Umbria is emerging from Tuscany’s shadow, with the boutique Hotel Rastrello in one of its charming towns exemplifying the region's appeal and commitment to slow travel. For centuries, Tuscany has attracted tourists drawn to its art, cuisine, and historic sites. In 2023 alone, the region welcomed 134 million tourists, leading to overtourism and challenges for residents. Dubbed Italy’s “green heart” and the “new Tuscany,” Umbria lies to the east of Tuscany. Its picturesque landscape includes verdant valleys, sunflower fields, and beautiful towns like Assisi and Orvieto. Despite its charm, Umbria remains less visited, offering hidden treasures for those seeking a more tranquil Italian experience. Recently, Umbria's accommodation options have expanded beyond small boutique hotels and farmhouses.
Notable new properties include Reschio, a hotel in a 1,000-year-old castle that opened in 2021, and the upcoming Six Senses Antognolla, set to launch in 2026. In the medieval village of Panicale, Rastrello stands out as a charming addition. Opened in 2020 in a 14th-century palazzo, it initially featured nine rooms. This year, it expanded to include a garden annex with seven more rooms, a plunge pool, an outdoor terrace, and a wellness space. During olive oil tastings, you can discover the distinct flavors of oils made just a few kilometers apart, showcasing the cultural importance of this "liquid gold." The Rastrello Hotel produces its own Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from olives sourced from 300-year-old trees on its nearby farm.
Nestled in the province of Perugia, Panicale is a charming village with only 42 residents. Its unique, snail-like layout centres around a small piazza featuring an ancient fountain. The village includes a 16th-century church, a few shops and bars, and an 18th-century theatre, one of the smallest in Italy. Locals enjoy their evening passeggiata while children play around the fountain. On a winding street, a traditional bodega offers cured hams, locally sourced cheeses, and olive oils. The hotel employs local staff from Panicale and dedicates itself to a not-for-profit project each year.
Hotel Rastrello has also gained B Corp certification for its thoughtful hospitality approach, including farm-to-table cuisine and support for local artists, such as during Panicale’s annual opera and lace festivals. The new garden rooms offer stunning views of endless olive groves, with sunlight reflecting off the leaves. Beyond is Lake Trasimeno, perfect for a day trip, featuring charming towns like Castiglione del Lago and ferries to small islands. Inside Hotel Rastrello, the décor emphasizes the original architecture, featuring stone walls, wooden beams, and restored fireplaces. Italian design firm Pelizzari Studio crafted the new rooms with a simple, minimalist vision. Iron bedsteads, bare-brick walls, and wooden floors reflect the rustic charm of the surrounding farms. Monochrome photos of Umbrian landscapes and handmade ceramics enhance the inviting atmosphere. Forest-green sofas and russet and sage textiles draw inspiration from the countryside outside. The Hotel’s restaurant, Cucina & Giardino, offers a seasonal menu that features dishes like eggplant and pecorino croquettes, onion parmigiana, and the local specialty, Spaghetti alla Chitarra, with a garlic pesto sauce, zucchini, and Trasimeno chickpeas. Chef Nicola Fanfano uses ingredients from the hotel’s organic garden and partners with local producers, such as Bottega delle Carni for charcuterie and Molino Silvestri for organic flours. The inventive cocktails also highlight local flavors, including the Rastrello Martini made with vodka infused with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Food is a highlight of the in-house activities, featuring vineyard tours, wine tastings, and truffle hunting.
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