Perched high above the Assino Valley, between Umbertide and Gubbio, you are on spiritual soil; the ancient chapel around which these stone buildings are clustered dates back 900 years. Three years ago the hamlet was meticulously restored by Finnish owner Lena and her son Matteo, and is managed beautifully by Fabrizio; staff are warmly professional. It’s a stylish country resort full of soul (its logo a lamb supporting a cross, symbol of peace) and the views from each window are breathtaking. Inside: handsome contemporary paintings and frescoes salvaged from the church, rustic terracotta floors and natural soapstone accessories, and bedding that is out of this world. The bedrooms are divided between the renovated main building (one woven into the chapel itself) and a modern building down the hill: let the golf cart ferry your luggage! Here, three dual-level suites open onto a wide terrace near the putting green and infinity pool. Breakfast, a feast of fresh breads and cakes, cereals and fruits, is served on the patio or in the deconsecrated chapel, its doors open to the valley.
At first we were not sure about the mix of Scandi and ancient Italian and worried that Niki’s was going to be a bit too stuffy and ‘resorty ‘ for us. But this was not to be so. Matteo and his family quickly won us over (and their lovely Finnish friends.) Fabrizio was great. Everyone was lovely with our 2 year old and we left after 2 nights feeling fully relaxed. The breakfasts are wonderful. If you like Scandi simplicity, whites, lavenders and efficiency in a beautiful Italian setting, this is the place. Per night price should include: spa / heated pool or one dinner - it does not .