As we drive along the coast of Italy today, we are delighted to see the ocean for the first time in months, and we feel we are leaving Winter behind us.  It is a beautiful seaside known as Riviera Dei Fiori, The Riviera of Flowers – Sanremo.

You may have grown up hearing of Sanremo as a brand of Italian pasta, but in fact, it is a beautiful coastal historic town close the border of France, and the opulence is evident as we meander up the hillside driveway, to the luxury Royal Hotel Sanremo at Riviera dei Fiori.

This is our last stop before we head out of Europe for a while. It has been a very fast trip these past few weeks and we are both tired.  We spent the last few days with friends in Italy and sadly said goodbye to them this morning.

In a day’s time, we will find ourselves in another land, and it seems crazy to leave Europe, but with Schengen Zone Visa, we need to leave so as to not outstay our 90-day allowance.  With that in mind, we were delighted when we once again found ourselves on the fantastic online information channel and searched and found Royal Hotel Sanremo as a place to pamper ourselves before our flight out of France.

We settled into our room, and Explorason set about connecting all the devices to the free wifi.  I stood out on the balcony and breathed in the sea air.  It was lovely to stand out there as the hills behind us protect the area, and so it isn’t too windy or cold, even though the sky was recovering from the rains of yesterday and was still somewhat grey.

Infront, there is a bike track that goes for over 20 km, and below you can rent bicycles and even tandem bikes.  Also, there is a great walking track along the beach front, where I can see many healthy people exercising.

The stunning Royal Hotel Sanremo is set in over 16000 m² of tropical gardens.  It is a five-star luxury hotel and the rolling lawns and gardens cascade down the hill toward the seafront promenade.

I had the opportunity to experience a ‘site tour’, where I was able to view the luxury suites and the finer features of this grand property.  Little details including parquetry flooring and suites for families with interconnecting doors were revealed to me.  Even interior closet lighting, and all the accessories needed for a relaxed stay.

I love the way that some of the family suites could be cordoned off so that three suites could share the same main entrance, and yet remain private from other guests.  Many of the suites had deep bathtubs or lavish shower areas with marble finish.

And in our beautiful seafront retreat, we felt the guest services were just fabulous.  Each evening after we went to dinner, we returned to replenished toiletries, and the bathroom and suite tidied.

And Explorason loved his that as we entered, the bed was turned down and ready for him to climb into. With velour slippers laid out on a mat by the bed, and fluffy robe to recline with, and gift for us too.

To end each evening relaxed in my robe and slippers with the window open and the Mediterranean Sea breeze was just perfect.

On our second day, I used the great wifi to catch up on last minute plans for leaving Europe tomorrow.  I like the fact there was wifi included (this is new in the last year), even though it is considered a resort style hotel.  As much as it is not a business hotel, they do consider those like myself that mix business with pleasure, and provide many areas that are suitable for such visits. From Smoking Rooms to the hotel and poolside restaurants and a pizzeria. There is no need to wander far if you are here for a limited time.

They also offer a toddlers playroom that is staffed in the Summer.  And on warm evenings there is a service available from 7 – 11 p.m. where guests with children can leave them in the care of a qualified staff member whilst they relax.  They also have various shows each Summer evening (like magicians for example) by the pool.  As soon as Explorason heard this, he was planning our return in a few months time. We were informed that from June to September guests can benefit from free entrance to the pool area. Beyond the roadway, there are also changing huts, sun loungers, and parasols at a partner beach opposite the hotel.

I loved the breakfast room in the Fiori di Murano Restaurant as it overlooked the enchanting garden. I can well imagine how vibrant the colors of the garden on a fine Spring day, and how the elegant blooms would waft their perfumes in the sea breeze.  Explorason was well cared and catered for by the staff, and he snapped this photo of me gazing out to the ocean beyond.

By lunchtime, we were ready for a walk, and on the next side street is the historical Russian Church.

Less than 5 minutes away on the same side of the road is also the casino.  Having a child with me, I never went inside, but the potted plants along the entrance way were somewhat enticing.

Sanremo is known as a historical town that it is easy to become lost in, so of course, in our aim to prove them wrong, we ourselves became lost in the small alleyways that led up to the gardens and church on the top of the hill.  Having fun when you are getting lost is definitely the key to this, and it was quite an amazing hour of weaving our way through alley and laneways.

There are two main walking streets, and as we headed up the hill we were surprised at the street art we found too.  So lovely to have this area to ourselves, but it was also really strange, as, in Summer, these little walkways are packed with both locals making their way to and from home and also the tourist seeking to find a little piece of Italian history.

I had wanted to return for an afternoon drink in the Guest Lounge, but time exploring (and having fun when we were lost) caused us to be back only just prior to sunset.  But it proved to be a nice time, as several other guests also were enjoying a glass of wine or a lovely cocktail.  We ended up relaxing until 7:00 p.m. when I realized the time and wanted to go to the Royal Wellness Spa.

Included free of charge for guests all year-round in the Royal Wellness Spa is a sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath and relaxation area too. There is also a separate gym and tennis court for those seeking an active holiday.  As it was late in the day, I was able to have some adult time for an hour.  I realized as a single Mum just how rarely I get “me” time.

So sitting in the warm bubbly jacuzzi was so therapeutic, and I ended up finding myself circuit a few times between this, the dry sauna, and the aromatherapy shower.

With color changing lights, and various water sprays and forces, the shower room has several different options.  My favorite was the aromatherapy, and even Explorason mentioned how soft my skin was when we returned upstairs.

I probably could post about 50 photographs of all the amazing areas and services I enjoyed in our two days here at the luxury Royal Hotel Sanremo. Two days was definitely NOT enough, but to end my evening relaxing to the music, with the lights softly changing colors above me as I sat and relaxed in the warmth, was probably the closest I have experienced in total serenity in a very long time.  I recline; breathe, and feel my entire senses are experiencing this very moment.

This is pure luxury.

Accommodation Name:Royal Hotel Sanremo

Location: Corso Imperatrice, 80, Sanremo IM, Italy

Telephone: +39 0184 5391

Breakfast: Hotel and cold breakfast buffet in Fiori di Murano Restaurant

Bar: Yes including a Smokers Room, and Poolside Bar.

Restaurants:Fiori di Murano Restaurant (open during all season); Corallina Restaurant and Snack Bar by the pool; Il Giardino Gourmet Restaurant (for alfresco candlelit dinner)

Wi-fi: Good wifi on all floors and areas