Luxury Italian Escapes
Be it sitting in citrus-scented gardens in the soft Tuscan sun, truffle hunting on the grounds of an 800-year-old castle, or stargazing in the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park, we’ve rounded up our top rural destinations in Italy to escape to this summer season.
Image provided by Castello di Reschio
Castello di Reschio
Perugia
Count Antonio Bolza and his wife, Angelika, acquired Castello di Reschio, a 2,700-acre estate in the wooded hills of Umbria, Italy, with a vision of turning its rural houses—all of them centuries old and in ruins—into luxurious villas.
Almost two decades later, boasting unobstructed views of Umbria’s rolling hillside and access to chefs, drivers, stables, and tennis courts, Castello di Reschio is the epitome of secluded luxury.
Amenities at Castello di Reschio are second to none - an infinity pool overlooks ancient mulberry tree groves and fragrant lavender fields, while each home’s bath quarters are stocked with fresh linens and Ortigia Sicilia apothecary items.
The Reschio vineyard is famous for producing tantalizing rosés which, along with expertly-prepared, locally sourced meals, you can sample at the property’s private restaurant, Osteria.
Room rate available upon request.
Fattoria di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
+39 075 844 362
Image: Natif Francesca Pagliai
Il Borro
San Giustino Valdarno
Ensconced in the verdant hills of a thousand-year-old village, Il Borro is located in the Upper Arno Valley. Originally a castle existent in the 12th-century, the once-fortified wall now contains within its almost 2,000-acre estate a number of luxury suites
The Tuscan medieval treasure is an eco-sustainable organic estate with 85 hectares of vineyards owned by the Ferragamo family and houses two restaurants - Osteria del Borro and Il Borro Tuscan Bistro – both overseen by Executive Chef Andrea Campani, a spa, a Wine & Art Gallery and a centuries-old wine cellar, 24-hour gym, and two open-air pools, the larger in a secluded spot with its own pool-bar.
Among the plethora of activities available on the estate are wine tours and cooking classes, an art gallery complete with regular exhibitions and winding country trails for bike or horse rides. Guests wanting to explore the Valdarno area from new and unusual perspectives can choose between test drives in a Ferrari, thrilling hot air balloon flights or helicopter tours.
Premium rooms from €387 (£333). Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Il Borro 1, 52024 San Giustino Valdarno (AR), Italy.
+39 055 977 053
Image provided by Garni-Hotel Der Forsterhof
Garni-Hotel Der Forsterhof
South Tyrol
Set in the undulating region of Lagundo, boutique hotel Der Forsterhof is run by two exceptionally hospitable hosts, Christine and Magdalena, who upkeep the modern marvel that is Der Forsterhof.
3.1 miles from Merano, the hotel is set between town and countryside in the burgeoning region of South Tyrol, and features a plethora of historic sites and scenes. The luxury boutique hotel features an illustrious garden, a heated pool and jacuzzi, and a chic bar.
In the rooms, a private balcony allows for incredible views across the South Tyrolean landscape - a strong pulling point in itself - and are minimally furnished; the resupine mountains command spectators attention.
Double rooms from €222 (£192). Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Via Birreria, 45, 39022 Lagundo BZ, Italy
+39 0473 448578
Image provided by the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Montalcino
Occupying 5,000-acres within the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is situated in the Brunello di Montalcino wine-making region. The country estate was purchased by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo in 2003 whose excitement and enthusiasm helped to recreate the authentic social role of the estate in a new, stylishly contemporary vein. The 800-year-old estate comprises the ruins of a castle, a medieval church and the Borgo, a historic village that now forms the heart of the resort.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco’s 23 spacious suites and 11 luxury villas feature antique furniture, genuine textiles and artisanal pieces. Exposed wooden beams and cosy corners and sweeping views of the verdant Tuscan countryside combine to provide guests with an unforgettable stay.
Home to two restaurants, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco houses an organic kitchen garden and a cooking school. Each culinary experience is brought to life by the resort’s Executive Chef Matteo Temperini, who combines the finest ingredients and seasonal flavours to create refreshing simple dishes in line with local culinary traditions.
Among the many amenities available at the hotel is an on-site Brunello di Montalcino winery, a private 18-hole golf club, La Canonica Cooking School with organic kitchen garden, The Spa at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, fitness centre, tennis courts, heated infinity pool, Yoga, astronomy and truffle hunting.
Junior suites start from €1,028 (£887). Free WiFi.
Exclusive Summer Villas rental package starts at €2,500 (£2,156) per day.
Castiglion del Bosco, 53024 Montalcino SI, Italy
+39 0577 191 3001
Image provided by Paragon 700
Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Ostuni
An exquisitely restored former Italian palace and Ostuni’s newest arrival, Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa is set in the heart of Puglia’s White City and is a 30-minute drive from Brindisi Airport.
Among the many offerings at Paragon 700 are a palatial garden, swimming pool and a private spa featuring a Turkish bath, Himalayan salt wall, multi-sensory shower and a natural whirlpool dug into the ground.
Each of the 11 guest rooms is unequivocally unique, with some featuring spacious terraces, balconies and, in the opulent Paragon Suite, a sunken bathtub and private terrace with sun loungers. French parquet flooring extends throughout all 11 rooms and suites, which feature cathedral ceilings, period frescos and cosy fireplaces.
Fine dining is a speciality at Paragon 700 with the hotel housing Restaurant 700 helmed by Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo, as well as a stylish cocktail bar, Bar 700.
The hotel’s red brick façade is one of a kind in Puglia's White City and exudes a pastoral air; Paragon 700 dazzles but remains authentic.
Set to open in February 2020, nightly rates at Paragon 700 will start from €300 (£258) based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Largo Michele Ayroldi Carissimo 14, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
+39 342 759 4091
Image provided by Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
CHIUSDINO (SIENA) - ITALY
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro is situated on a 270-acre estate in the heart of a little-visited corner of Tuscany and was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, blending a 5-star luxury hotel and spa concept with a 'farm to plate' philosophy.
At the outlying resort, each of the 20 rooms has been exceptionally designed down to the utmost thoughtful detail, with handpicked antique pieces, bespoke beds and frescoes where tall doors open onto Mediterranean courtyards dotted with sun lounges. Fragrant citrus trees adorn private terraces that feature lush outdoor fireplaces.
The hotel features private pools, lounge areas and entirely private gardens. Adjoining suites can also be connected internally to create an intimate shared interior for families or friends.
A plethora of activities are available to participate in at Relais Borgo Santo Pietro including Borgo Cooking School, cheesemaking, wine degustations, falconry display and archery.
Double rooms from €565 (£487).
Palazzetto, 110, 53012 Palazzetto SI, Italy
+39 0577 751222
