On our honeymoon last summer we took an unexpected sojourn to Umbria -- near Spoleto to be specific. We'd decided that our time in Tuscany was up and that we wanted to find somewhere new to stay since where we found ourselves was VERY far out in the countryside, down a deserted road and was a little bit creepy ... and there were A LOT of bug bites sustained over the two nights we were there. Before the trip, I'd done a lot of travel research on Italy Traveler -- a beautiful, clean site for dreaming up wonderful vacations. I wish they had sister sites for all my travel planning!
S0, from an internet cafe in deserted-after-dark Volterra, we planned our escape. We settled on a move to Borgo della Marmotta, just outside Spoleto in the town of Poreta. It was bliss- absolute heaven. I wish I could return there every fall, spring, summer and winter to experience the changing seasons of Umbria and the hospitality of our dear host Fillipo.
Highlights of the property included our cozy, and divinely outfitted room, with gravel patio to enjoy a glass of vino, or snooze in the sun, the delicious breakfast laid out each morning, the picturesque pool for sun bathing and swimming, and the gorgeous shared living room space for relaxing on the plush goose-down sofa, or pouring a drink from the honesty bar. Even the hand-soap in the bathroom was divine. I loved it so much that dear hubby tracked it down for me as a Christmas surprise, and now every time I lather I'm transported back to our wonderful holiday. If you want in on it - you can find it here, it's called Tesori d'Oriente -- and even though it has "musk" in the name, it is light and calming.
Borgo della Marmotta is well-situated, a short drive from the town of Spoleto for exploring, shopping, dining or catching some theater if you time your visit to coincide with the Spoleto festival.
We were also treated to a tour of the family's olive oil vineyards with host, Filippo. We still enjoy our Cerque Papa olive oil from the Genga family vineyards with a fresh, true, pungent taste of freshly pressed olives, transporting us right back to Umbria. Filippo shared with us that his family runs Borgo Marmotta, as well as Villa il Borgo della Genga - the family's ancestral home (where a pope once spent his summer's to enjoy the region's dry climate!), that also contains rooms and full apartments for rent. This property was equally gorgeous, perched above the olive grove, with a pool and beautiful grounds. You can't miss the flowers at either property, especially the lovely arrangements mama Genga creates for the living spaces.
Still dreaming of our return ...
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