Badia Di Pomaio Arezzo

In the 17th century, Badia di Pomaio was a remarkable monastery. Today, it’s a Boutique Hotel, a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. Here, deep in the peace and quiet of the forest, history and nature come together in harmony. Badia di Pomaio is the perfect place for those who wish to spend their dream vacation in the heart of Tuscany.

Imagine a drive through the thriving countryside, on roads lined by fields of sunflowers, and peaceful strolls along the cobblestoned alleys of small, colourful towns. At the end of a long and fulfilling day, the resort will welcome you back for a relaxing swim under the sunset and an aperitif in the gardens.

Immersed in the peace and quiet of nature, Boutique Hotel Badia di Pomaio in Tuscany is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. It was under renovation for over two years and first opened its doors in 2019, thanks to the hard work of many local artisans, artists and producers.

The sleek contemporary design of this hotel in Tuscany merges flawlessly with its exposed wood-beams, its arched ceilings and its stunning brickwork. The décor, composed of a variety of designed and traditional objects handpicked all over Europe, gives the hotel a sense of casual elegance and refined mystery.

THE HISTORY
How old is Badia di Pomaio? The true origins of this building are still an enigma, even today, but we know that it’s far older than what the official history would’ve us think. In 2019, during the renovation, we unearthed hidden walls and caved-in tunnels, traces of a life almost erased by time. It’s quite probable that this place was actually built during the Middle Ages.

The history of Badia di Pomaio officially starts in the 17th century, more precisely in 1645, when two monks of the Vallombrosani order founded the monastery. Under their guide, Badia di Pomaio became not only an agricultural and religious centre, but also a point of reference for the citizens of Arezzo.

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and the monastery was abandoned an undetermined amount of time later. Slowly but surely, nature took over again, covering the traces of human passage and hiding the stones of the building under a thick layer of ivy. It wouldn’t be until 2019 that the ethereal beauty of this place would once again be revealed to the world with the official opening of Boutique Hotel Badia di Pomaio.

SUSTAINABILITY
Nestled on the side of the mountain and overlooking the valley around Arezzo, Hotel Badia di Pomaio was designed to uplift our guests and give them the opportunity to relax and recharge in complete harmony with nature.

As the process of renovation was about to begin, in 2017, one thing became clear to all involved: the beauty and uniqueness of Badia di Pomaio rested firmly on two cornerstones – its centuries-long history and its deep connection to the environment. Rebirth would be impossible without respect for what came before and what surrounded us.

It was from that moment – from the very beginning – that environmental sustainability became one of our core values. There is still a long way to go for humanity to reach perfect environmental sustainability and many things we still must do to save our planet.

At Badia di Pomaio, we believe that every contribution and every action, no matter how small, can make the difference in the great scheme of things.

As this project was just beginning, we set out to achieve three things: give our guests the best experience possible, our staff a healthy work environment and Earth, our home, a helping hand. A few years have gone by, but we still do our best every day to keep our promise.

ROOMS & SUITES
Badia di Pomaio’s philosophy comes to life within its rooms. A seamless combination of simplicity, elegance and modernity where you can feel right at home and experience the profound energy of the monastery. The thirteen rooms and suites are individually designed and enriched with unique pieces of décor.

JUNIOR SUITE DOUBLE
Several distinctive features make this room stand out. One is the ancient beam that overlooks the room from the middle of the ceiling; the free-standing bathtub, which takes centre stage, is another.

A single piece of furniture functions as both headboard and desk. It faces the room’s two windows, giving guests an optimal view on the olive groves from both the bed and the two stools. Metal vases complement the furniture.

JUNIOR SUITE TRIPLE
Spacious, bright and luminous Junior Suites with armchairs and sofa (or large extra bed on request): the rooms have a beautiful view of the olive groves or the woods that surround the property. Every room is decorated differently with design objects, handmade plates, vases, trunks and antiques that give each of them a different flavour.

SUPERIOR WITH VIEW
Very bright and elegant rooms with breath-taking view on the valley, the Chianti hills and the city of Arezzo. The view can be appreciated from every part of room, even from the shower or from the walk-in closet.

The design of the furniture is smooth and graceful. The simple lines follow the shape and the volume of the room in a show of pure minimalism. Handcrafted objects and antiques adorn these comfortable rooms.

JUNIOR SUITE TRIPLE DEPENDANCE
A hidden path through the bushes will lead you to your own private garden and then to the 17th century farmhouse, situated just a few meters from the main building. The Junior Suite Triple located within is the most spacious and designed of our rooms. Light and the fresh scent of flowers stream in from the three windows, overlooking the internal courtyard.

RESTAURANT CAMPO BADIA
We wish for our guests to be constantly surprised by the variety of flavours and scents that come out of our kitchen and amazed by what can be created with just the right combination of elements.

At the heart of all our dishes are the freshest ingredients offered by our land, all of them local and many of them grown directly on our own vegetable garden and selected personally by our Executive chef.

THE TERRACE
Nestled against the side of the building and cradled lovingly by the blooming garden, the Terrace is the perfect spot for those who wish to be encompassed by nature every moment of the day. The dazzling view of the forest and of the Chianti hills will be the picturesque background of your light lunches and flavourful dinners.

THE WINE CELLAR
Our sommelier Mario Giunti carefully selected wines that represent Italy, with a particular attention towards Tuscany, in an endeavour to bring to you the best products of the commitment of our winemakers.

This selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines, together with our dishes, will take you on an extraordinary gastronomic journey through the history of Tuscan cuisine and turn the simple act of eating into an immersive and vivid experience.

BAR SERRA
Underneath the glass ceiling of the Bar Serra, guests gather to relax and share an aperitif with their family and friends. Everything within this room was designed to offer guests the maximum of comfort.

The soft jute and linen used for the sofa and armchair are a clear call-back to Tuscany’s agricultural heritage and the suffused lights create a warm and tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and kick back after a day spent exploring Tuscany.

EVENTS
Badia di Pomaio successfully combines the privacy of nature with luxury. Our staff will create a personal and exclusive event that neither you nor your guests will ever forget.

WEDDINGS IN TUSCANY
The bells of Pomaio have walked couples down the aisle for centuries. A spiritual place and an enchanted forest where your family and friends will gather for your special day. Badia di Pomaio: not only the perfect setting for your wedding, but memories and legacies that will last forever.

PRIVATE PARTY
A terrace with a stunning view, the cuisine of our chef and the products of our garden come together to turn this abbey into the perfect place where to share unforgettable moments with your family and celebrate the important occasions in your life.

CORPORATE EVENTS
Our conference room is inspired by the architecture of the monastic choir to nurture a sense of community and empower people to turn their ideas into reality.

A brunch at the restaurant, a coffee break by the pool, a working lunch on the terrace are just some of the options that we offer to enrich your event. Badia is the natural background for relaxing and effective meetings and team building.

AREZZO
Badia di Pomaio rises only ten minutes away from Arezzo’s city centre, affording it easy access to everything the city has to offer. Arezzo is, without a doubt, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

An undiscovered jewel, cradled by verdant hills and blooming valleys and within easy reach of Tuscany’s more well-known destinations. Not many tourists crowd its narrow medieval streets, even in summer. Those who do, though, get the opportunity to meet real Tuscan people and experience a taste of the everyday Tuscan life.

It’s easy to imagine how the city must have looked years, or even centuries, ago. History has left traces of its passage everywhere – on the worn stones of the buildings, on the ancient wooden doors that peek out from beneath tall awnings, on the age-old shops hiding inconspicuously amongst the more modern ones.

As you stroll through the cobblestone alleys, you will feel as though you are a part of history. The scent of homemade food coming from the houses and the vivid colours of the flowers hanging from the windows will be your companions.

And when you tire of walking around, let the voices and laughter of children and old men playing cards guide you to one of the many typical Italian cafes of the city and unwind the way Tuscan people do: with a fresh pastry and a good espresso.

Arezzo’s rich history begins before Etruscan times, but it was the Romans that first gave it prestige. Traces of their passage are all over the city, but most of them were gathered within the National Archaeological Museum ‘Mecenate’ and its adjoining Roman Amphitheatre. Arezzo kept growing, expanding and evolving during the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance and straight to modern times.

Throughout the centuries, many artists left their mark in this city. In the Church of San Domenico, visitors can admire Cimabue’s Crucifix, a stunning example of sacred medieval art, while the Church of San Francesco houses ‘The Legend of the True Cross’, one of the most iconic creations of Piero della Francesca.

Another especially influential artist for Arezzo was Giorgio Vasari. His works are housed in three different museums within the city: Casa Vasari, the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art and the Museum Diocesano. He is also responsible for much of the artistic architecture of the city.

One of his masterpieces is the famous and majestic Palazzo delle Logge, in Piazza Grande. Besides housing one of Vasari’s most famous works, Piazza Grande also represents the pulsating heart of Arezzo.

It is, for sure, its most picturesque part: its characteristic trapezoidal shape and the numerous historical buildings that surround it astound visitors every day. Typical Tuscan restaurants and artisan shops peek out of the Palazzo delle Logge’s vast arcade and overlook the square.

GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO
Every year, from June to September, Piazza Grande fully embraces its Medieval origins in honour of the ‘Giostra del Saracino’, a pretend joust that pits the boroughs of Arezzo against each-other.

Every first Sunday of the month, it hosts the Antique Fair, one of the biggest fairs of its kind in Europe. But don’t worry if you missed it: Arezzo has more than enough antiques shops open every day where you can find all kind of things.

If you prefer a more modern sort of shopping, then you can take a walk along the main shopping road, where you will find a number of interesting stores. Chief amongst them is the new Sugar shop, famous not just for its high-fashion products, but also for the ancient Roman mosaic on the floor.

For a perfect ending to your visit of Arezzo, you can stop at one of the many typical restaurants in the city for lunch or dinner. Whether you are in the mood for pizza or something more gourmet, the city has always something to offer to you.

TUSCANY
Today, it’s your turn to be captivated and seduced by Tuscany’s stunning landmarks: let them lovingly lead you to the discovery of our cultural and natural heritage. By staying at Badia di Pomaio, you will be able to discover everything Tuscany has to offer. At the end of your day, the resort will be here to welcome you back for a relaxing evening.

EXPERIENCES
From Tuscany’s sloping hills and tree-lined country roads to its medieval towns, Badia di Pomaio delivers incredible adventures and experiences. Meander through Tuscany’s tiny hamlets, savour our biological food, venture beyond civilization and into the uncontaminated nature. Let this simple, peaceful life stoke the fire of new emotions!

WINE TASTING IN TUSCANY
Of the many things Tuscany is famous for, wine tasting tours certainly hold a special place. The wine production differs a lot from zone to zone, giving life to a multitude of different flavours and scents.

Because of this, we truly believe that Tuscany has a wine for everybody, but if you really can’t call yourself a “wine-lover”, you can still enjoy the view of the endless vineyards and the good food.

Italy’s favourable climate, rich soil and the passion and dedication of her winemakers are the key to the creation of our harmonious and famous wines. For our wine cellar, we selected the best of Italy’s and Tuscany’s labels. Some of them came from world-renowned wineries, others from small, local producers.

CHIANTI
Uncover the many faces of Chianti. As you taste four Chianti wines, originating from different areas of production, you will notice how they all have their own original flavours and scents. Observe how the peculiarities of the soil, the passing of the years and a change in recipe influence Chianti wines, giving each of them a wholly individual essence.

SANGIOVESE
According to numerous theories, the Sangiovese grape originated in Roman times, or perhaps even during the Etruscan period. Today, it’s the most widespread grape in Tuscany and the base of many diverse wines. With this wine tasting, you will explore how one variety of grape can give life to a multitude of wines simply through the differences in land, soil and techniques.

MYSTERY OF PAIRING
Wine pairing is a delicate art; a fragile but exquisite balance between distinctive and often even contrasting flavours. Through the help of four wines and three simple, traditional ingredients of Italian cuisine – Olive Oil, Parmigiano and balsamic vinegar – you will learn the secrets of a perfect wine pairing.

NATURAL, BIODYNAMIC & ORGANIC WINES
Interest for the culture of natural, biodynamic and organic wines is on the rise, both in Italy and in the rest of the world. It represents the ecological approach to vinification, ruled by the love for the land and for nature.

Taste four different wines and discover flavours and scents you never imagined could exist. At the end of the wine tasting, you will have fallen in love with this philosophy of vinification.

COOKING CLASSES
Why are Italian Cooking classes so popular? It’s not simply a matter of good food and the right atmosphere: it’s the fact that food is the essence of Italian culture; more than anything, it represents our way of life.

Our traditional recipes have survived through centuries of history and change, evolving and adapting, but never losing their soul. To truly understand Italian culture, you must first understand the fundamental role that food and conviviality play in it.

If you’ve always dreamt of discovering the secrets of Italian and Tuscan culture, there is only one thing you can do: join our collaborators in Arezzo or Cortona for Italian Cooking Classes.

Learn to prepare different kinds of traditional pasta and sauces using only the freshest ingredients offered by our land. At the end of your Italian Cooking Class, enjoy the fruits of your hard work with a glass of good wine.

BIO VEGETABLE GARDEN
There is no food healthier or more delicious than that which we grow ourselves. Growing bigger and richer every year, our bio garden is the source of most of the fresh vegetables and fruits our chef and his team use in the kitchen. Thanks to our olive grove, we produce our own Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, as well.

There is nothing better or more traditionally Italian than a plate of handmade pasta and a sauce made with tomatoes, basil and olive oil grown and produced by us on our bio garden.

Grab a basket and take a leisure stroll through the bio garden, either alone or in the company of our Chef. You can choose the vegetables and aromatic herbs you like the most to compose your dream dish.

You will be amazed by the flavours and scents the Chef and his team can create with just the right combination of elements. If you wish, you can follow up with a lesson with the Chef on how to prepare and cook your harvest.

FARM EXPERIENCE
The bio farm is one of Badia di Pomaio’s latest – and proudest – projects and a harmonious addition to our already environment-friendly estate. It was created with two main goals in mind: to provide the kitchen with fresh milk and free-range eggs and to give the animals we adopted a better chance at life.

In our bio farm, they are free to roam and explore, safe from harm. They are not raised for the table, but rather as beloved pets. Immerse yourself in the genuine scents and tastes our grandparents grew up with.

By interacting with the animals in our bio farm, you won’t just make new and precious friends: you will also learn all you need to know about their needs and their routine. You can prepare their food, feed them and change the hay. Afterwards, try your hand at goat milking or take part in the preparation of our fresh cheese.

BIKE TOURS
There is nothing better than a bike tour to recharge yourself, keep active and uncover the secrets of nature. Discover the magic of the Tuscan countryside with a bike tour! Let the awe-inspiring cultural and natural treasures of this corner of Tuscany captivate you.

Take advantage of the many trails that surround the hotel: some are quite hard, while others are easy and relaxing. You can explore the uncontaminated nature of the mountain or reach the city of Arezzo for a more soothing ride. If you would like a more in depth exploration of the surrounding areas, we would be happy to organize a bike tour with an expert guide.

HONEY PRODUCTION
We produce honey two or three times a year, with different flavours. Wildflowers are always a must, but our honey production also makes great use of the many chestnut trees that grow in the woods around the property.

Not far from the bio farm, concealed by vegetation and cocooned in the comforting sounds of nature, Badia di Pomaio’s bees work tirelessly to produce the fragrant honey our guests love to try.

Badia di Pomaio is deeply aware of the environmental importance of bees and we are proud to do our part in safeguarding their habitats. Thanks to our hard work, we get to enjoy a healthy 0-Km organic honey. Come pay a visit to our beehives if you wish to taste our bio honey and discover the fascinating organization of bee life and the secrets of apiculture!

TRUFFLE HUNTING
Truffle hunting is a time-honoured tradition in Tuscany, dating back to the Ancient Romans (who ascribed powerful aphrodisiac qualities to truffles). Amongst the many culinary fruits of this fertile land, truffles are certainly considered a delicacy and are more than worth all the hard work it takes to find them.

The hunt for truffles keeps the truly dedicated occupied almost all year round. From January to March, they search for the dark winter truffle. In March and April, it’s time for the tan truffle, while from June to November it’s the turn of the summer truffle. The prized white truffle can be found almost exclusively in September.

Follow the expert truffle hunters into their sacred hunting grounds and learn all there is to know about truffles. The forest does not give up her secrets easily, but with the guidance of truffle hunters and the invaluable help of hunting dogs, you will uncover many of these delicious earthly jewels.

The success of this activity is rooted in the delicate balance between the will of Mother Nature and the solid collaboration of humans and dogs. At the end of the day, you won’t just have learned something new about truffle and its many uses in the kitchen, but also about your relationship with nature and with the other creatures that share this earth with us.

COCKTAILS CLASS
Learn how to mix mind-blowing cocktails like a professional! When you go home, you will be able to impress and amaze all your friends with your newfound knowledge. At the next party, you and your cocktail-mixing abilities will be the centre of attention.

Embark on this eye-opening tasting to discover the origins, the history and the secrets of one of the most famous liqueurs in the world. Though commonly considered a British product, the origins of Gin can actually be traced back to Italy, the Flanders and the Netherlands, where it was used as a medicinal drink.

Today, Gin is an extremely versatile liqueur: some prefer to drink it on its own, others as part of cocktails like the Martini or the Gin and Tonic. In this tasting, you will try three varieties of Premium Gin, originating from different Gin distilleries.

Stroll through our biological garden and pick the fresh products that most catch your eye. Our sommelier will then teach you how to successfully mix aromatic herbs and seasonal fruits with all kinds of spirits and liqueurs. You will discover the balance that connects the many elements of a cocktail and learn the secrets of a perfect drink.

LAKE TRASIMENO & SAILBOAT EXCURSION
At the border between Tuscany and Umbria, cradled by verdant hills and safeguarded by medieval hamlets, lays Lake Trasimeno, the biggest lake in central Italy. It’s a peaceful and relaxing destination, appreciated especially for the numerous experiences it offers.

From its crystalline waters emerge three isles: Polvese, Maggiore and Minore. The latter – and smallest – is closed to visitors, but the other two are only a ferryboat trip away.

Exactly eighteen people inhabit the Maggiore isle. It retains all the charm and atmosphere of the fishing villages of times gone by. Today, Maggiore’s famous for its touristic activities – like restaurants and beaches – and for its artisanal production of the Irish lace (pizzo d’Irlanda).

Polvese, the biggest of the three, is part of the Lake Trasimeno Natural and Scientific Park. Students and scientists alike often visit it to study the native flora and fauna.

Of particular naturalistic interest are the ‘Piscina del Porcinai’ – a garden of aquatic plants – and the forest surrounding it, which includes a centuries-old olive tree grove. With its phytodepuration system and its attention towards biological agriculture, Polvese is also a great example of environmental sustainability.

Along the shore of lake Trasimeno, you can rent different types of vessels, either with or without a skipper (provided you know how to sail), and embark on an exciting adventure to discover the treasures hidden beneath the lake’s waves.

If you want something a bit more relaxing or if you wish to end the day on a romantic note, we suggest an aperitif on a sailboat at sunset. As the fading light of the sun paints the sparkling water in blazing gold and fiery red and the gentle evening breeze lulls the boat forward, you can sit back and enjoy your drink.

BALLOONING
Fly over the green and golden hills, watch the thriving forests and seemingly endless vineyard slip by as the countryside gives way to winding roads, ancient hamlets and sprawling cities. From the comfort of the balloon’s gondola, you can enjoy a new side of Tuscany, one few people ever get to see, and discover treasures and secrets that would otherwise remain hidden.

The balloons depart from various locations in Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Lucca, the Chianti region, but also Castiglion Fiorentino, which is only thirty or forty minutes from Badia di Pomaio.

On the day of the flight, you will meet with the pilot and the crew in the early morning, usually just before dawn, to take part to the last preparations before take-off. As the balloon doesn’t have a helm, the wind will guide you.

That’s part of the magic of the experience: the lack of control, the wilderness of it, the unexpected discovery of places you never would’ve thought to visit otherwise.

The flight itself lasts about an hour, depending on the meteorological conditions. Once landed, you will be treated to a rich breakfast with typical products of our region and a glass of Prosecco. The entire excursion will take a total of two and a half/three hours.

HORSEBACK RIDING
For centuries, horseback riding has been one of the most authentic and traditional forms of exploration. There is nothing quite as freeing as experiencing nature astride a loyal and powerful animal like the horse.

On these tours, you will discover the most hidden corners of the Tuscan countryside: the endless procession of vines dotting the rolling hills, trimmed with winding white roads and crowned by cypress trees, solitary soldiers standing watch over the far-flung wilderness.

Our collaborators offer a wide variety of tours, depending on your knowledge of horseback riding. Those who have never ridden a horse will need to take lessons before going on a ride.

TENNIS
A sport club only a fifteen minutes’ drive from Badia di Pomaio offers the use of its two tennis courts to beginners and experienced players alike. You can play with friends and family, just to exercise and keep fit, or you can hire one of the certified teachers – some of whom speak English – to learn or to improve your technique.

If you have your own equipment, you are free to use it; otherwise, the club will provide everything. The club has a bar, as well, where you will be able to relax and drink something after a day of activity.

YOGA
To the attentive eye, it might almost seem like Badia di Pomaio was created specifically with Yoga and meditation in mind. Lovingly cradled by the forest, surrounded by the peace of the mountain and by walls that still retain the energy of the monastery, this place will open for you new pathways to a true balance of body, mind and soul.

The harmonious sounds of nature will sharpen your senses during meditation and the clean, fresh air will boost your body and clear your mind.

We offer different class options – Hatha, Vinyasa, Pregnancy Yoga and Relaxation – and the classes are stylized to the need of each guest or group of guests. They are suitable as an introduction for beginners, but also aim to enhance the understanding and the knowledge of those more experienced.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 550 EUR per night

Source: www.badiadipomaio.com