We were lucky enough to visit the villa for a second time this past October half term.

I think we had an even more relaxing visit this time than when we visited in the height of summer. October was totally quiet on the roads and in the surroundings, but supplied us with temperatures of 25 degrees daily and long hours of sun.

The house was just as comfy, though cooler at night. The beaches were deserted and the entire experience felt as though it was just for us!

The week threw in a couple of wild cards: a local fire in the woods and an earth tremor: both of which passed without any concern thanks to the attentive visits of the property caretaker and gardener, Franco. His wife Rita had also gone to the trouble of preparing us a meal for our arrival which was a godsend.

We only wish we could have stayed longer!

Cannot stop recalling the beauty of this setting in Cersuta. Had never been to this part of the world but will return. The villa has stunning views and is super well-equipped. We cooked each night and ate outside under the stars listening to the waves. Lazy days reading and soaking up the view on the terrace or in or by the pool were wonderful. Nearby Fiumicello and Maratea are charming. Only downsides were a ridiculous mosquito assault - we had all precautions but they were busy whilst we were there. There are nets and repellents in the house. Also it was too difficult for most of us to get to the sea by the house as the path was difficult and surrounding sea rocky. With a car you could travel though to beaches.
Highly recommended for extended family groups or friends.

Villa Ligea is simply a stunning family-owned home with a wonderfully romantic history. Situated in the Costa di Maratea in unspoiled southern Italy, the property offers both solitude and privacy in the most spectacular of surroundings. The owners are delightful -friendly and with lots of advice and useful information about both visiting, and travelling to and from Maratea.

A large modernist house with flat roof and terraces for viewing sunset after sunset offers a spacious and tasteful classic environment that sleeps 9 and offers two bathrooms, a kitchen and a large dining and sitting room with floor to ceiling windows which provide spectacular views to the 9 acres of woodland surrounding the house on one side and the beautiful and varied views of the Golfo di Policastro on the other. It has all modern conveniences (except for telephone and wifi) and is simply and elegantly furnished.

Its sister dwelling, the Tower House is a charming and simple elegant circular cottage which sits a around 20 yards away from the main house in the woodland. It benefits from a large double bedroom, dressing room and private roof terrace with views out onto the sea, plus twin room and three further beds in the open plan living area downstairs.

Both properties complement each other perfectly and offer varied and flexible space for a large number of guests. The vast outdoor space including the elegant swimming pool and the stunning terraces and gardens offer guests plenty of relaxation space. A private path down to the sea provides a wild and secret and rocky entrance to the sea. Walking the other direction through the gardens and along the hill leads to the village with its beach and cafe.

We visited with extended family and experienced possibly the most relaxing holiday of our lives. Easy to reach from Naples or Rome by road or train Villa Ligea is a rural idyll, with plenty of Italian life nearby - what more could we have asked for!

If you get the chance you ought to go here - especially if you have difficulty finding anywhere that sleeps more that 6 in comfort. This villa has an astonishing circular guest cottage that will easily sleep 7 teenagers (and keeps them out of earshot of the main house) with stunning views across the bay. (sunset drinks on the roof watching the sun literally rolling down the mountain as it sets is a must) The main house is beautifully cool in the heat of the day and the pool is just outsdie in the garden. Lovely open air restaurant in the village above the house (find the Villa on Google earth and you'll see what I mean) but the villa remains invisible to everyone so is completely private. This is a bit of Italy no-one except Italians seems to go to and is like an unspoilt stretch of the Amalfi Coast but without the queues, jams or tourists. For stroppy teenagers it is ideal - there are clubs in the nearby port of Marina di Maratea and taxis to drop them off home - whilst adults can just relax in a stunning setting. All the locals are very helpful but, as with elswhere in Italy, you won't find many english-speakers!