Aethos Saragano

Saragano, Umbria & Le Marche, Italy
Book from GBP Book from £117 per night

Aethos Saragano

Saragano, Umbria & Le Marche, Italy

An exquisite hilltop hotel with a swoony pool, farm-to-table restaurant and 15 rooms & apartments positioned around a medieval village square

An exquisite hilltop hotel with a swoony pool, farm-to-table restaurant and 15 rooms & apartments positioned around a medieval village square

For utter peace and relaxation surrounded by spectacular Umbrian countryside, head this way. Saragano is a teeny, 1000-year-old medieval village set on a hilltop overlooking lush green olive groves and vineyards. It’s fabulously secluded here, yet just 40 minutes south of Perugia, the capital city of Umbria.

This isn’t your usual hotel set-up. 15 oh-so-chic rooms and apartments are spread around the pretty village square, setting a tone of privacy and independence. 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 comfort and spoiling hospitality, 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 15 minutes if you want to eat out
  • The rooms & suites (as opposed to apartments) lack kitchens, and the hotel bar is often closed, so you're limited to your rather pricey minibar
  • 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 yet, but one is due to open in August 2024

Best time to go

In July and August Umbria can be scorching and busy, but you're away from the crowds in this quaint ancient village. May and June are pleasantly warm and quieter. Or visit in the autumn for perfect cycling and hiking conditions.

Our top tips

Be sure to leave some space in your suitcase for transporting wine home! Umbrian tipples are half the price of better-known Tuscan wines, but arguably just as good. Buy directly from the vineyards for the best prices.

Great for...

Family
Foodie
Great Outdoors
Romantic
  • Boutique Hotel
  • 15 rooms and apartments
  • Restaurant and bar (open daily)
  • All ages welcome
  • Closed: January and February
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Spa Treatments
  • Beach Nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car recommended
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
Room: Village Suite no.1

Rooms

The 15 rooms 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 Deluxe Rooms are the smallest but have romantic views of the village. The Apartments are the next step up, perfectly roomy with a double bedroom, a kitchenette and a dining area. Superior and Superior Terrace Apartments come with two ensuite bedrooms, while the Terrace Apartment has a large living area and terrace with sweeping views of the Umbrian hills. For maximum oomph, opt for the Panorama Balcony Apartment. It’s the largest of the lot, and the phenomenal countryside view includes the dreamy pool.

Features include:

  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobes
  • Hairdryer
  • WiFi

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 team 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 or on the terrace (weather permitting) every morning. It's a classic and simple menu: expect the usual continental fare of freshly baked croissants and bread, seasonal fruit, honey, jams, yoghurt, cereals, homemade cake and muesli. Extras like fresh fruit smoothies and local free range eggs served scrambled, boiled or fried - as you prefer - are also available. Gluten-free and vegan diets are well-catered for, too.

A light lunch is available on weekdays (book ahead), and the full a la carte menu is on offer on the weekends. You can also cook up a storm in your smart well-equipped kitchen; most 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 drive to San Terenziano (10 mins), Spello (25 mins), Todi (25 mins), Montefalco (25 mins) or Spoleto (25 mins) for other dining options.

Features include:

  • Bar
  • Full kitchen
  • Restaurant
  • Vegetarian options
Eating:
Activity:

Activities

  • Start the day with an uber-relaxing massage in the pool house
  • 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 local wine cellars, ranging from a 2-minute walk to a 15-minute drive away
  • Take part in a silent meditation walk to find your zen in the Umbrian countryside
  • 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)

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Archery
  • Cooking classes
  • Horse riding
  • Meditation
  • Museums / galleries
  • Vineyard Tours
  • Walking
  • Well being
  • Wine tasting

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 Panorama Balcony Apartment (one room has twin beds), Superior Apartment and Superior Terrace Apartment for their extra space.

Distances:

  • Airport: 2 hours
  • Hospital: 35 minutes
  • Shops: 15 minutes
Kid Friendly:

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
  • Leonardo da Vinci International Airport 36.0 km PEG

Other:

  • Beach 140.0 km
  • Shops 5.0 km
  • Restaurant 6.0 km

Our guests' ratings...

Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests

9/10
Room
10/10
Food
9/10
Service
8/10
Value
9/10
Overall

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Rates for Aethos Saragano

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