Some families move for work, some for adventure … we moved for a giant house that needed a purpose. What started as a simple relocation to Belgium turned into something much bigger (literally). We’re a family of four who traded one chapter of life for another, not because we planned to open a B&B, but because, well… when you buy a place this big, you either start hosting guests or risk getting lost in your own hallways.
And so, Lazy Olives was born … not just as a bed & breakfast, but as a home filled with stories, laughter, and a healthy dose of Italian hospitality. This is the journey of how we got here, from Sicily to the United Arab Emirates to Croatia to Belgium, with a few unexpected twists along the way. Grab a glass of wine, get comfortable, and let us tell you the tale… 🍷✨
Step #1
To truly understand where our journey began, we need to hop into a time machine and set the dial to 1964. Picture it: Siracusa, Sicily… sun-drenched piazzas, the aroma of fresh espresso in the air, and one very proud couple, Lucia and Corrado Malerba, welcoming their firstborn son into the world.
And, as Sicilian tradition (and a little bit of family stubbornness) would have it, there was no debate about his name … he would be called Gianni Malerba, just like his grandfather. Because why reinvent the wheel when you’ve got a perfectly good name already in use?
Step #2
This story wouldn’t be complete without the man who turned Lazy Olives into the charming retreat it is today … Gianni Malerba. A true globetrotter with over 35 years in the hotel industry, Gianni has racked up more stamps in his passport than most people have socks. He’s worked in over 15 countries, including Italy, France, England, Ireland, Germany, Luxembourg, the UAE, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Croatia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia. Basically, if there’s a place with great food and interesting people, chances are, Gianni’s been there.
From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed beaches of Dubai, Gianni has opened and managed luxury five-star hotels in some of the world’s most stunning locations. But despite his high-flying career, his Italian charm and warm hospitality have always been his signature touch … because at the end of the day, hospitality isn’t about fancy chandeliers, it’s about making people feel at home (and maybe feeding them well, because, you know… Italian).
At Lazy Olives, Gianni makes sure every guest is treated like family. Whether he’s sharing stories from his wild adventures, recommending hidden gems in Tongeren, or making sure your wine glass is never empty, his presence turns a simple stay into an unforgettable experience. When you’re here, you’re not just a guest, you’re part of the story. And trust us, it’s a good one. 🍷✨
Step #3
The purchase of the property on Astridlaan wasn’t just about real estate… it was the beginning of a whole new chapter for the Malerba family. With bags packed and adventure in their hearts, Nina (a.k.a. Mama) and the kids, Corrado and Leonardo, swapped the coastal vibes of Croatia for the chilly charm of Belgium. Suddenly, life was all about Dutch and French lessons, making new friends, and figuring out the local sports scene (spoiler: football is still universal, but cycling is practically a religion here).
Meanwhile, Gianni, being the jet-setting hotel guru he is, needed a little more time before he could trade in his suitcases for a toolbelt. A few years (and countless air miles) later, he finally joined the family, rolling up his sleeves to transform the property into a six-bedroom bed & breakfast. And just like that, Lazy Olives started to take shape, not just as a place to stay, but as a home built on stories, passion, and a whole lot of Italian warmth.
Step #4
With Lazy Olives finally coming to life, we threw open the doors and said, “Benvenuti!” This isn’t just a B&B—it’s our home, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like (seriously, we won’t kick you out… unless you try to put pineapple on a pizza).
We believe in enjoying the finer things in life—good food, great company, and a glass of wine that never runs empty. And while we love hosting guests, you’ll often find us just living our best lives right here. The boys? They’re usually in the garden, practicing judo moves (or attempting to). The rest of us? You’ll spot us gathered around the table fireplace, sipping wine and sharing stories, or lounging by the river Jeker, soaking in the simple joys of life.
So, come on in, make yourself at home, and be part of our little slice of Italy in the heart of Belgium.