Via Bosco Cupo 11, Dugenta, Italy | (251) 219-4428
Picturesque surroundings on over 250 acres
On-site winery, vineyard, and wine shop
Superb swimming pool
Small but well-kept children's play area
Alfresco dining with lovely views
Restaurant serves regional fare using ingredients grown on-site
Free breakfast
Small, awkwardly furnished lobby
Rooms are a bit basic given advertised four-star status
Wedding venue; may be disruptive on weekends
Free Wi-Fi only in bar area
The Tenuta Torre Gaia sits on nearly 250 acres of gorgeous grounds with gardens, a vineyard, terraces, a sparkling pool, and a charming courtyard patio for alfresco dining. The multilingual staff is quite willing to give personalized tours of the winery and cellar, and wine can be purchased in a lovely little shop on the premises. Repurposed from an early 20th century country manor, the exterior gives one a sense of history, but the interiors -- though not without charm -- are a bit basic considering the hotel's advertised four-star status. Still, guests rarely complain as rates are reasonable given the setting, and with just 12 rooms guests get plenty of personalized attention. Just note that the ballroom is popular for weddings, so weekends may be busy. It's also worth considering the more upscale Aquapetra Resort & Spa, 40 minutes to the north, thought rates there are typically a bit higher.
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Scene
Guests indulge in simple pleasures at this vineyard property -- swimming, wine drinking, and relaxing.
After a day of sightseeing, many guests return to hang out at the pool and relax with a glass of wine. A day spent at the resort might also include fishing, biking, and hiking. Grounds here are a highlight -- expect olive and palm trees, a vineyard, and grassy lawns. The pool, which is surrounded by the historic hotel walls on three sides, faces a long arbor and views of rolling countryside. The no-frills, country-style interiors are a bit less impressive, but there are elements of charm, such as marble stairs with wrought-iron banisters and a few pieces of antique furniture. The lobby bar is a particularly cozy spot, with plush wingback chairs and a fireplace.Tastings and a personal tour of Bottaia, the wine cellar filled with Slovenian oak wine barrels, can easily be arranged. Through out the year, the Manor hosts special events such as the Wine and Music Festival, the Nocturnal Grape Harvest, and the Wine Cellar Open House.
Location
In the Campania countryside, a one-hour drive from Pompeii
The Tenuta Torre Gaia is halfway between Rome and the Amalfi Coast, and it's a great spot to break up the trip. Within a 30-minute drive, guests can visit the Royal Silk Factory Complex of San Leucio, Vanvitelli Square, the thermal springs of Terme di Telese, and The Royal Palace of Caserta. The palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed for King Charles III in the mid-18th century to rival Versailles. Naples is a 45-minute drive southwest, and it's just a bit farther to Pompeii.
Rooms
No-frills, country-style rooms are spacious and clean
There are just 12 rooms here, and most of them are large and have sitting areas. The country decor is very basic, with white walls, little art, and either wood or terra-cotta tile floors. Some rooms have antiques and painted or wrought iron headboards, which add a bit of charm. Some of the furniture is a little worn but fresh white linens and curtains look well-maintained. Bathrooms are tiled and have modern toilets, bidets, and small pre-fab showers. Not every room has a a bathtub, so be sure to enquire if that's a priority. Some rooms have flat-screen TVs, some have small tube televisions. Cribs and cots are available for a surcharge. The rooms are air-conditioned and have mini-fridges stocked with drinks. The two suites have terraces and can accommodate up to four people.
Features
Private vineyard and splendid pool
The beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the panoramic views, and the winery are the main draws at this hotel. A small but charming boutique wine shop is on the premises and wine tastings are offered. A well-maintained play yard with slide, swings, and see-saw is helpful to parents with little ones. Bicycles can be borrowed for free and breakfast -- which gets high marks from guests -- is included in the overnight rate. There is free Wi-Fi in the bar area. Cuisine representative of the Campania region is served at the restaurant, Donna Giulia, and many of the ingredients are grown on the grounds or sourced locally.
