A luxury rural retreat in the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy

Villa La Madonna / Monastere Bormida / Piedmont / Italy

Why aren’t more people traveling to Piedmont? I must share that I don’t understand this. This region has everything. Ok, maybe not sea access (if I compare to tourist favorite Tuscany), but other than that it is the full package. There are mountains for hiking and skiing, the capital city of Turin, rolling green hills, cute villages and the best food and wine. It was actually here the slow food movement started which says a lot about how seriously they take their food.

If you come to Piedmont it is almost mandatory to book a stay at Villa La Madonna. This stunning rural hotel is sitting high up on a hill surrounded by Barbera grapevines with uninterrupted views of the area.

Villa La Madonna is the creation of two Swedish sisters, Marie and Annica. Marie has a special connection to this place and wanted to create a unique hotel and share it with others. She involved her sister in the project and they did a full makeover of this run down property. The result shows that a lot of love went into this passion project.

Villa La Madonna has a total of 18 rooms in different shapes and sizes. The two themes when it comes to design is the color green and a lux feeling that comes from combining vintage and contemporary items. It gives the hotel an eclectic and homey look. Our room was spacious and had one of the most comfy beds I think I have ever slept in. But the thing I loved the most in our room were the green tiles in the bathroom. I wish I could knock them down and bring them home with me. I didn’t. But I sure wanted to.

The hotel is embedded in greenery not only the vineyard but all the trees end countless potted plants dotted around the property.

Our room and the über comfy bed. Green is the color theme throughout the hotel.

Those green tiles in our bathroom are everything. I am such a fan of the overall look with a vintage cupboard, vintage mirror and the bespoke lamps.

The afternoon sun flooding our room with light.

There are plenty of secluded seating areas where you can find your own little corner and just relax with something to read.

The main “living room” with a huge fire place in the centre of the room. Love how the light hits the vintage vases on the glass table.

A decorative cloud of glass balls hanging from the ceiling in the main dining room.

This is where the breakfast and dinner is served. So great when they open up the windows and let the outside in and you get the full view of the surroundings.

The second house, where you’ll find the massage rooms and the gym.

And behold, the pool. This photo was taken early in the morning as the Summer sun was rising. Must say that even though I snapped it, I think this is a stunning photo. Humble, I know!

This is the fitness room. Must say it is probably one of the nicest fitness rooms I’ve ever seen.

La Madonna branded back packs on loan if you wanna go for a hike in the surroundings…

…or if you prefer a bike ride these are ready to be taken for a spin.

Whatever you do, just make sure you are back in time for Aperitivo. It is served in the garden under the shade from the trees. How cute is this little kiosk where drinks are prepared?

An Aperol and a Negroni together with our friends Mr A and Mr K.

Always tricky to take photos of food but I think this Tiramisu manages to look pretty enticing in this photo. I can still feel the taste on my tongue when looking at this photo.

And maybe the best part of the day. A night cap after dinner with some friends as the temperature drops a little and you start to long for bed.

And then, a new day begins. The sun is rising over the vineyards and Villa La Madonna.

M is out for a morning stroll to work up an appetite before it is time to hit the breakfast.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…love food. Or you know what!? If you love life. This hotel is just a little slice of heaven. It is sitting in beautiful surroundings among the rolling hills of Piedmont, has an eclectic interior, great food, their own wine production and super service minded staff. What else could one wish for?

My favorite thing about this place…

…is very difficult to say. I think I will say the home away from home feeling. The hotel is decorated with a very personal touch and a lot of decorations, books, vintage lamps so it feels like you are in someones home. That can be either a hit or a miss. At Villa La Madonna it is a clear hit.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…nothing. Just stay put. There is no point to do anything but stay right where you are. Villa La Madonna has everything you might need within arms reach. So park your car and then just unwind. And have another glass of crispy white house wine by the pool as the sun sets over the Piedmont hills.

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