A jet crew’s discovery

“Hey Jack, how’s it going? I haven’t seen you for a while. Where have you been?” Capt. Jack Callager is an old friend of mine flying a Gulfstream 550.

“I just returned from the French Riviera. My boss wanted to watch the Formula 1 in Monaco. So, we stayed there for four nights.”

“You got be kidding me. Monaco doesn’t even have an airport,” I said joking. 

“No, we flew to Albenga airport, not far from there, just across the border on the Italian Mediterranean.  My boss took a helicopter which whisked him to Monaco in no time and he chose to stay there for the event and maybe doing a bit of business networking. We kept our Jet parked in Albenga, and the crew and I stayed in a hotel nearby.”

“So, then you missed all the excitement of the race. It must have been boring for you guys.”

“On the contrary, it was best thing we ever did, I would dare to say. It was a place called Hotel La Meridiana in Garlenda, about a stone-throw away from the airport. Let me tell you, it was a true discovery for us.” And Captain Jack carried on telling me about their discovery and how they thoroughly enjoyed it.

 La Meridiana is a charming 5 star retreat, peacefully tucked away in the hills in a huge park with gorgeous gardens. The place fits perfectly into the local landscape surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It is like a little world apart.  It offers some of the best things for which Italy is so famous. The owners Edmondo and his wife Allessandra Segre and their staff are all very present but never intrusive, they are there to assist in any way, when needed. They are a sample ‘par excellence’ of gracious, warm and special hospitality with continual attention to detail that generates a very personal, friendly atmosphere.

“As soon as we entered the gates, we felt surrounded by quietness and tranquility. We were welcomed by Edmondo, my kind of old-fashioned patron. His warmth and love of hosting are represented in his smile and eagerness to share his intimate knowledge of Italian history, culture, and naturally the wine. He sure is passionate about his wine and his wine cellar boasts thousands of bottles of good quality, selected and collected during many years.” 

No wonder that hotel’s fine-dining restaurant ‘Il Rosmarino’ with its extended wine cellar is a paradise for wine lovers. Edmondo Sagre has an extremely good understanding of quality. He is spending lots of time finding the right produce to prepare and serve his guests. This gourmet restaurant and only open for dinner and to enjoy a menu of a very high caliber, made from local produce and prepared with dedication, care and love by the chef.

“You know that golf is my obsession. I came to the right place for it.” Jack had a sparkle in his eyes as he continued talking about his experiences. “The hotel is in a secluded and pleasant position on the edge of its golf 18-hole course. They say that it is one of the nicest golf clubs in Northern Italy. Tee-off times were booked, clubs and carts rental were arranged by the front desk folks. The Garlenda course is built around existing nature, very challenging with lots of hills. Many uphill and downhill shots! You are allowed to play as many rounds as you like during a day for the green fee. I would if I could. And you know what? I even had a hole-in-one.”  

Jenny, the flight attendant, spent much time on one of the sunbeds at the large relaxing swimming pool area, gathering in some rays of the sun. The rock pool with hydromassage is artfully set into the landscape of the property with the woods around. It has a little waterfall so that one can chill listening to the relaxing sound of the water. They call it the “no-stress zone” of Meridiana. 

Around noon, the crew had their light lunches at the pool eating area that was serene, peaceful, and adequately shaded. The lunches are provided by the ‘Il Bistrot’ restaurant, specialized in Ligurian cuisine. It offers a casual atmosphere, with candlelight outdoor evening dining in the summer.

The general sitting area of the hotel is tastefully furnished, with a fireplace, and is beautifully decorated with a lot of personal touches and no details missed. It has lots of "nooks" and the lovely windows under the arches give a great view down to the garden and the pool. 

“I loved the comfy seating everywhere and all the little touches all around. Sitting in front of the fireplace in the evening. I could only dream that it was "Chez moi". It is what fills the spaces and the aura that one can be immersed in. At the bar, we were served by Franco, the kind and friendly octogenarian. This guy is charming and funny as well, and he has a story for every occasion and hands out compliments with easy style and grace. It was a pleasure to cross his path. He makes the best drink mixes I have had the pleasure to drink.”

Captain Jack gave me a jealous feeling, wishing I could have been one of his crew to enjoy this all. 

“Jack, tell me, where is Albenga again?” I asked with a grin. “I have to write that down in my notebook.”   

“Riviera Airport of Albenga is only 10 minutes from the La Meridiana and an excellent alternative if you want to visit the Cote d’Azure and Monaco, but you have become tired of slots, queues and expensive landing fees. It is an airport where you can drive your car almost all the way up to the aircraft. You know that I’m serious about my aviation profession but when there is an opportunity, I’ll take the ‘YOLO’ approach. You know? You Only Live Once! It was a relaxing stay-over, while feeling at home straight away. It was so peaceful and quiet, and it was where we liked to unwind after the typical professional aviation stress that we experience. Our stay at this getaway was like enjoying a total rejuvenation of our mental states. A hidden gem and true discovery for us aviators.”  

https://www.lameridianaresort.com/