Your home away from home

The Albergo Diffuso in the Heart of Liguria

In Borgomaro, an authentic village in the Ligurian hinterland, Relais del Maro welcomes you in three historic residences with 14 elegant rooms. A 4-star hotel where hospitality spreads through the caruggi of the village, allowing you to enjoy a unique experience: being both a tourist and a local at the same time.

Here, time moves slowly among centuries-old olive trees and streets scented with nature. Have a chat at the village bar, enjoy the laughter of children in the square, and let yourself be embraced by the warmth of a village where everyone knows each other. Smile, you’re home: you’re at Relais del Maro.

Why Us?

We firmly believe in the hospitality of the past—the kind and caring welcome of a grandmother waiting for you in the kitchen, with the front door open and the key still in the lock, ready to make you a good coffee.

It doesn’t matter what time you arrive, whether you come alone or with company, full of energy or tired from your long journey: we will always be here, with a smile.

Opening the doors of our hotel means welcoming you into our home and our family, from the very first moment you step over the 200-year-old slate threshold.

The Albergo Diffuso, a labor of love

Three different buildings...

You will stay in houses and rooms with over 200 years of history, located no more than 120 meters from the “heart” of the structure, the building where the reception and other common areas are situated.

A unique opportunity to experience a different kind of holiday, fully integrated with the life of the village, in an ecosystem that includes residents, visitors, activities, and the hotel itself—an active presence spread throughout the streets.

Structures like ours act as a “social stronghold,” bringing life to historic centers, giving small villages a new lease on life, and offering an opportunity to prevent abandonment.

We dream of sharing with you the wonder of waking up in this enchanting place, where days are marked by nature and the air is fragrant, where children play in the square, and residents call each other by name.

This early 19th-century building now houses the common areas, including the reception and breakfast room on the ground floor, rooms 1 to 6/7, a small lounge, and the terrace with a garden and a whirlpool pool on the first floor.

From the reception, cross the bridge, go up the pedestrian street, and turn left—altogether a 90-meter walk. This building is located right in the historic center of the village, along the typical Ligurian "caruggio" with its colorful houses. In the House of the Borgo, there are 6 rooms and a beautiful third-floor lounge with an adjoining terrace.

Climbing another 40 meters, you reach the third building of the Albergo Diffuso: the Casa del Fienile. Today, it is fully renovated and modernized, featuring 2 rooms that may be the closest to the intimate soul of the Borgo. These are the two smallest double rooms, with characteristic vaulted ceilings and small windows, typical of this type of construction.

The real difference?

What makes our Relais unique is the people who work here. An almost entirely female team that will take care of you in every aspect of your stay.

You’ll find us at the doorstep, eager to welcome you upon arrival. You’ll see us smiling early in the morning as we bring you your first cappuccino at breakfast. And when you return after a day at the sea, you’ll know that we have made sure your room is clean and welcoming.

Why this place?

Borgomaro, a small village 15 km from Imperia in the Ligurian Riviera of Ponente, where the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro is located, is the main village in the Maro valley.

Our small municipality has about 900 inhabitants, including its hamlets. The village itself has only 300 residents. Here, silence and tranquility reign, the streams flow gently and only swell during rainfall, becoming picturesque in their own way. The settlements are surrounded by the lush greenery of fields and forests.

Services for You...

To make your holiday at Relais del Maro unforgettable, we have thought of every detail. From waking up to our zero-kilometer breakfast to relaxing by the pool, from indulgent breaks in the garden to personalized attention for every guest – each service has been designed to offer you an authentic and comfortable experience.

Remember: our staff is always available to fulfill your every request. Whether it’s information, a special need, or a sudden wish, don’t hesitate to ask. Our mission is to make your stay as special as you imagine it.

The Relais Diary

Simple stories from a rediscovered time, between the sea and olive trees.
We take you with us on an adventure filled with authentic emotions, where you can rediscover the value of slowness in a genuine and welcoming Liguria.

The Relais is pet-friendly!

The Relais lands on the small screen thanks to the German documentary series Grenzenlos | THE VIDEO

That irresistible desire for truffles….in Liguria!

The top 5 family activities in western Liguria

Canyoning only few kilometers from Borgomaro

That’s Amore! Surprise your partner with one of our romantic services

Eating and Drinking Well

A holiday is only half as enjoyable if you don’t taste the delicious dishes of the regional cuisine! Since day one, we have been working closely with small producers from Liguria and Piedmont to introduce our guests to authentic, niche products that are so unique they rarely make it beyond regional borders.

Our guests' voices

We’ve stayed three nights at the relais del Maro and enjoyed every minute of our stay. The house is well maintained, everything looks brand new, although it has been redone a couple of years ago. The staff is as serviceminded as you can ever encounter; friendly, helpful and genuine. The rooms (we had to change rooms after 2 nights) are lovely and spacious. Changing was no bother, on the contrary, it was fun to compare rooms and discover both were just fine. Lunch and breakfast were perfect and once again served with a smile. No dining in the evening, but a small booklet, homemade by the hotel, gave plenty of useful tips. A small farewell gift we received upon leaving emphasised the care the staff stowed upon us. One of the best boutique hotels we have ever visited and trust me, we have been around. Ten out of ten is the only rating we can give them.

Joost

tripadvisor

We stayed here for 3 nights in August and it was an unforgettable experience. We had the friendliest of welcomes and have never felt more at home arriving at a hotel before. Every single staff member was delightful and most helpful in recommending places in which we should visit. The breakfast was INSANE and the best thing about it was that every product is locally produced. I work in the hotel industry myself and a hotel like Relais Del Maro make me feel proud to work in this sector. We will definitely be visiting next summer and are counting down the days already.

Fritz

TripAdvisor

Relais del Maro is a true gem. Everything is perfect from the moment you arrive till you leave. It's a beautiful place staffed by wonderful people. They really do everything to make you feel at home. The breakfast buffet was simply amazing. We can't wait to come back.

Emma

Google

This year was the 9th time we came back to our beloved and cosy relais del maro. A small boutique hotel that offers a fantastic personalised service, with a consistent and authentic environment, run by the same people for several years. We fell in love with the place almost 10 years ago when we accidentally drove by while visiting friends in another village in the area. For me, coming back to something familiar, where I don't have to spend time looking for the good places to eat, and where the prices are still reasonable and the service is top notch, is the ultimate. We have already booked with you for next year.. ‘Siete sempre nei nostri cuori’!

Anita

Instagram

Garden and Pool

At the Relais, you can enjoy a wonderful garden and a large pool with a whirlpool, both in a peaceful location yet close to the village center. Here, you can experience the “air baths” of the past: pure air, the scent of aromatic herbs, and a lush green lawn where you can relax with that book that has been waiting too long in your drawer.

Leave your watch at home: Here, time is marked by the chimes of the village church, while the night will lull you to sleep with the gentle flow of the river, the song of the frogs, and the vastness of a sky full of stars.

Pet friendly

At Relais del Maro, dogs and cats are special guests. We love animals and want them to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature just as much as you do.
Dedicated menus, a welcome kit, and a drinking station in the garden are reserved for your furry friends.
Your dogs, regardless of size, can stay with you throughout your visit and be by your side at all times: in your room, in the garden, and in the hotel’s common areas!

Ready?

Treat yourself to a break in time

Book on our website and get more benefits.

Why book directly?

Best price guaranteed

Always the most convenient rate.

Free upgrade

Chance to get a higher-category room at no extra cost, subject to availability.

Exclusive gifts

A welcome gift and a souvenir from the Relais just for you.