THE SECRET ROCK & ROLL LEGACY OF VILLA PORTO RAPALLO
The Italian Riviera has long been synonymous with glamour, indulgence, and exclusivity. But beyond its sun-drenched terraces and breathtaking coastline lies a history that has remained deliberately in the shadows—a story whispered through the decades, known only to those who were there. Villa Porto Rapallo, once known as Hotel Victory, was the after-hours haven of the world’s biggest stars, a private escape from the spotlight where music legends, Hollywood icons, and powerful figures gathered behind closed doors.
The Clandestine Connection: Hotel Victory & Covo di Nord Est
In the golden age of the 1960s and 70s, the legendary nightclub Covo di Nord Est in Santa Margherita Ligure was the epicenter of Italian nightlife. It was here that Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Julio Iglesias graced the stage, while the dance floors pulsed with the energy of Brigitte Bardot, Jane Fonda, and the jet-set elite. But when the lights dimmed and the official party ended, the true revelry was just beginning—off the record, far from prying eyes.
Enter Lello Liguori, the enigmatic nightclub boss whose influence shaped Ligurian nightlife. Known for his ability to orchestrate the impossible, Liguori had a private arrangement with Hotel Victory (now Villa Porto Rapallo), ensuring that after-hours, the party continued in absolute secrecy. Politicians, movie stars, and music royalty slipped away from Covo’s electrifying stage and into the intimate, luxurious surroundings of the Villa. What happened inside was never spoken about—no press, no photographs, just whispered recollections of extravagant nights that blurred into morning.
Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll—The Untold Story
Unlike the lavish hotels of Monte Carlo or Cannes, Hotel Victory was not about being seen—it was about disappearing. Inside its elegant walls, history was made in the form of private concerts, impromptu jam sessions, and hedonistic excess. It was a world where Donna Summer’s voice drifted through candlelit rooms, James Brown danced barefoot on marble floors, and Sinatra’s glass was never empty. The Villa’s turret, now one of its most iconic architectural features, became a sanctuary for the untouchable, a place where deals were made, affairs ignited, and the era’s biggest stars could simply exist without expectation.
While the tabloids of the time were filled with Riviera gossip, this world remained entirely off the grid. No guest lists, no staged appearances—just an underground network of the world’s most powerful and infamous characters, brought together by Liguori’s connections. And like all great legends, this one was destined to fade into whispers, remembered only by those who lived it.
A New Era for a Riviera Icon
Today, Villa Porto Rapallo has undergone a breathtaking transformation, paying homage to its storied past while embracing a new era of luxury and refinement. The Villa’s drive-in art gallery, boutique gym, and expansive terraces are a far cry from its rock & roll roots, yet echoes of its history remain in the air.
Meanwhile, Covo di Nord Est is set for its own rebirth, now under the ownership of Formula 1 legend Eddie Irvine, who plans to restore its legendary status with a high-end nightclub, exclusive beach club, and fine dining restaurant. As Covo shines once again, its forgotten history with Villa Porto Rapallo lingers just beneath the surface—hinting at a time when the world’s biggest stars danced until dawn, far away from the cameras.
Villa Porto Rapallo’s past may be filled with secrets, but its legacy is unmistakable. For those who seek the thrill of Riviera glamour with a touch of the untamed, the spirit of rock & roll still lingers within these walls.