THE UNASSUMING
If you are after that simple bolthole, that boutique location, that unique gem, that off the beaten track which will surprise and will offer you something special and authentically charming, then here are just a few examples to get you going....
The palazzo was built in 1892 in Bernalda by the Margherita family and is a true 19th-century palazzo. Completely restored by Francis Ford Coppola and acclaimed French designer Jacques Grange, creating a luxurious, authentically Italian experience that ushers guests into a private world of palatial comfort, surrounded by gardens, a courtyard, and a swimming pool, all just steps from a small, bustling town in which the visitor is a friend and neighbour rather than a tourist. Mr Coppola wanted the Palazzo to become a place that his children would want to visit again and again, and therefore invited the whole family to contribute ideas to the design. It is this very sense of family that distinguishes the palazzo as one of the most charming small luxury hotels in Italy. The interior décor is styled with tiled floors as well as hand-painted frescoed ceilings. Grange designed some of the exotic tiles and furniture, including one of the most beautiful suites, which is in a North African style to honour Mr Coppola's Tunisian-born grandmother. All of the floors in the Palazzo have been restored from the original marble.
There are 9 suites all very different one from the other and all of them embodying the elegance of an Italian country house, while dining here is very laid back. In the Palazzo's large, welcoming kitchen, guests can experience first-hand the traditional cooking of Basilicata. For keen cooks, the local chefs give daily, hands-on classes demonstrating how to prepare typical regional dishes. There is the Cinecitta Bar, a traditional café and pizzeria that spills out onto the village’s main street and looks onto the town square. It is a perfect spot for people-watching, mingling with local life, and sipping the delicious Italian coffee, which is all supplied by Illy. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Add to this the family and the pool bar and the garden grigliata, you get in tune with Italian hospitality. This is where all guests share a “spaghettata” and a mix of grilled seasonal vegetables and meat.
It is all here from the swimming pool to the large private garden. Within 15 minutes from here, many miles of sandy beaches extend along the cobalt-blue shores of the Ionian Sea, where there is a special private area of a beach club close to the old pine forest. You can be transported to this secluded beach for the day (departure at 10:30 am in the morning and return at 4:00 pm to the Palazzo) where you can choose to book either an umbrella or a gazebo. In addition, we suggest either a picnic lunch (prepared by the chefs) or a characteristic lunch with fresh fish of the day, caught by local fishermen. Upon your arrival, you will find a welcome drink and fresh fruit to begin a relaxing day at the beach. Reference: 4374.
Ancient water mill dating back to 1644 that has been transformed into a cosy country residence with an annex. Peaceful position. The house is surrounded by a lawn that winds around volcanic masses where between a few of these you will find the irregular shaded swimming pool. Within a range of 100m, you will find 2 accommodations. The accommodation is spread out on different levels and partly in the water mill and in the outbuilding. The outbuilding is positioned opposite the water mill, on the other side of the stream. On the ground floor there is a small terrace (can also be accessed from outside with a wooden stairway). It is possible to request when booking 2 additional beds for adults (to be paid for locally). Access to the property is along 1 km of dirt track road in good condition. Location: 2 km from the characteristic medieval hamlet of Vitorchiano. Spa centres 'Terme dei Papi' with natural sulphurous hot water swimming pool only 9 km away. Horse stables for horse riding 1 km away. Possibility to order a fixed menu (to be paid locally). External kitchen. The property can accommodate up to 12 persons with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Reference NSIRU520.
A lovely B&B located in a romantic position on the island of Ischia, Great attention to detail and good taste are the key features of this simple relais with the decoration of the rooms, the common areas and the outdoor spaces dominated by a cooling blue and white Vivara and Procida between Fiaiano and Ischia Porto and surrounded by green countryside and with great views to the sea, the castle and the Italian mainland as well as the islands of colour scheme inspiring a sense of peace and relaxation.
Rooms are spacious and decorated in light colours and provided with TV, air-conditioning, courtesy kit and hairdryer. A suite with a Jacuzzi is also available for those who wish to add a touch of something special. At the centre of the bed and breakfast is an outdoor pool on a terrace with great views to the Aragonese castle where guests are welcomed to take a dip or to simply relax and soak up the rays in this sun trap. Ischia Porto is a 5-minute drive away making this convenient for travel to and from the island. Reference 4445c.
What we would suggest while staying here….
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Why not hire a jeep during your stay here
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Take part in a local cooking class with real locals
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Visit La Mortella Gardens
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Take a Vespa tour or a bike tour
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Fancy some volcanic cooking?
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Paint with a local artist
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What about a bit of yoga and meditation…..
Set inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site, the Corte is housed in a renovated historical building carved out of stone and set around a courtyard. Perfectly located for exploring Matera and just a stone's throw from the Madonna de Idris cave church, while the 14th century San Pietro Caveoso is also a few steps away. Other fabulous landmarks and monuments include the cathedral and the Tramontano Castle.
and heating systems, feature cooling antique furniture. The rooms andWith just five rooms and suites, all sympathetically restored using original natural stone, ancient timber, especially created to eliminate the humidity of these underground dwellings. The rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The types of rooms are as follows:
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Deluxe Loft: with antique wooden ceiling beams, a writing table in century-old chestnut, and a bathroom with a large shower.
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Classic Double roomDouble: A Loft with a window facing the Madonna de Idris cave church. Bathroom with stone bathtub and a large shower for couples. One extra bed can be added on request.
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Suite Della Scala: A Romantic suite, with cross arches and a skylight. With a writing table in century-old chestnut wood, a bed and a maxi shower in a cave. One or two extra beds available on request.
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Suite Relax with Chromo-therapy: This suite has a chromo-therapy shower in a cave opposite the bed, and a bathroom with a shelf. The suite comes with a mini-bar, shower slippers, and complimentary toiletries. One or two extra beds available on request.
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Grand Suite This is a large room with a barrel vault, a bathroom excavated from the rock and a large stone bathtub with maxi shower-head.
With free parking available close by. Reference 4445d.
Surrounded by vineyards, woods and olive trees, the estate in the Veneto sits on a hillside overlooking the valley. The property is complimented by the estate winery which produces organic and biodynamic wines amongst others, Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone. The approach to production is enhanced by the passion, devotion to quality and respect for nature and tradition. Old crafts and knowledge blend with energy and the desire to innovate and amaze. Here the doors are always open and the paths to the vineyards, where the vines are tended, also act as magnificent walkways allowing you to discover a truly special place.
Here you will find a cellar, a restaurant inspired by local traditions and The product of the work, like so many of life’s wonderful experiences and pleasures, like a good glass of wine, taste better if shared. flavours, by organic and biodynamic produce as well as by the natural seasonal cycle. Traditional dishes are reinterpreted with style and dedication and complimented by the best wines of this region. The restaurant is open every night and Saturday and Sunday also for lunch. From Monday to Friday at lunch, the "small kitchen menu” is provided with all fresh products for a great relaxing break. Equipped with sauna, hydromassage, Turkish bath, salt cave, massage parlours, and relaxation room, the spa and well-being centre is also influenced by the principles underpinning the Tenuta. The programmes and treatments are devoted to the surrounding environment and naturally to wine. The rooms, both sophisticated and designed to give you the greatest comfort, come to life through the attention to detail and selection of detailed furnishings which will give you an experience of total relaxation. The Deluxe rooms and the junior suites are located within the main/manor house, where you can also find the reception, bar, restaurant, cellar, spa, and pool.
The Villa, located 500m from the main building, is plunged into the calmness of the vineyards and to the edge of the woods. Here you have the beautiful Suites, equipped with elegant sitting rooms with fireplace, a garden surrounded by trees and a bio-sauna. Nature and eco-sustainability are at the core of this architectural plan, with multiple energy saving solutions such as geothermal and solar panel systems. Reference 4445e.
A beautiful detached house situated in the medieval village of Massa and Cozzile in a quiet and beautiful panoramic location with a view of the valley and the village. The accommodation, which has been carefully and tastefully furnished mostly with antiques, is equipped with every comfort. Guests have access to a small enclosed and private garden (35 m²) with table, chairs, deck-chairs, private barbecue, jacuzzi for 4 people open all year round and for private use of the guests. The town of Montecatini Terme, with its famous hot springs and golf course, is located just 3,5 km away. The house is not accessible by car, the parking is about 100 m away, a person will take your bags up to the house. The towns of Lucca and Pistoia and their surroundings are ideal destinations for those who like to combine nature walks and the discovery of cities full of character and beauty, in atmospheres that are in no way inferior to the more traditional destinations in Tuscany.
The owner of the accommodation runs a typical restaurant about 10km from San Gimignano, where you will be welcome and you can taste the local specialities receiving a special treatment! The property can accommodate up to 5 persons, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Reference 4445cc.
