Villa Irlanda Grand Hotel, Gaeta

Villa Irlanda Grand Hotel is set within a 60,000 m2 Mediterranean garden that includes two swimming pools, including an Olympic-sized pool. The garden also contains hundreds of lemon and orange trees. The hotel has a private beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas, plus a wooden dock with ladders to the sea.

The hotel comprises four historic buildings including an Art Nouveau villa, a former convent, and a reception built among walls of a 1st-century BC Roman villa. Rooms are spacious with classic décor, and some have hand-painted majolica tiles and garden views. Accommodation options include well-equipped family suites and a two-level suite.

Guests can dine at the restaurant by the sea, the Sciarlò sul Mare, which offers fresh seafood and evening dinners. Themed dinner nights and live performances are held by the water. Breakfast includes fresh fruit, cold buffet, and cappuccino made to order.

The hotel provides an on-site spa and wellness centre. Guests can join boat excursions along the coast, enjoy windsurfing, diving, and snorkelling at the beach, or take cooking classes. The garden also serves as a setting for walking tours and cultural activities.

The hotel offers babysitting services, kids' meals, and a children's pool. Free parking is available on the grounds, and the hotel provides a shuttle to Formia Train Station for connections to Rome. The front desk can arrange taxi services and sell bus tickets for exploring the historic centre of Gaeta.

Gardens: 60,000 m2 with Olympic-sized pool

Architecture: Art Nouveau villa and former convent

Dining: Sciarlò sul Mare restaurant with themed dinners

Family: Babysitting, kids' pool, family suites

Location: Private beach area, 3 km from Formia train station