Friendliest Accommodation in the Italian Alps

Tue, Jan 25, 2011

I started planning LoveBaby LoveTravel on our trip to Europe during summer 2010 and one of my plans was to include accommodation reviews of all the places we stayed. 7 months later I’m finally getting around to it! My first review is of Bella Baita in the Italian Alps because it was undoubtably the friendliest place we stayed.


The surrounding area is breathtaking but that’s not the only reason to visit. Our hosts Fabrizio and Marla were incredibly warm and welcoming; they treated us like family from the outset. When we arrived they were out and about and although Fabrizio’s mother couldn’t speak English she was extremely friendly and kind. She brought us some sort of icy, fruity, gorgeous drink and we relaxed on the patio for a few minutes.


When Fabrizio and Marla arrived back they were very apologetic for not having been in when we arrived (which really wasn’t a problem for us!). They explained that they had been mushroom picking and that they had found porchini for us, their friends.  To be called the friend of someone you’ve only just met may sound a little weird, but it really wasn’t! We felt so welcomed by Fabrizio’s big smile and were instantly at ease with both him and his wife. They called Euan ‘Bello Bambino’, an affectionate name which has stuck in our household!


Fabrizio and Marla


Another reason we enjoyed our stay so much was the food. Both Marla and Fabrizio are chefs and they made us the most wonderful meals. Dinner was served in their own apartment. My favourite course was the starter – antipasti with an anchovy sauce. Marla is a trained pastry chef and her bread was unreal. I wish I had taken photos of the breakfast buffet – fresh bread, homemade jams, local cheeses… Gorgeous.  They  also offer cookery courses which unfortunately we didn’t have time for, next visit!


The accommodation itself was comfortable, clean and very reasonably priced.  A cot was provided for Euan and there was a communal kitchen available for our use – perfect for families.


On the day we were checking out Fabrizo and Marla were going to the market so we followed them down the hill to the town.  While Fabrizio was at a meeting, Marla showed us around the market and it was one of the most memorable parts of our entire European adventure.  She pointed out delicious local fruits, cheeses, breads etc  and gave us an idea of  how much we should be paying. We didn’t pay for this guided tour and Marla could have got around the market in half the time without us. This added extra was much appreciated and a fantastic way to end a great few days.


Delicious food at the market.


One of the ladies at the market selling her goods.


This bag contained a lot of cheese.


It’s difficult to do Marla and Fabrizio justice. We had such a lovely stay with them and definitely intend to return.  The scenery, food and company were second to none. To read more about Bella Baita check out their website www.bellabaita.com.


This post is shared as part of The Mother of All Trip‘s Mondays are for Dreaming.


You may also want to have a look at some related posts: Tips for Long Car Journeys with your Baby; Self Catering Accommodation in Ardnamurchan.


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