Coastal gem: Maratea

Deserted white beaches, stunning turquoise seas Rocky inlets, jagged cliffs, spectacular coastal views Dazzling ochre cliffs and traditional white villages Ideal location for independent exploring

Villa Cheta
The Basilicata region of Italy is said to be the country’s best kept secret, and it really is a glorious mix: from the unspoilt sandy beaches on the coast to the wonderfully mountainous interior which offers a wealth of walking and hiking possibilities.

Headwater guests will stay on the coast in the attractive seaside hamlet of Acquafredda, just outside Maratea. Here, the lovely port area is home to a yacht-filled marina and bustling fish restaurants, whilst the new town is a fascinating maze of twisting alleys worthy of exploration. Your hotel is pretty special too. A splendid Liberty-style villa sympathetically converted into an elegant 20-bedroom hotel, the Villa Cheta combines intimate hospitality with an elegant ambience and is, quite simply, a gem of a place to stay. The individually styled rooms have period touches as well as all mod cons, and fresh flowers are everywhere. Meals are either taken in the elegant dining room, or on the panoramic candlelit terrace overlooking the sea. There are lovely gardens – many of the trees are 100+ years old – if you fancy a post-dinner stroll.

Your host, Stefania, can arrange lots of additional activities (just pay locally) ranging from yoga to horse riding, cycling to underwater fishing, and it’s just a few minutes walk down steps to the beach on the opposite side of the road.