Relais San Maurizio
N. Italy: Piemonte: Santo Stefano Belbo
Located in the lush countryside of Piemonte approximately 1500 feet above the village of Santo Stefano Belbo, the five-star Relais San Maurizio is a beautifully restored former 17th century monastery, surrounded by gardens and panoramic views. It boasts a glass enclosed atrium bar and beautifully appointed Michelin-starred restaurant "Il Guido da Costagliole" located in the original cantina. Because of the popularity of the restaurant, reservations for dinner should be made at the time the room reservation is made. The relais also has a wine therapy spa "Caudalie" (the first spa using wine therapy outside of Bordeaux where this therapy originated) with a full array of spa treatments and services including an indoor pool. The property also has a spectacular chapel, which can be used for private receptions but not religious services. There are 11 suites and 20 rooms (some are frescoed), allocated among the main building and two dependencies, in addition to a number of private, comfortably furnished sitting rooms for relaxation, all of which open onto one of the gardens. The staff is excellent. JDB loves Room 114 with two sets of double doors opening onto a balcony overlooking the garden with a great view of the vineyards and the Piemontese countryside. All categories of rooms at Relais San Maurizio are suitable for JDB clients.