Welcome to the Bench

In this space, I gather thoughts, stories, and small memories that are part of Villa Olivia and our way of welcoming guests.

We invite you to take a seat on our virtual bench, relax, and read without hurry.

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I’m 54 years old and I run the family business – a small guesthouse here in Forio, on the island of Ischia.

A few days ago, while reactivating an old, long-inactive profile on a Swiss-German platform, I came across a review. In fact, the only review there.

It was a heartfelt testimony from a guest who, some years ago, had chosen to stay with us.

As the hours went by, those kind words kept resonating in my mind, and I couldn’t resist them.

While carefully choosing the words to reply, an image came to me: that of an old swing bridge, stuck and rusted for years, no longer functioning.

And now, thanks to this small gesture, it was as if the mechanism had finally unlocked and the bridge could turn again.

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I’ve started turning that bridge again – and this time, it feels meaningful because I’m doing it with maturity, experience, and authenticity.

While writing, I also felt the need to share that, over time, we’ve worked hard to make improvements to the property, knowing there’s still so much to do.

I haven’t hidden my simplest and most sincere wish: that one day, I might see you here again, among my guests.

Or at least, to know that wherever you are, you carry with you a serene memory of your stay at Villa Olivia.