Aethos Saragano
Saragano, Umbria & Le Marche, Italy Book from Book from £139 per night
This isn’t your usual hotel set-up. 10 oh-so-chic suites and apartments dot the pretty village square. With a full kitchen, dining area and 1 or 2 separate bedrooms, they all have the perks of an apartment. Yet typical hotel greats – a top-rated restaurant; a photogenic pool – are on offer too. That, and a level of service that’s highly praised across the board. It’s the best of both here. Design-wise, expect a pleasing blend of old and new - think wood-beamed ceilings, sleek muted tones, terracotta floor tiles and trendy, contemporary furniture. And the far-reaching views from the Suite terraces are something special.
Spend lazy days by the pool, or potter down the hill to the local vineyard for some splendid wine tasting. And there are plenty of exploring opportunities within a short drive if the mood takes you. This is authentic Umbrian living with a big dose of luxury, and we can’t wait to visit.
Highs
- Beautifully designed, enormous suites in a gorgeous 1000-year-old cobbled hamlet setting
- Vast, lush countryside views from the terraces
- The chic pool, shaded by olive trees, with loungers aplenty from which to sip your Umbrian wine
- Word has it the service from friendly staff is superb
- The food served in the restaurant is divine - fresh, homegrown and beautifully presented
Lows
- There is little else in the village so a car is essential to reach other nearby towns; you'll have to drive 25 minutes if you want to eat out
- Uneven, cobbled paths and steps make things challenging for those with limited mobility
- Church bells chime early, so if you like a lie-in, pack earplugs!
- No spa at present, but one is scheduled to open in 2023 so watch this space
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 suites and apartments
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Closed: January and February
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- WiFi
- Off-street Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry service
Rooms
The 10 suites and apartments are housed within beautifully restored medieval stone dwellings. A recent refurbishment has resulted in a clever mix of old and new, with sleek sofas and marble kitchen worktops teamed with wood-beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces and terracotta-tiled floors. The colour palette blends pale grey, cream and beige, creating a smart, understated look that's fresh and contemporary.
The apartments (Village View) are the smallest, but still, at 30m2, they're perfectly roomy with a double bedroom, a full kitchen and a dining area. Suites come with 1- and 2-bedroom options, and most have the added perk of an outdoor terrace with views of the lush green Umbrian hills. For maximum oomph, opt for the Panorama Balcony Suite. It’s the largest of the lot, and the phenomenal countryside view includes the dreamy pool.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Phone
- Washing machine
Eating
Food is taken seriously at Aethos Saragano. Chef and long-time local Delfina plucks the freshest ingredients from the kitchen garden. Meat is sourced from local farmers with an emphasis on animal welfare, and the pasta is fresh and homemade. Dishes are traditional Umbrian fare with a modern twist. You might get sautéd asparagus with truffle sauce, or rabbit ragù tagliolini, thyme, lemon and cardamom. The in-house sommelier will recommend a top-notch local tipple to wash it all down with. Eat inside among the cooling stone walls, or pull up a chair on the terrace, where the rolling countryside views are vast and glorious.
Breakfast is served in the restaurant every morning. It's a classic and simple menu: expect the usual continental fare of croissants, seasonal fruit, honey, yoghurt, cereals, home-made cake, and eggs served scrambled, as omelettes or boiled – as you prefer. Gluten-free options are available. Lunch is served on request. You can also cook up a storm in your smart well-equipped kitchen; all suites and apartments come with such. Judging by the restaurant’s outstanding rep, we suspect you'll be back however!
There aren't any other places to eat in the village. You'll need to head to Spello (25 mins), Todi (25 mins) or Spoleto (25 mins) for other dining options.
Features include:
- Dishwasher
- Full kitchen
- Microwave
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Start the day with an uber-relaxing poolside Kundalini Yoga session. Group bookings are complimentary or paid-for private sessions are available
- Laze by the peaceful tree-lined pool, chilled Aperol in hand. Heaven
- Explore the nearby rolling hills and olive groves by horseback: the views are fabulous. The hotel arranges everything, so just ask
- Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of Tenuta di Saragano, a beautiful vineyard a 2-minute walk from the hotel
- Rent an e-bike from the hotel and pedal across the spectacular Umbrian countryside
- Channel your inner Michelangelo and take a painting class at the hotel
- Get your culture fix in Perugia, the capital city (40 mins). Marvel at impressive gothic architecture, explore the National Gallery and people-watch from the cafe-lined cobbled squares
- Other highlights include the historic hilltop town of Todi (30 mins), and pilgrims' favourite Assisi (45 mins), hometown of St. Francis
- Visit the epic Marmore Falls (60 mins). Dropping an impressive 165m, they were man-made by the ancient Romans and can be switched on or off (so check timings first)
Kids
All ages are welcome here. However, there aren’t any facilities or activities specifically aimed at kids.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Small families of 3 can comfortably fit in an apartment. Cots and/or extra beds are available for an extra fee. Take note: there isn’t an outdoor terrace for wine-glass clinking after your offspring has gone to bed. If such a space is a deal breaker, then a suite is for you.
Families of 4 should opt for the 2-bedroom Village Suite or Panorama Balcony Suite for their extra space. Ask for twin beds if preferred.
Distances:
- Airport: 2 hours
- Hospital: 35 minutes
- Shops: 15 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Aethos Saragano is set in a sleepy village in Umbria, 40 minutes south of Perugia, the region capital.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Perugia (30 mins/36km). Other options include Roma Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino (2 hours/170km), Roma Ciampino (2 hours/156km) and Florence Firenze (/2.15 hours/200km).
From the Airport:
The hotel can arrange transfers. Taxis are available but we’d suggest hiring a car as you'll likely want to explore the area. Check out our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Leonardo da Vinci International Airport 180.0 km FCO
- Perugia Airport 36.0 km PEG
Other:
- Beach 140.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 6.0 km