just above town with sweeping views over the Gulf of Portofino. With only seven rooms, original frescoed ceilings, and Genoese grit floors still intact, this is as close to staying in a private Italian home as you will get on the Riviera. No pool, no spa, no lobby bar — but that is the point.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Deluxe Room Cinque Terre
First-floor deluxe room with a king-size bed, frontal sea view, and a private balcony. En-suite shower bathroom, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, kettle, and in-room safe. Max 2 guests.
King
Junior Suite San Fruttuoso
Ground-floor junior suite with a king-size bed and sea view. Includes shower bathroom, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, kettle, and safe. Max 2 guests.
King
Monterosso Standard Room
Ground-floor room with a queen-size bed and garden view. Includes en-suite shower bathroom, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, and kettle. A quieter option for those who prefer the garden-facing aspect. Max 2 guests.
Queen
Portovenere Standard Room
Ground-floor room with a queen-size bed, frontal sea view, and lateral garden view. Has an en-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, and kettle. Max 2 guests.
QueenQuiet Suite Camogli
First-floor suite with twin beds, a separate living room, garden view, and a lateral sea view. Shower bathroom, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, kettle, and safe. The living room makes it one of the more spacious options. Max 2 guests.
TwinSuite Portofino
The flagship suite on the first floor: king-size bed, frontal sea view directly over the Gulf of Portofino, private balcony, and a large en-suite shower room. Air conditioning, Nespresso machine, kettle, and safe. Guests have woken up to original 1800s ceiling frescoes here — it is the room to book. Max 2 guests.
King
Superior Zoagli
First-floor superior room with a queen-size bed and lateral sea view. Fitted with shower bathroom, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, and kettle. Max 2 guests.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The villa runs its own local food brand, Belin Portofino (belin-italy.com), offering Portofino-sourced products including zero-km ingredients used at the villa's table.
Bicycles available for guests to explore Santa Margherita Ligure and the surrounding coastline.
The trail from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino and onward to San Fruttuoso Abbey starts practically at the villa's doorstep. Guests regularly walk it.
The villa's location makes it a natural base for day trips. Portofino is reachable on foot via the hillside trail; the Cinque Terre is a short train ride from the station 3 minutes away on foot.
The patio overlooking the Gulf of Portofino can be set up for a private candlelit dinner with the personal chef. One of the most romantic experiences on offer. Requires 24 hours advance notice.
Snorkeling arranged from the property. The Ligurian coast around San Michele di Pagana beach (about 5 minutes walk) offers clear water.
Yoga and fitness classes available on-site in the fitness room.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
All rooms equipped with flat-screen TV with Netflix and main international channels.
700 sqm garden with 150-year-old palm trees, citrus trees, and Mediterranean plants. Available to all guests.
Pets welcome with a supplement of approximately €20 per pet per stay. The garden is a strong draw for dog owners.
Guests under 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian. Effectively adults-only in practice.
Available in Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite Camogli, and Suite Portofino rooms.
On-site vegetable garden tended by Giorgia. Produce used in villa breakfasts and meals. Property also produces homemade jams and honey.
Paid roundtrip airport shuttle to/from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport. Must be arranged 72 hours in advance.
Secured self-parking available on-site at approximately €20 per day with in/out privileges. Must be reserved in advance. An EV charging station is also available. Private parking is a notable practical advantage in this part of Liguria.
BUILD YOUR VILLA GELSOMINO EXCLUSIVE HOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning