Villaggio Innamorata - Villa Moresca

This is a cozy place by the sea, with what feels like a mostly private beach. It gets full in season, but never seemed overcrowded to me, and I could always find a spot. The village is small, which limits the number of people coming to the beach. It’s a smaller, beautiful beach, as the photos show. For snorkeling, you often choose between a lively bottom that’s hard to reach and needs a strong swimmer, or an easy-entry sandy beach that’s less interesting. This one is closer to the easy option, with cliffs and rocks at the sides, so it’s a good compromise. Great for kids who are just starting out, though they should watch their footing near cliffs and stones where there’s more marine life. Sea urchins and anemones can be a hazard there, as they can anywhere in the sea around Elba. Sunbeds are available to rent, but I found them quite expensive. Buying a parasol at a nearby shop gives you similar comfort for very little. You can rent a windsurf, with a trainer if you want, though I didn’t try it. I do recommend the pedal boats, an enjoyable little adventure for a small fee. Small motor boats are also available if you want to see more. There’s one very good restaurant serving lunch and dinner, and a beach bar that’s open all day and becomes a restaurant in the evening. Both have sea-view terraces, and the food was great. You’ll usually need to book an evening table in advance, either at the restaurant during the day or by phone. The apartments sit in a large garden, are air-conditioned, and most have sea views. I’ve seen complaints that the rooms are small, but I disagree based on the one apartment I stayed in. It was big enough for its purpose since you spend the day outside and only use it at night or for a siesta. There’s usually a balcony or terrace for eating or playing cards. An outer part of the resort has a pool, sports ground, and parking. I was glad to have the parking and didn’t use the pool because the sea is so beautiful, though the pool could suit small children. WiFi reaches everywhere, even the beach, but the speed is below mediocre and varies by time of day. I used my mobile data quite often. The beach bar is fine for a night out, but eventually you may want more. Nearby Capoliveri has that. There’s a bus stop by the entrance, which I appreciated since drinking and driving is a bad idea on Elba. Buses go directly to the center every 15 minutes in the evening, with the last one back after midnight. Tickets at reception cost half as much as on the bus. I really enjoyed the place: beautiful surroundings, a nice beach, good food, pleasant accommodation, and an easy connection to town. The reason I didn’t give five stars is the plastic mattress protector. Seriously? I understand protecting mattresses from sweat and guests having fun, but it was very uncomfortable and honestly humiliating. I’ve never seen anything like that in hotels elsewhere in the world, maybe in cheap rest homes where there’s a reason for it, but in a hotel? Please think about it. Aside from that, your resort is cool.