We were a little surprised that this beautiful hotel in Forte dei Marmi has an English name, but the villa of the hotel Byron does actually have a British touch. Even the neatly lined up deck chairs on the beach waiting for the guests to arrive remind us of the famous British queueing while waiting for the bus. In rank and file we find everything in its place! 😉
The Byron is set in a stately villa just behind the beach. Only the long promenade separates us from the white sand and the waves of the sea. The promenade consists of a wide street, a bicycle path and a sidewalk. These are again neatly separated from each other and well organized (the bike path in green and sidewalk in red). Then the famous „Bagni“ follow, a small beach section with deck chair and parasol rental. Each Bagno has its own parking space (including bicycle parking), a bar or a restaurant, beautiful colorful beach houses and, of course, the matching deck chairs. with their individual mediterranean colors one is more beautifully arranged than the other.
The approximately 98 Bagni (we roughly counted on the map) are unique and have retained the charm of bygone days. All are freshly painted and show off in modern style. Their uniformly designed deck chairs line up harmoniously along the 4 kilometer (approx. 2.5 miles) long beach. Nothing is yet to be felt from what will be happening here in the high season. There is still absolute peace, because the season only begins in June. If you want to be in the front row during that time, you have to get up early and you should not forget your purse at home. Since we are here already in April, we still have the whole beach for ourselves.
Let’s take the bike for a ride
Our Model S is parked shady in the beautiful courtyard of the hotel and relaxes at the Destination Charger, while we change to the even more ecological bike. In Forte dei Marmi, almost all hotels offer bicycles for their guests. Perfect for riding to the next sun lounger or to the next restaurant. Rest assured the hotel can recommend you where to go – one knows each other. This immediately sets us in the typical holiday mood! Arrived…
But the fashionable seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi is not just for us. We are amazed to discover that there are also many celebrities who appreciate this place very much. Many nobles and famous people, such as the Fiat owner family Agnelli had their summer residence in Forte dei Marmi (now also a 5 * hotel), Andrea Boccelli even lives here now. The place has always been very well known because the precious marble of the region (Carrara) was shipped from here into the whole world.
It generally feels like artists and noble people have found their home here. So it is hardly surprising that much emphasis is placed on discretion and peace. Only small renovation work in preparation for the season and the roar of the above-average number of Ferraris disturb the idyll from time to time. One wishes there were already more electric cars on the roads – we are working on it by spreading the word! :-).
Nevertheless, we have not seen a nicer place for a long time! In Forte dei Marmi, no building sins or skyscrapers disturb the view of the hills in the hinterland. Beautiful, stately villas and noble boutiques are in the foreground here.
A noble home
In the hotel itself we are warmly welcomed by Filippo, the hotel manager and two remarkably well-dressed ladies at the reception (they wear a perfectly fitting blue-and-white striped blazer), matching the overall impression of the hotel. But we do not find fine fabrics only in the uniforms! Noble materials, beautifully chosen colors and a pleasant personal atmosphere in the hotel let us once more feel at home immediately.
The welcome Prosecco is served on the veranda overlooking the garden, accompanied of course by olives and other small snacks. Excellent – it could not be more beautiful.
Our hotel room in the main part of the villa even has its own balcony and is beautifully furnished in mediterranean style. We sleep in pure linen and the towels are exceptionally fluffy. It smells of sun, summer and sea. This is exactly the mix of relaxation, exclusivity and personality that we value so much. Small, fine and at the highest level.
The delicious breakfast we enjoy in the garden of the villa, directly under a palm tree. A beautiful pool in the garden invites you to relax, the short distances and the upscale hospitality fit in with the slogan “courtesy is our philosophy”! Here you live first class and in the first row of Forte dei Marmi.
Therefore, saying goodby to the hotel Byron was anything but easy. The ladies at the front desk were so excited about our trip that they immediately wanted to come with us, and when we took Filippo for a test drive in our Tesla, he beamed all over his face: “so noble, sporty and exclusive, like a Ferrari – and so quiet!” he says. Can you imagine a bigger compliment from a real Italian for a car? We don’t think so!
Once again we had the pleasure to get to know a great hotel and lots of very friendly people – what could be more delightful than that?!
Thank you for a fantastic weekend – we’ll be back!
Yours
Mr & Mrs T
