QUALITY& CHARACTER We’ve been researching and sourcing the finest, friendliest and most charming hotels since 1985, looking out for small, family-owned accommodations that serve authentic regional cuisine, and who take a genuine interest in their guests. The hotels can vary enormously from ‘agriturismo’ properties in Italy to castles in Spain, reflecting the differing tastes and styles of their owners and the region. Below we feature two of the special places we’ve discovered.
RELAIS VILLA D’AMELIA, PIEDMONT, ITALY
Relaxed sophistication, Michelin star food in stunning surroundings Officially a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this is a luxuriously restored 19th-century family villa just outside Benevello in Italy’s stunning Piedmont region. The hotel sits on the ridge of a hill between woodland and hazelnut groves offering breathtaking views of the Alps. The bar and lounge area, with an oak-beamed ceiling, oriental carpets, grand piano and leather sofas – is a perfect place for relaxing, reading or sipping a glass of delicious local wine. See page 33
CASTELL D'EMPORDA, CATALONIA, SPAIN
Contemporary fine dining and breathtaking views
Perched on a rocky outcrop between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava’s cliffs and coves, Castell d’Emporda is a superbly restored 700-year old castle. Owners Albert and Margo are both very friendly and speak excellent English. Each of the hotel’s comfortable and stylish rooms has been individually decorated with furniture collected by the owners on their travels around China, India and Morocco. See page 41
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