New luxury hotel launch: Hotel Castello di Reschio in Umbria, Italy

A spectacular thousand-year-old castle sitting on the 3,700-acre Reschio Estate in the heart of the Umbrian hills, the highly anticipated Hotel Castello di Reschio will open its doors on 13^th May 2021 as an exquisitely restored 36-room hotel. The launch of the hotel marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legacy project helmed by three generations of the Bolza family, who have been meticulously restoring the extraordinary Reschio Estate to its former glory since 1994.

Originally bought over 25 years ago by Count Antonio Bolza, who still casts a watchful eye over proceedings at Reschio, the transformation of the estate now lies with his son, Count Benedikt and his artist wife Donna Nencia – who lived for many years in the castle with their five children. A London-trained architect, Benedikt is personally responsible for every architectural decision on the estate (for example, not allowing any corridors in the hotel), but his scope of work also extends to interior design, garden and landscaping design, and the creation of bespoke furniture, lighting and accessories via his design studio, B.B for Reschio.

Impeccable interiors celebrate local craftsmanship, featuring fine Italian linens, handcrafted furnishings and unique B.B for Reschio masterpieces designed by a team of remarkable local artisans, carpenters, stonemasons and tilemakers. Intricate stucco work, stone-carved fireplaces, antique artworks and Donna Nencia’s unique form of trompe l’oeil fill the spaces with an artful nostalgia and pay homage to the estate’s storied history, whilst sweeping vistas over the central courtyard garden and undulating valleys celebrate the estate’s natural surroundings.

Championing a farm-to-fork ethos, the majority of produce comes from the estate’s own organic kitchen garden, vineyards and beehives, with the rest sourced from trusted local suppliers and producers. Guests are treated to traditional dishes eminent of a bygone era at Ristorante Al Castello, whilst the glass-walled Palm Court and adjoining bar serves up afternoon tea and tempting tipples. Elsewhere, Il Torrino – a converted watchtower with far-reaching views over the swimming pool and surrounding countryside – offers laidback all-day dining, whilst Ristorante Alle Scuderie is the go-to for simple, fresh favourites.

Hidden within the Castello’s age-old vaulted wine cellar is The Bathhouse, an ethereal spa inspired by ancient Roman baths with exposed brick walls and worn stone steps. The serene haven is home to a salt-water plunge pool, hammam, sauna and two treatment rooms – including The Private Room which features a tepidarium, steam shower, two tubs and a crackling fireplace – where tailored treatments at the hands of expert spa therapist Maria await.

Guests will be immersed in the wild Umbrian countryside at Hotel Castello di Reschio, exploring rolling valleys and lush forests on hiking or cycling trails; joining the estate’s game keeper for a spot of wildlife watching or clay-pigeon shooting; or heading out with the chef for truffle hunting before learning the art of Italian cuisine at the cookery school, or indulging in a tasting of Reschio’s very own wines, honey and olive oil. Reschio is home to some of Italy’s most skilled dressage horses, and guests can visit the Equestrian Centre for lessons, wild hacks and evening performances to learn more about these magnificent creatures.