Little Gem No. 045 | Difficult to find, hard to leave!

A Timeless Cinque Terre Experience

Nestled within the medieval hamlet of Chiesanuova, this small boutique hotel offers a serene retreat that beautifully blends history, tradition, and modern comforts. Perched on a hillside 200 meters above sea level, the hotel and restaurant invites guests to immerse themselves in the authentic charm of the Cinque Terre region. With just six thoughtfully designed rooms, an emphasis on local cuisine and wine, and personalized experiences curated by a "Day Designer," this unque place delivers an unforgettable connection to the heritage and beauty of the Ligurian coast.

A Family Dream Realized

The Graziani Fenwick family transformed this 16th-century historical home into a boutique hotel in 2002, turning their cherished holiday retreat into a haven for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. Deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ligurian region, the family sought to preserve and share the unique character of the area through the hotel’s décor, culinary offerings, and curated experiences. Their philosophy revolves around sustainability, social impact, and celebrating the harmony between man and nature—values that have shaped its identity over the years.

History and Legend

The hotel is steeped in history. Local lore recounts that Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor, stayed in this very house in 996 during his journey to Rome to be crowned by Pope Gregorius V. This story inspired the name, "La Sosta" meaning "stopover." Guests today can feel the echoes of the past while enjoying humble luxuries in this beautifully restored building.

The Charm of Chiesanuova

Situated at the top end of the ancient village of Chiesanuova, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Levanto Valley. The hamlet, dating back to the year 1000, is a peaceful haven, free of car traffic, where a single narrow road weaves through the village’s stone houses. Several picturesque footpaths connect Chiesanuova to the Cinque Terre and nearby villages, making it an ideal base for exploration.

Rooms: A Blend of Comfort and Heritage

La Sosta: Overlooking the garden and olive trees, these rooms exude warmth and comfort for up to two guests.

La Dolce Vita: With views of the Levanto landscape or the sea, these rooms accommodate up to three guests and are perfect for families with small children.

Unesco Heritage: Named to honor the Cinque Terre’s World Heritage status, these rooms feature breathtaking sea views and can host up to four guests.

Each room incorporates locally sourced, sustainable amenities, such as Santella Extra Virgin Olive Oil bath and body products, Rivolta Carmignani bathrobes, and handcrafted travel slippers by “Le DD.” Niasca Portofino: a local, quality soft drink producer based in the Portofino. "La Piccola" coffee machine (currently the quality espresso machine with the smallest footprint on the market)  & San Giorgio coffee

A Culinary Celebration

The restaurant's focus is on the exceptional quality of local ingredients and partnerships with regional producers. Guests can savour the flavours of Liguria in two unique settings:

The Renovated Cellar: Featuring a historic elliptical arch, stone walls, and slate floors, the cellar exudes rustic charm.

The Terrace: Overlooking the Levanto Valley and the sea, the terrace offers a spectacular backdrop for al fresco dining and sunset aperitivos.

From traditional wine tastings to Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared with garden-fresh ingredients, the dining experience is an ode to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

* The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide

Thoughtful Details for Every Guest

The hotel offers a range of thoughtful amenities to enhance every stay:

Complimentary bikes for exploring the region.

A library for quiet moments.

Organic and fair-trade teas, local snacks, and sustainable toiletries.

A private monorail to help guests navigate the steep climb to the hotel (so much fun!)

The “Day Designer” who will help you design your perfect day

Wine tasting apperitivo at the hotel

Cinque Terre wine & walking trail

Cooking School, Water colours & wine, inspiration 

Boat hire

Dogs

For guests arriving with dogs, pre-approval is required to ensure a seamless experience.

The most beautiful place are not easy to reach

The hotel is located at the top end of the village of Chiesanuova, an area inaccessible by car. Due to its remote location, it is highly recommended that first-time guests arrive before 6:00 PM (18:00) to ensure a smooth check-in experience.

At the base of the village, approximately 150 meters from the hotel, guests will find:

Private car park: Unmonitored yet free of charge for hotel guests.

Monorail: This convenient transport system can accommodate up to two guests with luggage. Instructions for operating the monorail are provided on a post equipped with a video intercom near the monorail station. Each trip takes approximately four minutes to reach the hotel and four minutes to return. Please note that the monorail is unavailable at night.

For those who prefer, a scenic 150-meter walk through the village also leads directly to the hotel.

An Invitation to Heritage

This unique hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to experience the essence of the Cinque Terre. With its breathtaking location, historical significance, and dedication to sustainability, the hotel embodies the spirit of the UNESCO World Heritage designation: “A harmonious interaction between man and nature, producing a landscape of exceptional scenic quality.”

Here, guests can savor the rhythm of village life, the sounds of church bells, and the breathtaking beauty of the sea and valley views. Whether it’s enjoying a meal on the terrace, exploring the surrounding trails, or simply unwinding in the peaceful atmosphere, it promises a stay filled with authenticity, comfort, and connection.