Eremito Hotelito Del Alma
Umbria, Italy
THE PERSONALITIES
Quiet seekers. Solo travellers. Writers. Spiritual explorers.
MOMENTS
Sunrise spilling over ancient hills. Walking woodland paths without seeing another soul. Candlelit dinners shared in silence. Reading beside a crackling fire. The scent of rosemary and wild thyme after rain. Church bells carried across the valley. A meditation at dusk. Watching stars emerge above the dark forest. Falling asleep to complete stillness. Rediscovering the beauty of simplicity.
Best Visiting Months
Spring through autumn, from April to October, offers the most rewarding experience, when Umbria's forests, olive groves, and wildflower meadows are at their most vibrant. Spring brings orchids, blossoms, and cool walking weather, while summer offers long evenings beneath star-filled skies. Autumn transforms the surrounding hills into warm shades of gold and rust as olive harvests begin and cooler temperatures return. Winter is equally beautiful for those seeking solitude, with fireplaces, mist-covered valleys, and a profound sense of quiet.
COST
Why Stay
Hidden among more than 3,000 hectares of protected woodland in central Umbria, Eremito Hotelito del Alma occupies a remote valley between Orvieto and Perugia, where forests, rivers, and rolling hills define one of Italy's quietest landscapes. Far removed from cities and major roads, the retreat feels deeply immersed in nature, surrounded by oak woods, olive trees, wild herbs, and changing seasonal light.
Founded by former fashion executive Marcello Murzilli, Eremito was imagined as a contemporary hermitage inspired by medieval monasteries. Designed exclusively for solo travellers, it offers a rare opportunity to embrace solitude without loneliness. Built from local stone, reclaimed timber, terracotta, and handcrafted materials, the architecture reflects centuries of Umbrian building traditions while creating spaces that feel timeless.
Accommodation consists of simple monastic-style rooms known as Celluzze, each intentionally free from televisions and unnecessary distractions. Wellness is woven quietly into daily life through meditation, yoga, forest walks, silence, and nourishing vegetarian cuisine. Rather than offering endless activities, Eremito invites guests to rediscover presence itself, making stillness the greatest luxury of all.
Why Wander
The surrounding Umbrian countryside offers countless walking trails through ancient forests, river valleys, and protected nature reserves where wildlife thrives in remarkable silence. Hiking directly from the property reveals hidden chapels, streams, wildflowers, and panoramic viewpoints that shift with the changing seasons.
Historic hill towns including Orvieto, Todi, and Civita di Bagnoregio are within easy reach, offering Roman ruins, medieval streets, artisan workshops, and centuries of architectural history. Small villages throughout the region preserve traditional Umbrian life through local markets, family-run cafés, and quiet piazzas where little seems to have changed over generations.
The region is equally rewarding for food and wine lovers. Olive oil estates, vineyards producing Orvieto Classico, truffle-rich forests, and seasonal farm experiences celebrate Umbria's deep agricultural heritage. Cycling routes, horseback riding, and visits to nearby monasteries provide further opportunities to experience the landscape at a slower pace.
Indulge In
Dining at Eremito is centred around La Cucina del Silenzio, where candlelit communal dinners are served in silence, encouraging guests to slow down and fully experience each meal. The entirely vegetarian menu changes daily, celebrating organic produce, legumes, herbs, vegetables, handmade pasta, and traditional Umbrian recipes prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and local producers. Breakfasts are simple and nourishing, while herbal teas, fresh bread, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables reflect the retreat's philosophy of mindful living and deep connection to the land.
GETTING THERE
Eremito Hotelito del Alma is located near Parrano in Umbria, approximately two hours from Rome and Florence by car. The nearest railway stations are Orvieto and Fabro-Ficulle, both connected to Italy's high-speed rail network, with taxi transfers available to the retreat. Rome Fiumicino Airport and Florence Airport are the closest international gateways. A private vehicle is recommended for exploring the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
Wild Initiatives
Eremito was conceived as an eco-spiritual retreat where architecture and landscape exist in quiet balance. Built using reclaimed timber, local stone, handmade terracotta, and traditional craftsmanship, the property reflects a deep respect for regional building techniques while minimising environmental impact. The retreat operates with renewable energy systems, prioritizes water conservation, and avoids unnecessary technology throughout the guest experience.
Its entirely vegetarian kitchen significantly reduces its environmental footprint while supporting local farmers and seasonal agriculture. Surrounded by more than 3,000 hectares of protected forest, Eremito encourages a form of travel rooted in simplicity, slow living, and respect for the natural world, demonstrating that the most meaningful luxury often comes from taking less.
*Images property of Eremito Hotelito