Overall: The whole family enjoyed our week in the villa. The owner was very warm and welcoming. She gave us a huge basket of fresh fruit and vegetables from the market, plus some pasta and a bottle of Chianti, so that we wouldn't have to shop on our first night. She also gave us some good travel recommendations and she took us into town a couple of mornings later, to show us where to buy the best produce and where to get the best pizza. There were lots of thoughtful touches - lotions, shampoos, soap, tissues, adaptor plugs, radio, CD's and player, hair dryer. She also provided swim towels. It really felt like home. The housekeeper came twice during our stay to clean, wash any pots and pans etc. and to provide clean towels. We did not use the spa-pool as we preferred swimming in the Mediterranean. It might be more useful in cooler weather as it is much more a spa than a pool - it is only 15 ft x 9ft and made of fibre glass. Enjoyed Most: We loved the patios which had great views and were wonderful for outdoor dining. We had breakfast on the kitchen-side patio every morning. We loved the coziness of the kitchen and family room area. The cooks could socialize with the rest of the family while cooking. The living room was also a nice spot during the day. Enjoyed Least: The master bed was on a raised platform with two steps. They were a bit of a hazard, especially if you had to get up during the night. The master bath was very spacious and modern. The bed in one of the other rooms - which was a lovely room with a great view and a balcony - was only a full-size bed not totally comfortable for an adult couple. The shared bathroom smelled a bit musty at times but was generally OK. The bathroom downstairs was fine.We thought the living room would have been more warm and welcoming in the evening with softer lighting - such as some standing lamps instead of the overhead candelabra. Also, the pillows were uncomfortable. Surrounding Area: We loved the views of the bay and the privacy, while only being a short walk to a restaurant, the bus, the supermarket and a patisserie. The garden and surrounding trees were lush, with a hammock and fountains. Very peaceful. Nearby Events or Locales: La Spezia is ideal as a jumping off point for Cinque Terra. The train station is seven minutes away from the villa, and the trains to Cinque Terra are frequent and cheap. La Spezia itself also has charm and interest, contrary to how most guidebooks describe it. We also enjoyed the next coastal town - Portovenere - which you can reach either via car, bus or ferry, but not the train. Tips or Restaurants: Rent a scooter rather than a car - parking is not only hard to find but you can only park in one spot for an hour which makes a day trip a gamble that you won't get a parking ticket. The trains and buses are very convenient and much faster than driving. We took cabs to and from bus and train stations. Check In Out: The owner was very efficient in getting us checked in and out, while at the same time giving us helpful information at check-in about where to go and what to see. She took us to the train station after we'd settled up.