With its ten exclusive rooms and thirty suites, the five-star luxury hotel is one of the best addresses in Umbria—just a few kilometres from Perugia and Lake Trasimeno. Here, guests can enjoy excellent cuisine, a rich wellness programme, and the lightness of the Mediterranean. The Borgo dei Conti Resort, whose historic charm immediately captivates us, also aims to be a bridge between the past and the present.
The location
A region steeped in history and rich in nature: Umbria—also known as the green heart of Italy. So it’s no wonder lush olive trees, a park with ancient oaks, beeches, avenues and gardens surround the hotel. At the entrance to the park lies the infinity pool with private cabanas and sun loungers. In the evening, the viewing platform turns into an open-air cinema with views over the hills of Umbria and the night sky.
The 16-hectare estate consists of two buildings: an aristocratic villa and a charming country house called La Colonica. The villa now has 21 renovated rooms and suites, complemented by a lounge bar, an inviting lobby and a library. The former orangery greenhouse, La Limonaia, houses the gourmet restaurant Cedri and a wine cellar. One of the highlights is the villa’s bel étage, which has been restored to its former glory with the magnificent Counte Suite and Countessa Suite.
The back story
The Babini family acquired the hotel in 2003 and converted it into a resort. It is now part of ‘The Hospitality Experience’ hotel and resort collection, an Italian luxury brand founded by the owner family in 2023. After a 1 1/2-year renovation phase, the Borgo dei Conti Resort reopened its doors last summer. The hotel is also a member of the renowned Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant association.
Individuality and quality
Presevering the Italian crafts means a lot to the Babini family: in 2022, they established the non-profit foundation ‘Place of Wonders’—an approach that is also reflected in the interior of the hotel. At Osteria del Borgo, some signature dishes are served on hand-painted ceramics by Gialletti, while patterns from the Giuditta Brozzetti museum workshop adorn the fabrics of headboards and cushions. And in the evening, candles from Cereria Medievale bathe the interior in a cosy warm yellow glow.
But guests at the hotel can not only enjoy the aesthetics of the objects, they can also experience the crafts first-hand in workshops, visit ateliers and listen to artisans as they talk about their work.
Interior & architecture
Once the noble residence of Umbrian painter Count Lemmo Cesare Rossi-Scotti, the Milanese architectural firm Spagnulo & Partners breathed new life into the building. As part of the renovation, they focused on the cultural heritage of the region, Umbrian Renaissance painting, and the many colours of nature.
Therefore, Etruscan terracotta from Montone, stones from San Terenziano and textiles by Giuditta Brozzetti were used. Architectural elements were carefully restored, from original fireplaces and frescoes to 19th-century wooden beam ceilings. Two of the suites were converted into fully accessible rooms.
A look inside
Entering a room at Borgo dei Conti means embarking on a journey into the past, into the life of painter Count Lemmo Cesare Rossi-Scotti. Given his profession, it is not surprising that he seemed to pay special attention to every detail, which, fortunately, has been lovingly preserved by the architects.
By combining them with high-quality, modern yet minimalist furnishings, the past is brought into the present. And just like its former owner, it is clear to see today that a great deal of dedication and attention to detail went into creating an interior that perfectly combines both worlds.
Located in a separate building next to the historic villa, the wellness area offers therapies in four private treatment rooms on two levels. A whirlpool, a bio sauna with views of the countryside, a Finnish sauna and a Turkish hammam provide warmth, water and tranquillity on the lower level. For those seeking complete relaxation and escape from the outside world, there is a sensory deprivation room and a salt room.
One floor up is the heated indoor pool, bathed in soft light. On the adjacent terrace, guests can enjoy the view over the olive grove. In case guests prefer a more active relaxation they will find plenty to do on the extensive grounds: from the tennis court and padel court to the outdoor gym.
Cuisine
Majestic Lebanese cedars welcome guests at the entrance to the Cedri restaurant—lending the restaurant its name. Here, under the supervision of executive chef Emanuele Mazzella, seasonal ingredients are combined to create dishes which are rooted in tradition but presented with a modern twist. The restaurant’s interior reflects Umbrian material culture and is inspired by the surrounding vegetation.
In addition to the Cedri restaurant, the hotel also offers culinary delights in a relaxed atmosphere at L’Osteria del Borgo, as well as refreshing aperitifs and after-dinner cocktails in the Lounge Bar.
© Dario Garofalo
Surrounding area
Among Umbria’s ancient towns, tranquil valleys and stone walls, old craft traditions are still practised which have long been lost in other parts of the country. Two of those towns are Panicale and Perugia, less than 20 kilometres away. The deep connection to traditional Italian handicrafts is evident here too. Even closer is Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by mountains, the largest lake in Umbria—and the fourth largest in Italy.
©Annamaria Kupo, Unsplash
Interesting spots
In Perugia, guests can step into the world of old hand weaving techniques: the Giuditta Brozzetti Museum workshop carefully preserves authentic weaving tools, intricate decorative motifs, and meticulously crafted creations.
And at the Umbria Archaeological Museum, you can marvel at the rich archaeological heritage of central Italy—in addition to the impressive exterior of the building. Artefacts from prehistory to the Bronze Age are on display here.
© Giuditta Brozzetti
©SBAUmbria, Perugia, Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria, chiostro del convento di San Domenico, adjusted colours & perspective, CC BY-SA 3.0
What we love about it?
Those marvellous marvellous murals, what a treat for the eye! And the successful fusion of traditional and modern elements as well as the sometimes more, sometimes less obvious natural elements that bridge the gap between inside and outside.
Who is this place best suited for?
Definitely for aesthetes, whether they enjoy ancient paintings and traditional craftwork or love modern design. Both will enjoy their time here, and may even fall in love with a different style.
Details
Rooms
- Conte Suite (2 guests, 116 square metres)
- Grand Suite Colonica (2 guests, 130 square metres)
- Contessa Suite (2 guests, 56 square metres)
- Sunset Suite (2 guests, 60 square metres)
- Terrace Suite (2 guests, 56/72 square metres)
- Full accessible Garden Suite (2 guests, 88 square metres)
- Garden Suite (2 guests, 54/72 square metres)
- Chiostro Suite (2 guests, 43/60 square metres)
- Suite (2 guests, 45/47 square metres)
- Suite Torre (2 guests, 53 square metres)
- Full accessible Junior Suite (2 guests, 62 square metres)
- Junior Suite (2 guests, 32/45 square metres)
- Executive (2 guests, 27/35 square metres)
- Rossi Scotti Apartments (6 guests, 202 square metres)
- Contessa Family Suite (4 guests, 83 square metres)
- Conti Suite (4 guests, 176 square metres)
- Family Suite (4 guests, 62/78 square metres)
Beauty & Spa Treatments
- Various massages
- Facial treatments
- Cosmeceutical Body Treatments
- Paths & Rituals
- Private Spa
- Beauty Services
Experiences offered at the Borgo dei Conti Resort
- Outdoor paths with five distinct stations discovering earth, water, air, fire and energy
- Outdoor cinema with panoramic views of the Umbrian hills
- Romantic dinner prepared by a private chef
- Picnic in the olive grove
- Cooking class under the guidance of Borgo dei Conti’s chef and culinary team
- Wine tasting
- Truffle hunting























