Afrodite Boutique Hotel  

On Calabria’s sun-scented Jasmine Coast in Bovalino Marina, just a few metres from the Ionian Sea and a short walk to Afrodite Beach. Transport links are about a 5-minute walk away and the medieval town of Gerace is roughly 10 minutes by car — a true boutique beach-hotel base for exploring southern Calabria.

A small, boutique feel with roughly two dozen rooms and a new Suite Hermes with private terrace and jacuzzi. Rooms are air-conditioned, non-smoking and come with balconies or terraces, minibars, hairdryers and modern tech. Many rooms include private indoor hot tubs or jetted bathtubs. The hotel was renovated in 2011 and offers 24-hour reception, a lobby lounge and refined, fragrant touches throughout.

Soak in an outdoor pool, stroll down to the hotel’s private beach, or unwind in the spa with massages, body treatments, a sauna, steam and a Russian bath. There’s a fitness center/gym, kids’ club and a lively evening scene with a bar-lounge, poolside and beach bars plus a disco. Free on-site parking and a small garden, tea and reading rooms add calm corners for downtime.

Conference and meeting facilities on site, plus a business center and high-speed internet (wired and wireless) throughout — practical for small events or work-on-the-go stays.

Three restaurants and multiple bars serve everything from coffee-shop snacks to sit-down meals. Ares is the on-site spot noted for seafood; room service is available during limited hours and continental breakfast is offered each morning. Expect fresh Ionian and Calabrian flavors woven into the menu.