Santa Maria della Versa, Italy
Il Casale Denari
Monastic vineyard estate
Santa Maria della Versa, Italy
Renovated
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Monastic vineyard estate
Augustinian monks planted the vines four centuries ago. Today, the estate runs around its working cellars and seasonal flower fields.
What it’s good at
Notable
Vaulted brick archways and coffered ceilings contrast with Domodossola granite walk-in showers.
Notable
Seventeenth-century wine estate preserving a Renaissance cloister and historic vaulted cellars.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The vine roots run deep at Il Casale Denari, a historic monastery converted into a boutique hotel in Oltrepò Pavese.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Surrounded by Oltrepo Pavese vineyards and flower fields, high on the hills above Santa Maria della Versa.
The rooms
Modern four-poster beds sit beneath eighteenth-century oak beams, with windows opening toward rolling vineyards or rows of fresh flowers.
The infinity pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor infinity pool looks out across the hills, bordered by green lawn and red parasols.
Sauna and steam
A solid fir sauna warms to 85 degrees, and the Turkish eucalyptus steam bath runs at 45 degrees.
The spa
The spa occupies the top-floor attic, with a massage room and a quiet lounge looking toward the hills.
At the table
Hostaria del Casale Denari serves regional dishes over herringbone brick floors and pours the estate's own Barbera.
How it began
Duke Antonio Denari co-founded Italy's sparkling wine institute here in 1975, decades before his nephew returned to restore the property.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.