Relais San Maurizio is the most luxurious hotel in the relatively unknown region of Piedmont. After following a winding drive through stunning scenery, you arrive at the summit of Santo Stefano Belbo where, hidden amidst tall cypress trees and surrounded by vineyards, stands the hotel.
Formerly a Cistercian monastery from 1619, the property underwent a major restoration and there are now thirty-six bedrooms and suites located throughout the grounds. Our favourites are the stable suites which are slightly larger than the monks’ cells. The newly restored Villa San Luigi is home to six extremely comfortable luxury suites, 3 of which have two bedrooms. All individually decorated, some include working fireplaces, frescoed walls and wooden beamed ceilings, whilst all benefit from large bathrooms and organic San Maurizio skincare products.
In keeping with the region, food is one of the main reasons for visiting the San Maurizio. The Michelin-starred, family-run restaurant “Da Guido” attracts local families and businessmen as well as gourmands from around the world. Traditional dishes and ingredients including the region’s celebrated white truffle, when in season, are taken to new levels, while basics such as the homemade agnolotti del plin, delicate ravioli filled with a mixture of veal, rabbit pork and vegetables, glazed with a subtle honey and hazelnut dressing are just as outstanding.
The owner and sommelier Pierdomenico has an encyclopaedic knowledge of regional wines and the cellar is stocked with thousands of bottles, separated into three wine lists: one assigned to Piedmont, one to France, and the other to wines from the rest of the world.
Under the dry stone vaults, guests can relax at the spa. The spa’s signature treatments include a barrel bath and fresh grapeseed scrub and grapes massage. In addition to the spa’s indoor pool and to its magnificent thalassotherapy pools in the Salt Caves, there is also an outdoor pool boasting a panoramic view overlooking the striking Piedmontese countryside.
One of the joys of the San Maurizio is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year, from truffle hunting in the autumn to relaxing by the pool in the summer, this enchanting hotel is helping put Piedmont on the map.