The most luxurious accommodations are in the carriage house overlooking the pool. The Blue Grotto, with its sea-foam green walls, has a glass-enclosed double shower and a two-person Jacuzzi facing a gas fireplace. Sun streams through skylights in La Sala di Verona, on the second floor, which also has a spacious bathroom, two-person Jacuzzi, and gas fireplace, as well as a balcony.
We stayed in a large, second-floor room in the main house. Decorated in soft blue and white, it had a queen bed with a white wicker headboard and a sitting area with a loveseat, dining table, and wet bar, stocked with stemware and a corkscrew. A big closet held plush robes. There were truffles on the pillows, which we later learned were made by Hauser Chocolatier, a family-owned company down the street.
The black-and-white tiled bathroom had an oversized shower stall and a double Jacuzzi in a mirrored enclosure. There were steps leading into the Jacuzzi, candles in the corners, and plush Egyptian cotton towels.
Breakfast can be social or private. Before going out to dinner, guests fill out a card requesting breakfast in their room, in the dining room, or at a private table poolside. Michael is the chef, and his specialty is homemade toasted organic granola. We also enjoyed wonderfully fresh fruit -- strawberries, melon, kiwi, and pineapple -- as well as scrambled eggs with herbs and cheese, eggs Benedict, blueberry waffles, bacon, sausage, and home fries. We didn't even think about lunch.
The Villa is in the midst of a big renovation of the main house, which will only enhance the Mediterranean feel and guest amenities, Barbara said. The house will have a new, Spanish tile roof. Every room will have a Jacuzzi and most rooms will have a fireplace. The Cardiffs will add more gardens and a fish pond. The project should be complete by late April. Meanwhile, the carriage-house rooms remain open, and guests can make any visit more special with The Villa's $50 ''romance package," featuring flowers, chocolates, cheese, and wine.
Contact Ellen Albanese at ealbanese@globe.com.
The Villa190 Shore Road, Westerly, R.I.401-596-1054; 800-722-9240www.thevillaatwesterly.comRates: Doubles $145-$305, including breakfast.
