Outstanding service and classic poolside views over Umbria’s Mongiovino hills from this 200-acre estate with a spa and a superb restaurant.

You can choose between two swimming pools, a the tennis court, Vespa trips, fun cooking lessons, guided tours of the medieval towns and wineries.

Plenty of space both indoors and out, including sunny spots in the grounds to hide away.

Experience Italian country-house style at its finest in this ancient villa with dreamy views over gently rolling hills punctuated by winding lanes of cypress trees. Alongside the villa, the antique olive mill and other original farm buildings have been restored to house additional bedrooms.

The 18th century Limonaia has been converted into a fabulous Spa that offers massage and beauty treatments, fitness programmes, therapies and cures and, in addition to the massage rooms, has a tepidarium, sauna, Turkish bath and hydrotherapy area.

Two 12m pools each offer fabulous views, one over the hills of Mongiovino and the other with sweeping views over the Muserale Valley. Other facilities include a clay tennis court and, nearby, two golf clubs and riding stables.

The 28 rooms (Classic to Deluxe Suites) in the main villa and the Olivaia, Olive and Casa dei Gelsi outhouses, are decorated in a simple but elegant style with soft pastel shades, complemented by ancient cotto floors, murals and imposing fireplaces.

Dine in Dolium, the hotel’s restaurant, or on warm evenings, on the terrace. The menus combine the best of Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine (think lasagne with pecorino and truffles) accompanied by superb advice from the extremely knowledgeable sommelier. The bar serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day.

Perugia is the nearest main town (30km) but do stop by the local village of Panicale. The hotel is perfectly placed for visiting many of Umbria’s attractive spots – Assisi, Castiglione del Lago and Orvieto – and if you feel like venturing a little further afield, the Roman amphitheatre in Gubbio and the well-conserved Roman gates in traffic-free Spello are well worth a visit.

Lake Trasimeno is also around 25km away, a good alternative to the beach in this landlocked region.