Relais San Maurizio

Set in a former monastery, Relais San Maurizio was the first five star property to open in Piedmont, and is the most resort-like in the region. Amenities include an outdoor pool, spa with indoor pool and salt caves, expansive gardens (with a 900-year-old oak tree!), tennis court, chapel that hosts art installations and views of the region's rolling hills in every direction.

• The fine-dining restaurant on property, da Guido, one of the most popular restaurants in the region
• The expansive grounds, which include an outdoor pool, tennis court and garden
• The large wellness center with indoor pool and salt caves

Relais San Maurizio is rich with history. The property was a former monastery, founded in 1619—you’ll see this date all over the property and in the hotel’s logo—by Cistercian monks coming from Provence. They chose the area because of its microclimate, which is perfect for the growth of olive trees and medicinal plants (these are now used in the hotel spa) and allowed the monks to bring cultivation of aromatic herbs, spices and vine to this area of Piedmont. In 1997, it was purchased by the Gallo family and went through a four-year restoration, which preserved the splendor of the namesake monastery and converted it into a hotel.

The property has 36 rooms and suites spread across the monastery building (where the majority of rooms are located), the stable building and the San Luigi Villa, the newest accommodation up a short hill that has its own reception area and entrance. The San Luigi Villa has six suites that can be sold independently or as a takeover; two of the suites are equipped with their own jacuzzi and patio. The Villa houses the most modern accommodation option on property and sits the closest to the outdoor pool and tennis court. While the Villa is contemporary, the monastery and stable rooms are done in a classic style and preserve some of the original characteristics of the buildings. Rooms feature velvet couches and accent pillows in pinks, deep blues and greens, along with wooden furniture and floors. Some rooms still showcase the brick of the monastery on the walls and ceiling, and many have renovated bathrooms, even if the bedrooms reflect the traditional style. Rooms vary in size, due to their previous life as historic monastic cells.

Da Guido is a one-Michelin-starred, destination restaurant on-property, located in the ancient cellar. San Maurizio also has a Cigar Room and a bistro giving guests a more casual dining option. The service on property is welcoming and friendly and, though not flawless, it is the strongest in the region. There are e-bikes available at the hotel, and the concierge can arrange on-property cooking classes.

Note: Relais San Maurizio is in the village of Santo Stefano Belbo, a bit outside the core area of the Langhe region of Piedmont. The majority of notable restaurants and wineries can be 30+ minutes from the hotel. However, itineraries can be crafted so it doesn’t feel like you are in the car for long durations.

Couples, families or groups of friends looking for resort grounds with activities