Hotel Da Barba B&B

The rooms were lovely. I’d recommend booking a superior room, which was roomy and had a great bathroom. My mother’s room was small, but the big balcony and its fantastic view made up for that. Having a fridge and kettle in the rooms was very welcome, and the owners and staff were all friendly and helpful. There was plenty for the children to do, from the outdoor play park for my two young girls to the indoor playroom with its amazing view over the woodland. The magical gnome walk was a real highlight, though you’ll have to discover it yourselves. I highly recommend it, and my children are already asking to return. We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, and a little sad to leave this fairytale place.

The gnome village is small, as you’d expect, but it was wonderful. The houses are interactive for kids, who can see and talk with the gnomes, and maybe even get a sweet from one of the houses if they say the magic word. The trail also has a fitness circuit with exercise equipment at several stops. I was especially impressed by the trail itself. It was comfortable underfoot and beautifully kept, with soft, golf course-like grass beside it. I felt fine letting my kids run downhill at full speed, and I’d happily pay to do the loop ten times. There’s also a Pokemon go type app being added to the park. From what I saw it looked very cool, though it wasn’t fully integrated yet. The playground was great too. Even with plenty of other guests, we found a table for the picnic we’d brought, and you can get food at the bar as well. There were slides and swings, a volleyball court and basketball hoop, two huge inflatable bounce houses, and a race track suitable for five-year-olds that costs a 1 Euro token. It’s much more generous than the rides at the mall!

Daniela & Alvise were smiling, helpful hosts, and the rooms were clean. The food was good too. It seems like a lovely place for a holiday, with lots of activities for kids. The Gnome Village is a must, though I visited in winter and had no luck seeing it. I’d love to come back.

The staff are kind and make an effort to communicate in English. The playground and gnomes are so much fun, definitely worth the trip.