RESCHIO

UMBRIA, ITALY

PERSONALITIES

The Modern renaissance patron. The Artisanal soul. The Aristocratic equestrian. The Slow-living custodian.

MOMENTS

Morning mist drifting over cypress-lined ridges. The sound of hoofbeats echoing through ancient oak forests. Negronis served beside a subterranean stone pool. Long, sun-drenched lunches under the pergola. The scent of wild rosemary, crushed terracotta, and aged leather.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

While each month has its own natural appeal, and Umbria is rarely affected by extreme temperatures, the ideal time of year to visit Reschio is generally from May through October. Late spring in May and June brings lush green landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures ideal for horseback riding and outdoor dining. July and August offer warm, sun-drenched summer days perfect for lounging by the oval lake pool, followed by long, balmy evenings under the stars. September and October mark the harvest season, bringing crisp autumn air, rich golden light across the hills, and exceptional opportunities for truffle hunting and wine tasting as the estate's olive groves and vineyards come to life. Even the quieter winter months offer cozy fireside dining, crisp morning walks through silent forests, and peaceful solitude across the estate.

WHY STAY

Castello di Reschio is a world-class luxury estate and boutique hotel set within a restored 10th-century castle on 3,700 private acres in the heart of Umbria. Staying at Reschio is an opportunity to experience a different pace of life, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the Umbrian countryside. It brings together nature, history, design, gastronomy and genuine hospitality in an atmosphere that feels both refined and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Grounded on a sprawling private estate bordering Tuscany, the property is an extraordinary matrix of rolling hills, ancient olive groves, oak forests, and wild meadows. What sets this luxury hotel apart is its raw preservation: a thousand-year-old Etruscan-rooted fortress turned medieval castle, lovingly transformed by the Bolza family over three decades. Architect Count Benedikt Bolza and his artist wife Donna Nencia personally restored the abandoned stone structures, crafting bespoke furniture, bronze fixtures, and custom lighting through their in-house studio, BB for Reschio, in direct collaboration with local Italian artisans.

Accommodations span thirty-six individually curated suites within the castle walls alongside bespoke restored farmhouses scattered across the private hillsides. The architecture balances original stone walls and vaulted ceilings with custom mid-century and custom-designed elements. Beneath the castle, the former wine cellar has been converted into a cavernous, subterranean spa bathhouse where thermal waters, salt treatment rooms, and Swedish massages offer a deeply grounding wellness ritual. At the center of the estate lie world-class equestrian stables, housing purebred Spanish Andalusian horses that define the spirit and heritage of Reschio.

WHY WANDER

Umbria offers an authentic and timeless experience of Italy, where rolling hills, medieval villages, historic cities and untouched countryside come together in an exceptionally peaceful setting. Cortona, Assisi, Orvieto and Lake Trasimeno are among the most sought-after destinations in the area. Together, they offer guests the opportunity to combine cultural heritage and historic charm with outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, while also enjoying the beauty of the countryside and its spectacular sunsets.

Stepping beyond the immediate estate gates reveals a landscape rich in artistic and spiritual history. Guests can explore the steep medieval lanes of Cortona just across the Tuscan border, home to Etruscan tombs and Renaissance masterworks, or journey to the lakeside villages of Lake Trasimeno for morning paddleboarding and island walks. Further south, the historic hill towns of Assisi and Orvieto showcase dramatic Gothic cathedrals, ancient papal residences, and subterranean Etruscan tunnels carved directly into volcanic rock.

For active travelers, the surrounding country roads and forest tracks provide endless routes for electric e-biking, gravel cycling, and high-ridge trekking through the Niccone Valley. Seasonal truffle hunting with local guides and dogs offers an immersive glimpse into the regional wilderness, while private sailboat excursions across Lake Trasimeno present quiet views of the setting sun over the Umbrian horizon.

INDULGE IN

The region offers an exceptional abundance of local produce and culinary traditions. At Reschio, this connection to the land is reflected in its own production of honey, cheese, gin, wine, olive oil and much more. The restaurants and bars across the estate provide the perfect setting for guests to savor these local flavors, unwind and fully immerse themselves in the pleasures of the countryside.

GETTING THERE

Perugia is the nearest airport and can accommodate private jet arrivals. Alternatively, Rome is the closest international airport, while Florence offers a convenient option for guests travelling from elsewhere in Italy or from across Europe. Reschio is also easily accessible by helicopter, providing a convenient and seamless arrival directly at the estate.

WILD INITIATIVES

Reschio operates with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, estate rewilding, and biodynamic agriculture. Organic farming practices govern the vineyards, orchards, and olive groves, ensuring zero chemical runoff into the local water table. Over three decades of deliberate conservation have allowed native wildlife, including wild boar, roe deer, and rare birds of prey, to flourish across the 3,700 acres of protected forest and brushland.

Reschio offers a distinctive calendar of experiences throughout the year. Reschio Play, the annual Tennis Tournament and the festive season are among the most memorable ways for guests to embrace the estate’s unique hospitality, bringing together sport, tradition, celebration and the unmistakable character of Reschio.

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