Castello di Guarene

For generations, Castello di Guarene was the private home of Italian aristocracy and now offers a palatial home-from-home amongst its magnificent artworks, thoughtfully preserved heritage and regal grandeur. High on the hill, it gazes out over terracotta rooftops and the undulating hills of Langhe, now a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. While twelve of the rooms are now guest rooms, much of the building has been restored as a museum, with guests able to wander through rooms that remain as they were in 1773 during the visit of King Vittorio Amedeo III of Sardinia and his queen.

From the 40sq.m Classic Room to the breathtaking 200sq.m Castle Luxury Suite, the guest rooms are stupendous in their attention to detail and imperial opulence. Due to the historic nature of the property, the rooms vary in their design, boasting perhaps frescoed walls or silk wallcoverings, wooden floors or terracotta tiles. Heavy silk drapes, glass chandeliers, canopied beds and gilt detailing create a sense of drama and history in a sumptuously luxurious escape.

Housed in a vaulted room, its whitewashed walls covered in delicate original frescoes, the restaurant offers a taste of the Lange region, an area renowned for its culinary prowess and abundant produce. This is fine dining accompanied by an extensive menu of wines from Piedmont and beyond.

Open from 2-8pm, the spa offers a relaxing retreat after a morning spent hiking through vineyards and rolling hills. An indoor pool is carved from the rocks and gives the sense of a mystical grotto looking out over the countryside of Alba, Langhe and Roero. A Finnish sauna, steam bath, emotional shower, Kneipp salt cave and jacuzzi combine to create a soothing and restorative experience, while a range of treatments use ancient Asian wisdom and modern techniques to create an indulgent sense of relaxation. The spa is open to those over 14-years of age and is payable separately.

The hills of Langhe that surround Castello di Guarene offer a wealth of activity from hiking to gentle strolls, wine tastings to the truffle festival in October or November. Alternatively you could sit back and enjoy the views from afar, lazing on a lounger overlooking the manicured gardens or from the indoor pool with its view over the hills.