L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 17 I t a l i a n c o u n t r y s i d e r e t r e a t s : a d i f f e r e n t w ay t o e x p e r i e n c e l a dolce vita When it comes to vacations, Italians have historically fell into two categories: those who cannot live without a holiday by the beach and those who prefer the fresh air of the mountains. A third group has been steadily growing in the past few years: those who have fallen in love with the countryside, with its quietness and with its relaxed lifestyle. From North to South many beautiful and historical properties have been turned into r e s o r t s t h a t a r e p e r f e c t t o explore the land, to get in touch with nature and to experience a vacation unlike any other. Some are more elegant and refined, some more down to earth and informal - but all offer some- thing unique, sure to make your next Italian vacation unforget- table. Borgo San Pietro, Tuscany. Once a derelict villa, Borgo San P i e t r o h a s n o w b e e n t r a n s - formed into one of Tuscany's most amazing country retreats. I n a r e g i o n t h a t f e a t u r e s a n unbelievable number of agritur- ismos, farm hotels and country bed & breakfast, standing out can be difficult: the 13th century villa, however, has been reno- vated to perfection and luxury there knows no limits. Its organ- ic farm produces vegetables, fruit, herbs and honey that are served at the property's excel- lent restaurant. Those who enjoy sports can have fun riding hors- e s , p l a y i n g t e n n i s , b o c c e o r p r a c t i c i n g y o g a , w h i l e a r t s y types can partake in drawing and painting classes. Nested halfway between Florence and Grosseto, Borgo San Pietro is the ideal starting point to visit many of Tuscany's most famous s i t e s , s u c h a s S i e n a , S a n G i m i n i a n o a n d t h e C h i a n t i region, all less than 1 hour from t h e r e t r e a t . h t t p : / / w w w . b o r - gosantopietro.com V i l l a L a M e r i d i a n a , Piedmont. Only 1 kilometer from Alba's historical down- t o w n d i s t r i c t , V i l l a L a Meridiana is the ideal country side retreat for food enthusiasts. O n e o f t h e f e w v i l l a s o f t h e regions built in liberty style, this property is surrounded by the g e n t l y r o l l i n g h i l l s o f t h e Langhe where the best white truffles are picked every year, and where red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco are pro- duced. The property is perfect for hikers who want to explore the region as well as for those who want to learn more about winemaking: in the fall, during the months of September and October, guests can participate i n p i c k i n g a n d p r e s s i n g t h e g r a p e s u s e d t o m a k e l o c a l D o l c e t t o . h t t p : / / w w w . v i l - lalameridianaalba.it/ C a s a C l e l i a , L o m b a r d y . CHIARA ASSI Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany - Luxury Retreats Abate Masseria & Resort, Puglia Close to the hustle and bustle of Milano and to the quaint charm o f B e r g a m o , C a s a C l e l i a i s housed in a 11th century con- vent that has been thoroughly refurbished using the principles of eco-conscious architecture. Surrounded by wooded hills and orchards, the farm hosts cows, chicken, geese and sheep and offers the chance to experi- ence and enjoy a simple and quiet country lifestyle. The 8 h e c t a r e s o f l a n d a r o u n d t h e p r o p e r t y a r e t h e r e t o b e explored, a real treat in the late a f t e r n o o n w h e n t h e w o o d s come alive with the sounds of nature. http://www.casaclelia. com/ V i l l a T a s c a d ' A l m e r i t a , Sicily. Wine lovers, rejoice! Villa Tasca d'Almerita, one of Sicily's biggest producers of equally delicious white, red and rosee wines, not only is open to the public, but is one of Italy's more glamourous country side r e t r e a t s . L o c a t e d h a l f w a y between Palermo and Monreale, the villa sits surrounded by 8 acres of land, lush with centen- nial trees and citrus groves. Its noble and elegant rooms are furnished with antique furniture and great attention to detail, while its garden has charmed n o t o r i o u s g u e s t s s u c h a s Jacqueline Kennedy and King F e r d i n a n d o f S p a i n . http://www.villatasca.com Abate Masseria, Apulia. Apulia is famous around the world for its beautiful coast and c r y s t a l c l e a r w a t e r s , b u t i t s country side is equally fascinat- ing and the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation surrounded by n a t u r e . T h e A b a t e M a s s e r i a once was a typical farmhouse and, after a careful restoration, it has been turned into a 4 star property full of character and charm. Used in the past as a dormitory, the trulli - unique cone shaped buildings typical of the region - are still standing a n d g i v e t o t h e p r o p e r t y a n extra dose of charm. A large swimming pool, tennis courts and a rightly famous restaurant round up the offer and make Abate Masseria ideal for those who want to explore the beauty o f A p u l i a w i t h f r i e n d s . http://www.abatemasseria.it/

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