Today’s travelers are increasingly sophisticated and selective in their search for the ideal adventure. High on the list are destinations practicing sustainable and responsible dining options. As much as we long for ethereal beauty and comfort, guests value transparency, ethical sourcing, and a connection to local communities.
One such example is Reschio Estate, where a thousand-year-old castle, re-imagined as a pristine hotel, is nestled on a 1,500 hectare estate in Umbria. Tatler’s Award Hotel of the Year 2022, upon completion of the four-year transformation in 2021, as well as DUCO’s list of top 18 hotels in Italy.
Cherished and preserved by the Bolza family, the estate, including its many redesigned structures and castle, exemplifies a commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage while minimizing its ecological impact.
Where Tuscany meets Umbria
Castello de Reschio beckons travelers to embark on a transformative culinary journey that starts with an immersive foraging walk through the grounds, where one can discover and gather a variety of intriguing botanical wonders, including wild herbs and mushrooms.
Skilled chefs at the Accademia do Cucina della Bottega guide guests in transforming the finest local ingredients into mouthwatering Italian dishes while immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
The expansive estate features three thousand seven hundred and fifty acres of olive groves where they rotate crops such as wheat, barley, sunflowers, flax, and chickpeas.
Viticulture has gained significant renown in both the Italian regions of Tuscany and Umbria. These terrains are well-known for their thriving wine industries and the cultivation of exceptional grape varieties. The favorable climate, rich soil, geography of the verdant landscape and longstanding winemaking traditions contribute to the success and prominence of viticulture in Umbria.
The vineyard on the Estate produces exquisite white and red grapes such as Grechetto, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Malvasia, Cesanese and Sagrantino under the exclusive Reschio label.
While wine making is undoubtedly an art that involves skillfully balancing the phenolic maturity of each grape, it is crucial to acknowledge that the ultimate influence on a wine’s character and quality is the inherent power of nature itself. The unique combination of soil, climate, and other natural factors shapes the grapes and imparts a distinctiveness that cannot be replicated solely through human intervention.
Orto-Kitchen Garden
Within the estate, you will discover, state of the art, the Otto Kitchen Garden - a true haven for food lovers. Stroll through the garden for hours, taking in the breathtaking sights of vibrant colors, varied sizes, enticing textures, and fragrant aromas. Each bush and plant offer a unique sensory experience.
The castle’s historic wine cellars have been transformed into a luxurious Roman bath-inspired spa, offering a unique and rejuvenating experience.
With thirty exquisite suites, a stylish bar, and a selection of fine restaurants, the hotel provides a truly opulent stay for its guests.
The former courtyard has been beautifully redesigned as an enclosed “Palm Court”, adding to the castle’s charm and elegance. Adjacent to the castle, a magnificent outdoor pool is nestled into the lush hotel lawn, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
A noteworthy mention is the estate’s equestrian school that lead immaculately groomed horseback rides through the wilderness that allow or a dabble in dressage.
The architecture of the castle exudes grandeur showcasing its rich heritage and captivating allure.
Colossal Vision
Creating a colossal vision like this and achieving it with unwavering dedication to sustainability is an immensely challenging undertaking. It requires the expertise of landscape architects, green building design, soil scientists, horticulturists, agronomists, irrigation specialists, organic gardening consultants, organic certification, and culinary experts.
Even maintaining an organic garden in a hotel estate property can present several challenges such as: soil quality and composting, pest management, weed control, water management emphasizing on conservation practices. Seasonal variations and crop planning protecting plants from extreme temperatures.
Implementing efficient waste management systems, recycling, proper portioning, and menu planning, and establishing transparency and traceability in the supply chain.
Finally, providing ongoing learning and training for all staff. Recognizing and balancing the need for guests’ enjoyment and interaction with the garden.
These measures ensure quality standards, fostering a healthy and productive environment while providing an enriching experience for guests and visitors, in the spirit of true Italian Hospitality!
Sustainability is poised to become the pivotal priority for the global luxury industry.
By embracing sustainability practices, hotels, like Reschio, can appeal not only to environmentally conscious guests, but also gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving market.
Looks so beautiful!