Urbino Resort

Urbino Resort is a great base to explore the town of Urbino and neighbouring areas. The sprawling resort is spread over 360 acres and is actually a restored 18th century hamlet. Its houses and farm buildings have been repurposed to accommodate guest rooms and suites, a wellness centre, a shop etc. The estate also has a fairly large lake at the edge of which stands their stellar restaurant Urbino dei Laghi, headed by celebrated chef Stefano Ciotti. Their own vineyards on the estate yield some excellent Verdicchio wine. But the highlight of the resort is Urbino Horses – a ranch where you can learn horseback riding or spend some time petting the magnificent beasts. If you’re comfortable riding horses, you can even take one of them for a ride around the ranch and the adjoining meadow and the woods of Montefeltro. I rode a beautiful, sturdy, chestnut-coloured mare named Shayenne who was the gentlest horse I have come across. Her handler Melanie walked alongside as I rode, regaling me with details about the ranch, all delivered in rapid-fire Italian (which I fortunately understand!). After a day spent riding and later wandering around Urbino, the resort’s spa is a great place to unwind. Try the special honey massage and wrap, which uses local Marche honey and leaves you with smooth and supple skin.