Follow a winding road up through Moscato vineyards to the hilltop village of Santo Stefano Belbo, and you'll find this handsome former monastery surrounded by centuries-old parkland and vine-striped hills. Cistercian monks founded the place back in 1619 on the old salt road from Liguria, and you can still feel that contemplative calm, even as you're sipping a Barolo in the candlelit cellars or soaking in a repurposed wine barrel at the spa. Firmly rooted in the UNESCO-listed Langhe region, it's a stone's throw from Barbaresco and Barolo country, with the truffle capital of Alba just fifteen minutes away. For food and wine lovers, this is the true epicentre.
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There are 36 rooms spread across the monastery and the neighbouring Villa San Luigi. In the main building, former monks' cells and stables have become characterful rooms with vaulted ceilings, frescoed walls, inlaid parquet floors and, in some cases, original fireplaces. Over at Villa San Luigi, things take a more contemporary turn: think sleek design, private patios and outdoor jacuzzis. Bathrooms are generous and stocked with the hotel's own organic skincare products made from ingredients grown in the surrounding gardens.
The spa's "wine therapy", including saunas built inside two enormous, early-1900s Barolo barrels. You'll emerge smelling faintly of grapes and feeling like a new person.
Ask the concierge to arrange a truffle hunt with a local family. You'll go foraging with the dog, then eat what you've found shaved over fresh cheese and paired with local wine.
The outdoor pool closes in winter and the spa is off-limits to under-14s, so it's worth factoring both into your plans if you're travelling with younger children.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Relais San Maurizio can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Relais San Maurizio or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Relais San Maurizio start from around $350, or US$350, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Endless hills, fairytale villages and the all-too-delicious flavours of ‘Slow Food’.
