Aethos Saragano

Among Italy’s unique contributions to the hospitality world is the “albergo diffuso,” or “distributed hotel” — a village, often but not always a ruined or abandoned one, whose buildings have collectively been transformed into a hotel. The Umbrian village of Saragano, a few miles to the south of Perugia, is one of these. Thanks to the Aethos hotel group, this picturesque hilltop hamlet, surrounded by old Roman walls, is now open to “conscious explorers” as Aethos Saragano.

A mere ten suites comprise the accommodations, each one uniquely located and uniquely laid out, some with terraces looking out over the hills of Umbria. The style is roughly one part contemporary and one part antique, and all of them offer plenty of space to spread out in.

Not that you’ll spend your stay confined to your quarters. Ceci, the restaurant, interprets classic Umbrian flavors through a “conscious” lens, drawing on elements of Slow Food, sustainability, and respect for authenticity. No less impressive is the wine bar, which carries both well-known wines and well-kept secrets, with, again, an emphasis on natural wines.

And the activities offered by Aethos Saragano help illuminate the concept of “conscious exploration”: fitness offerings include yoga and pilates, and the spa is an impressive one, featuring multiple saunas and a Jacuzzi with a view of the countryside, as well as treatments derived from Eastern medicine. Meanwhile the outings dive deep into Umbrian tradition, from truffle hunting and olive harvesting to cheesemaking, cooking classes, and even shadowing a master gardener as he tends to the vineyards and olive groves.