Reschio Estate – Hotel Review
Could Castello di Reschio be Italy’s classiest rural retreat? Opened in May 2021, this converted 11th-century castle on the Umbrian-Tuscan border certainly feels that way. Highlights include a crazily scenic outdoor pool, a romantic underground spa and country-chic suites that are more like apartments. But it’s the quirky charm of this family-run affair that really sells the place.
Where is Reschio Estate?
Reschio is not the easiest place to get to but glorious rural isolation is all part of its appeal. Close to the town of Umbertide, the resort is just under three hours drive (245 kilometres) from Rome Fiumicino airport and 1 hour 45 minutes from Florence Peretola airport (150 kilometres).
Room types
Earn Qantas Points
At a capacious 30 square metres, the property’s smallest entry-level rooms are pretty much junior suites. But space is not the only luxury on offer in the castle’s 36 seductive accommodations, which architect/owner Benedikt Bolza has done out in a style that fuses Art Deco elegance with contemporary rural chic. The purpose-designed coffee machines make great espresso, the “piccolo pantry” of sweet and savoury treats and the well-stocked mini-bar are both replenished frequently and every room is provided with a beautifully crafted dressing table that positively demands one makes an effort for dinner.
Restaurants and bars
Breakfast and dinner are served within the castle walls at the Al Castello restaurant with its stunning sunset views over the wide Niccone Valley. Below the castle, near the stables, Alle Scuderie is the estate’s upmarket trattoria. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a buzzy place frequented as much by those who own houses on the estate and others who live in the area as by guests of the hotel. At its heart, the Bar Centrale – a kind of aristocratic speak-easy – does great Negronis.
Spa and gym
Carved out of the castle cellars and lit by hundreds of candles, the Bathhouse feels like a monastic retreat that’s turned deliciously decadent. A private treatment room for couples is set inside the former wine cellars and a dip in the saltwater Roman bath is not to be missed: it occupies the submerged base of a circular stone tower.
Sustainability
The whole estate is run on biodynamic principles and even the slippers provided for guests are recycled as planters after use, before being composted.
What you need to know
They don’t advertise Reschio’s private lake with its very stylish boathouse, as it’s intended mostly for those who own houses on the estate. But if it’s free, hotel guests can book it at short notice.
Best for: Families and couples with few budgetary constraints
Number of rooms: 36
Rates: From €790 a night
Wi-fi: Free and fast
Parking: Free on-site parking
Address: Tabbacaia di Reschio, 06060 Lisciano Niccone, Perugia, Italy
Telephone: +39 075 844 362