Haute Escape № 1 :: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Italy

There are places on earth that once you have visited you can never forget; Abruzzo is one of those places. If you honeymoon in the romantic Abruzzo Region of Italy in the Apennines mountains, not only will you be submerged into the culture of this region, you will never forget it’s beauty…especially if you escape to the magical Sextantio Albergo Diffuso hotel.

Sextantio  |Mr. & Mrs. Smith | i-escape 

Frozen in time and surrounded by majestic Italian Apennines mountains, lies the nearly abandoned hilltop village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the magical Abruzzo region of central Italy. Revealing of its past, the wall that once protected the villagers still stands guard. The practically untouched village was the perfect location for a new concept boutique hotel that married modern technology with deep veneration for the area’s medieval past. Unlike toady’s traditional hotels Sexantio Albergo Diffuso was made for what Swedish-Italian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and hotelier Daniele Kihlgren calls “modern-age romantics.” I love the way that sounds…I am officially a modern-age romantic.

Outwardly primitive in appearance, Albergo Diffuso {loosely translated as “scattered homes”} is comprised of twenty seven rooms and each different from the next. Although beautifully peasant like in appearance, the rooms offer most of the comforts {sorry no television and  no telephones} found in modern hotel accommodations. Beautiful Philippe Starck soaking tubs and heated floors remind you that you can have the best of both the modern and ancient world. In the evening, candle strewn paths will light your way back to your room.

Interest…

The lure of authentic regional food, panoramic views, medieval European history, castles ruins, Roman architecture, breathtaking vistas, sparkling lakes, a passion for history, hiking, and for a well deserved break from the outside world. If you are a lover of unique hotel accommodations and of discovering new places that have been overlooked by the masses, Sextantio is that perfect place for you.

Location…

Santo Stefano, Abruzzo, Italy is located in Central Italy in the Abruzzo region and is one hand a half hours from Rome.

When to go…

Mid May to September for warm weather lovers. For the snow adventurous the mountains of Abruzzo are good for skiing activities. Stay awhile to see all the sites in the region.

Places to eat…

 My advice is has always been “Ask the locals!”

To do and see…

• Learn how to make bread from local bread makers.
• Hike in the Grans Sasso mountains.
• Explore other hilltop villages and castles.
• Sign up for cheese making classes at Mariano e Mariano in the  village of Castel del Monte.
• Book a cooking class in nearby villages via the hotel.
• Learn how to bake Abruzzo pastries in an authentic 16th century oven
• Go wine  tasting at The Luigi Cataldi Madona winery in Ofena 6 miles from the hotel.
• Drive to the  Roman ruins of the Alba Fucens amphitheater and stay to view the beautiful sunset.
• Take a few days to visit the village of Castelli to see the exhibition of the world famous ceramic work of the region.
• See the medieval art at the Abruzzo National Museum in  Forte Spagnolo of L’Aquila.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the  Sulmona’s Pelino Confetti Museum.
• Hike to the fortress of Rocca di Calascio, one of the Apennines’ most amazing castles with a fantastic view.
• Rent a car and head to the  touristy Abruzzi Coast for vineyards and beaches.
• If you are visiting between October and November sign up for “The Way of Saffron” and take a jar of the world’s most expensive spice home.