The Monteleone & Rastrello Boutique Hotels in Umbria
A Rural Restoration Nestled in Umbria’s Placid Countryside
written CHIDOZIE OBASI
In a world shaped by downturns causing havoc with increasingly ferocious pace, enjoying restful moments amid the frenzy state of our times is a welcome respite. In Umbria, a region nestled in central Italy, placidity can be found in precious settings such as The Monteleone: a boutique retreat where contemporary design meets slow living. Set among the rolling hills of Monteleone d’Orvieto, one of Italy’s most evocative hilltop villages framed by medieval walls, olive groves and verdant countryside, the seventeen-room retreat promises intentional slow living, offering a timeless sanctuary rooted in its surroundings, where guests are invited to pause and rediscover the beauty of simplicity.
The Monteleone Boutique Hotel in Umbria
The Monteleone occupies a carefully restored 19th century home which preserves the architectural legacy of the original rural residence, guided by a deep respect for the heritage and traditions of its ancient village. As well as its spacious guest rooms and suites, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool, taking in breathtaking panoramic views across the Umbrian hills, relax in its open-air spa, or partake in a scenic workout in its fully-equipped gym. The Monteleone’s aesthetic is defined by balance, understated comfort, and timeless elegance, with light playing a central role throughout. Its conservative restoration embraces the authenticity of its origins while infusing the space with contemporary sensibility – introducing modernity through refined, clean lines and pared-back pieces, juxtaposed against materials such as weathered stone, ‘cotto Toscano’, raw plaster, tactile fabrics, and iron and wood crafted by Umbrian artisans, allowing traces of time to remain visible while creating a fresh, multi-layered aesthetic that mirrors the Umbrian landscape.
Guests of The Monteleone can stay in one of six room categories: from Superior Room to Suite. Six of The Monteleone’s seventeen rooms come complete with their own private garden featuring sun loungers and a table for al fresco snacks and aperitivo, while its Signature Suite includes a dedicated relaxation area featuring a standalone bath tub. Defining chapter of The Monteleone’s identity is its collaboration with Rome-based architecture and design firm, STUDIOTAMAT, who curated four of the retreat’s signature suites—including the Superior Garden Suite and the Deluxe Serra Suite—each conceived as an intimate micro-environment that balance craftsmanship, proportion, and emotional resonance, creating a collection of spaces that are serene, tactile, and quietly luxurious. Wellness at The Monteleone is grounded in the outdoors and shaped by seasonality. Here, wellness is not in performance but presence.
The Monteleone invites guests to experience a slower rhythm and to reconnect through simple pleasures such as a morning coffee overlooking the hills, walks among olive trees, aperitif at golden hour, and immersive countryside moments shaped by the seasons. The retreat champions an approach to luxury that is never imposed, but quietly discovered. Breakfast at The Monteleone reflects Umbrian familiar traditions with produce that tells the story of the land. Offering both a la carte and continental breakfast, expect a curated selection of sweet and savoury items featuring zero-mile ingredients from small, Umbrian producers – homemade pastries and cakes, such as The Monteleone’s classic ciambellone, freshly baked bread, seasonal jams, cheeses, cured meats, yoghurt and fruit – alongside farm eggs and international, cooked classics.
The Monteleone Boutique Hotel in Umbria
The Monteleone Boutique Hotel in Umbria
On a similar note, the Rastrello is a further gem worth noting: the 14th-century palazzo hotel that sits on the border of Umbria and Tuscany in Italy, in the medieval village of Panicale, has unveiled its new Garden Annex, introducing a further seven rooms to the boutique property,as well as a dedicated wellness space, meditation room and small outdoor pool in its gardens that overlook the beautiful Umbrian countryside and Lake Trasimeno. Bordering the garden of Rastrello, the new Garden Annex, designed by Pelizzari Studio, was a former abandoned building which has been lovingly restored to allow more guests to enjoy the unique offering at Rastrello, which has recently been certified B Corp for its sustainable and responsible practices. The expansion has nearly doubled the hotel’s capacity, bringing the room count from nine to sixteen, and each spacious suite, all with lake views, features its own unique design. The Garden Annex features a large guest lounge which overlooks the garden and the lake, where guests can enjoy breakfast, aperitivo, or simply relax and read or play a board game. The lounge is also available for private dinners or small weddings up to a maximum of 40 people. The dedicated wellness space is situated on the lower level and features a sauna, shower and two lounge chairs - a tranquil space where the serene beauty of the Umbrian countryside meets luxurious relaxation. For added privacy, guests can reserve the wellness space for hour intervals and can access it alone with their room key.
Rastrello Boutique Hotel in Umbria
The Meditation Room can be found on the second level and has been designed acoustically to create the most serene environment and guests can also book to have a massage in the Meditation Room. Each of Rastrello’s treatments have been designed to promote wellness, restore balance, and enhance guests’ sense of peace, nurturing mind, body, and spirit. Among the selection of treatments on offer at the hotel are Signature Rituals such as its ‘Umbrian Bliss Journey’ and a ‘Vine Therapy Facial’, which harness the natural healing properties of Rastrello’s own organic olive oil and vines from the Umbrian countryside. The Garden features a deck that overlooks the lake and is home to a new dipping pool with fountain, lounge chairs, and tables for guests who wish to enjoy breakfast outdoors. The gate to the guest garden is open throughout the day, allowing guests to walk freely between the two properties. Rastrello also boasts a farm-to-table restaurant, Cucina & Giardino, headed up by celebrated regional chef Nicola Fanfano, and produces its own award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Overlooking Lake Trasimeno, Cucina & Giardino offers a panoramic garden terrace with breath-taking views as well as an intimate indoor space for guests and locals to enjoy. The majority of the produce used in the restaurant and bar comes from its organic gardens. The grains, wines, cheeses, charcuterie, spirits and sodas are from local suppliers.
Rastrello Boutique Hotel in Umbria
Rastrello Boutique Hotel in Umbria
Rastrello Boutique Hotel in Umbria
Rastrello Boutique Hotel in Umbria
—all visuals provided by The Monteleone & Rastrello Boutique Hotels