We had a stay of only 8 days (Sun - Sun) with a group of 4 couples. Arriving by plane in Lamezia Terme we made the rest of the journey by car (Europcar); it took some 1 hour to reach the Villa (description is helpful, GPS recommended). The owners were awaiting us to give us a very sympathic welcome. First, when approaching the place, you will get impressed by the big comfortable iron gate, opening electrically triggered, enabling a stunning view on the Villa with the pool right in front. You'd just say "WOW"!!!
Then we got a "guided tour", learning about the house, features and outdoor equipment. Divided into two floors, separately being entered, you will find 3 bed rooms, two bathes and very large living room with well equiped kitchen in the upper floor (this was were I stayed) and another three bedrooms in lower floor, one with integrated bathroom. Currently, there is a kitchen to be built in, so once completed, both units can be rented and used totally independent.
To get a first guess, you can absolutely rely on the photos! This was convincing us to decide for this place, and it was good choice!
We strongly recommend spending some time here, using grill and pool. Even some bikes are avialable for free.
Having seen some places in Italy I can tell by experience: never seen a house with such high tech comfort. Each and everything tells you about the love and eager the family invested in making the Villa the place it is, even using it on their own (some parts of wardrobe therefore are restricted, but the remaining space is more than enough). Enjoy sitting in the sun on the upper terrasse or prefer having shadow on the one below - both is great!
When it comes to the near environment, well, there are some deductions. The beach truly is close at hand easily available by foot, but it is in an incredibly disorder (waste etc.). Also the buildings around the Villa do not entirely show the same neat and clean face. Strolling aroung there by night really does not seem to be good idea.
Scina di Palmi is a nice little village where you can find everything for daily need. The family will show you some needful places (little supermarket, restaurants to be recommended). There you will meet very friendly and helpful people, as the poulation in Calabria is in general, the more if you are able or at least try to use their language.
Places around we were visiting: Scillá (with wonderful Chianalea, go to the Zanzibar there!), Tropea (is a MUST), Reggio di Calabria (enjoy shopping and culture), viewing points like Capo di Vaticano and Monte S. Elia (don't miss this, you will never forget the impressing panorama!!!).
Try the Swordfish - it's a MUST (this near to the coast eating fresh fish and seafood is just a dream).
Travelling around by car on the one hand will show you a lot of this amazing peace of earth - what a landscape!!! This mixture of mountains and sea! Really, really adorable! But: you also will have to face the Italians driving like never having had any driving lesson.... regardless of speed limits, very narrow and curvy streets (not all of them in good order). Thanks God we had no accident (having a look on other cars around, you will soon get to know, this is not a matter of course.
All in all it was an absolutely wonderful stay, we enjoyed each and every day we spent and would like to thank Ornella and family for all the kind recommendations and the sympathy they gave to us!