In the picturesque landscape of Italy's Le Marche region, between the shimmering Adriatic and the majestic Sibillini mountains, lies the luxurious haven of Filodivino Winery and Spa. Owners Alberto and Alida Gandolfi discovered this sunny, open valley, conceived a passion project recovering its ancient vines back into wine production, and in the process converted the former farmhouse and surrounding 17 acres into an upmarket boutique getaway, with 7 elegant rooms and suites. Built with sustainable materials and exquisitely furnished with handcrafted, reclaimed furniture as well as custom-made pieces, the ambiance here is one of relaxation and calmness, where rustic charm meets understated glamour.
Tradition is apparent in the design, from the bleached woods, exposed brickwork, organic cotton and flax linens to the locally-sourced produce served up at the in-house Veranda restaurant, which has spectacular views over the rolling fields. Modern touches include a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool and sun terrace (to make the most of that valley view), a fully-equipped spa with a swathe of treatments including a wave pool and sauna, and the striking modern winery that provides the list for the restaurant and a glass of something chilled for when the sun slips below the horizon. It’s also a great base from which to explore the surrounding Le Marche region, with its historic towns, cobblestone villages and golden beaches, and perfect for hikers and cyclists who want to get back to nature. Relax, unwind, pamper, explore – la vita doesn’t get more dolce.
Filodivino Wine Resort & Spa
San Marcello, Umbria & Le Marche, Italy
Highs
- Fantastic location – remote enough to be a haven and surrounded by easily accessible countryside, yet close to historic towns, around half-an-hour from the beach
- Learn all about Italian viticulture and the local terroir in the stunning, architect-designed, barrel-vaulted winery;
- The spa has everything – sauna, reaction tank, Turkish bath, Kneipp path, whirlpool, as well as a gym. There is also a range of beauty treatments and massages
- An intimate retreat with just seven elegant rooms and suites in the former farmhouse, all with views and outside areas, and the suites have living rooms and kitchenettes
- Perfect for couples looking for a romantic and pampering gourmet retreat; you're cocooned in a beautiful valley enriched with vines and encircled by hills
Lows
- A car is advisable, particularly for longer stays
- It’s at the higher end of the price bracket for this area of Italy
- No dinner service on Tuesday nights (but light meals can be served in-room); the Special Nights tasting package in the winery is only offered Thursday and Saturday evenings (no dinner service in the restaurant on those nights)
- The owners have dogs, so to guarantee a peaceful stay for all guests do not accept other pets
Best time to go
July and August tend to be the hottest months – and they are hot – although being slightly inland at higher elevations means temperatures aren’t quite as suffocating as by the beach. Spring is often considered to be the prettiest time to visit, with the region waking from its winter slumber, although the changing colours of autumn are recommended for those who like their hiking and biking trips. Filodivino is closed mid-November to mid-April.
Our top tips
The Frasassi Caves (40km away) is one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular cave systems – 190 million years old and 1.5km long. It’s easily accessible for all ages and boasts incredible limestone sculptures. The highlight is the 200m high Ancona Abyss full of stalactites that look like pipe organs. Do bring some warm clothing – it gets chilly even in summer. And note that English tours are only available in May and June (although English audio headsets are offered).
- Wine Resort
- 7 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Closed: Mid-November to mid-April
- Pools
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Wine tasting room
- Electric car charger
Rooms
There are just seven elegant rooms and suites, featuring terracotta floors, brick, whitewashed beams and subtle shades of plum, sage and porcelain. All have private porches or terraces, with views over the vineyards.
At the top of the range, the Grand Suites cater for up to 5 guests, with a contemporary canopy bed in the master bedroom, twin beds in the other, and a sofa bed in the living room. The private covered porch comes with an outdoor shower. The romantic Luxury Suite, the only room on the first floor, has a canopy bed, a separate living room and a large sunset terrace with panoramic views. The Suites are great for couples or small families, with one bedroom and a separate sitting room with a sofa bed, as well as a private terrace also with an outdoor shower. The entry-level, south-facing Luxury Rooms have a double bed (or two singles on request) and a private porch.
Bathrooms come with ample walk-in showers, toiletries with natural local ingredients and bathrobes.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Fan
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
As a working organic winery, there is plenty of opportunity to sample the wares, perhaps none more so than at the tables in the restaurant, Veranda, arranged on the open-sided first-floor dining terrace overlooking the valley. The dishes here for lunch and dinner have a traditional Italian accent – beef tartare, ceppi pasta with lamb and sage, monkfish and sage risotto, homemade gnocchi, Mediterranean blue fish and guinea fowl. There are vegetarian and vegan options as well as a kids' menu. Continental breakfast is included in your room rate – think cold cuts, quiche lorraine, cheeses, local produce. Note that the restaurant is open for lunch daily, but is closed on Tuesday evenings (you can have light meals delivered to your room), and also on the winery tasting menu evenings (Thursday and Saturday).
These tasting menu evenings are in the barrel-shaped winery set into the hillside below the hotel, and they allow you to sample five dishes paired with different wines. The dishes have been chosen to complement the wines rather than vice versa and heavily feature organic and seasonal local produce, including veg, fruit, livestock and game.
All suites also come with a kitchenette, which has an induction hob and fridge, and all rooms have Nespresso machines. You get oil, salt, pepper, tea and coffee supplied on arrival; there's a supermarket a few minutes away.
Within a 15-minute drive, there are lots of other dining options, mainly Italian-style trattorias serving local produce – everything from seafood and pasta to pork, beef and pizza.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- A wine tour and tasting within Filodivino itself is almost obligatory. It’s a 17-hectare estate that specialises in Verdicchio and Lacrima grapes from which they produce 10 different wines. Explore the vineyard and architect-designed cellars, and learn about all about viticulture; end the tour in the impressive tasting room which opens onto an expansive sunset terrace
- Senigallia Beach is a half-hour drive away, a long stretch of sand on the Adriatic coast that is well served by bars, restaurants and sun loungers. It’s got the Green Flag award which means it’s safe even for toddlers
- About an hour away is Urbino, a gorgeous medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its imposing Palazzo Ducale (inside is the National Gallery of the Marche, featuring works by Titian and Raphael)
- The port city of Ancona is a shoppers’ paradise with everything from malls to boutique shops, designer outlets (Italian, naturally), farmers markets, antique sellers, souvenir stalls as well as fromageries, oil vendors and all manner of food emporia
- Explore the Sibillini Mountains National Park, part of the Apennines range, and discover its wildlife, hiking trails and glacial landscapes
- Borrow the mountain bikes (free of charge) to explore the valley and surrounds
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Mountain biking
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Well being
- Wildlife
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children of all ages are very welcome and will love the pool and gardens, although it's probably best for very young families or those with older children (10+). Baby cots are available, as are sofa beds, high chairs, a kids' menu in the restaurant. Babysitting is also offered.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Grand Suites have two bedrooms (a double and a twin) so are the best bet, and have a sofa bed so can sleep a family of 5. The Suites (1 bedroom) also have a sofa bed so can sleep a family of 3. The Luxury Rooms and Luxury Suites can add a baby cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Children's meals:
A kids' menu is available for children up to 12 years old.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool
- 17 acres of estate to explore
Families Should Know:
The wellness centre is reserved for guests aged 14 years and over.
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Hospital: 18 minutes
- Shops: 4 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Filodivino Wine Resort & Spa is situated just outside the village of San Marcello, which is not far from the Adriatic Sea, in the Le Marche region on Italy’s northeastern coast.
By Air:
The nearest airport is in Ancona, about a 20-min drive away, to which several low cost airlines fly, some only seasonally. The hotel can arrange an airport shuttle for an added charge or there are car rental services available. Forli airport, further up the coast, is also served by low cost airlines, usually seasonal only. Or fly to Bologna (BLQ) which is around 2 and a half hours away and is served by a big range of airlines.
By Train:
This region isn’t too well served by trains. The nearest train station is Senigallia (21km), which is further than the airport. However, from there, you can take the bus to San Marcello.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marche Airport (Ancona) 30.0 km AOI
- Forlì International Airport 150.0 km FRL
Other:
- Beach 34.0 km
- Shops 3.4 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km