The Roman Spa

The Roman Spa: Emilia-Romagna

This home is a lesson in history, from the Roman era of lavish bathhouses and marble statues, to the present day. Spa days in the privacy of your home await with an indoor pool that could rival the ancient baths of old Rome and a sauna and Turkish hammam to complete the experience. And the state-of-the-art gym is a reminder that you’re still in the 21st century. On sunny days, pad from the indoor pool to the outdoor pool, lined with loungers. From here, a stairway leads to the rest of the gardens where 15,000 square metres are filled with marble statues, linden trees and vast lawns. You could get lost exploring each manicured area bursting with herbs and flowers.

Heading inside this 17th-century villa, you’ll find sitting rooms adorned with frescoes, gilded mirrors and arched windows looking out over the vineyards and rolling hills of your locale. There are several lounges to choose from, but our favourite might have to be the art-deco-style room with its 1920s bar for rounds of cocktails and a grand piano to set the soundtrack yourself. There’s no denying that each bedroom and bathroom feels grand, as though designed for Italian nobility with marble finishes and Jacuzzi tubs. But, heading into the kitchen, the scene changes to one of farmhouse rusticana, with all the mod cons of the 21st century to help you cater for the group.

The location is a secluded one, tucked away amidst the agricultural landscape of Emilia Romagna (considered the larder of Italy). The Adriatic Sea is a short drive away should you wish to hit the beach and there are plenty of places to pause for an espresso or stock up on the famous produce of the region in the nearby town of Forli. One thing not to miss is the view from ‘The Balcony of Romagna’ at the medieval borgo of Bertinolo, just a kilometre away.

Home truths:
*The outdoor pool is open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October
*While not all of the bedrooms and bathrooms are photographed, we expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home
*This home consists of two buildings – the main villa and a separate annexe
*Three of the twin bedrooms have joinable beds, so let your host know if you'd prefer these arranged as doubles
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom here
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for little ones, just ask
*Heating is charged separately based on usage and market prices