Le Fornaci Imperial Lodge & Spa

The best! 🔝🔝🔝

The downstairs space is the real surprise, with a whirlpool tub, sauna, and two loungers set among beautiful Gravina rocks. Upstairs, the room has a king-size bed, TV, table, sofa, bathroom, and Turkish bath. The whole place feels unusually luxurious, with everything arranged carefully, and the build quality and cleanliness were excellent. Breakfast could use a little more variety. It was a one-of-a-kind stay, and we’ll definitely come back.

The location itself is excellent, though breakfast was meager and commercial. What put us off returning was how the host handled our overbooking. My partner and I had already paid for Le Fornaci with a direct voucher, but we were sent to a standard room at another property, dirty and missing the amenities we’d paid for. It wasn’t a suite of the same or higher standard. The host kept telling us on the phone that Le Fornaci was under maintenance, even after we’d rung the bell and other guests inside opened the door. Once that story fell apart, she “allowed” us to go back, although the stay was already paid for. She said she was busy with other commitments and had no “time” to come in person and show her professionalism. We wanted to speak with her about the loss caused by the stay we hadn’t been able to use at first. She said, “frankly and honestly,” that she’d already made it right by letting us return, even though it was Saturday and the voucher was valid Monday to Friday. We were treated with disdain until the end and made to feel like we were intruding and somehow at fault. It was the worst-managed overbooking I’ve experienced. I wouldn’t return or recommend it, despite the good location. If you’re told there are workers there at 5:30 PM on a Friday without warning, I’d look into it further. The host made us feel as if tourists were just banknotes to her, and that any problem would be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Parking is right outside, and the room itself was gorgeous, spotless, and thoughtfully put together. We found the private spa intimate, modern, and very comfortable. The whole atmosphere was relaxing, just right for unwinding. Simply perfect.