Santo Stefano Belbo, Italy
Opened
2002
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness LocalOutside the door
Restored Cistercian monastery
Monks settled this hilltop along the Salt Road in 1619, and the stone cloisters still overlook rolling Moscato vineyards.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Barolo barrel saunas and underground salt caves set inside a 1,000-square-metre spa.
Notable
Estate-grown produce and handmade plin agnolotti served amid Langhe Moscato vineyards.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Overlooking beautiful hilly landscapes, this monastery dating from 1619 is now home to a refined, exclusive hotel comprising a succession of charming lounges, elegant guestrooms with classic-style furnishings and a 1 000m2 spa.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Moscato vineyards cover the steep Langhe hills outside, and the historic truffle town of Alba is thirty minutes away.
The rooms
Rooms occupy the former monk cells and stables, keeping their vaulted brick ceilings and antique fireplaces.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool sits high on the hill, looking out across rolling Moscato vineyards.
The baths
Underground salt pools sit beneath vaulted stone arches, alongside saunas fashioned from Barolo wine casks.
The gym
Cardio equipment and weights sit within a glass pavilion surrounded by the estate's century-old park.
At the table
Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole occupies the monastery's vaulted stone cellars, opening onto a terrace high above the vineyards.
How it began
Count Luigi Incisa acquired the monastery in 1862, turning the cloister into an Italian garden and adding trompe l'oeil frescoes.
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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.