Eremito
Umbria, Italy
Restorative retreat ideal for solo travellers in a renovated hermitage
Set in the Umbrian wilderness, this off-grid refuge is a place where guests can pause, reflect and be in nature. With its welcoming aesthetic and spiritual ambience, and empathetic staff, Eremito is profoundly restorative. Its luxury lies in a daily 'nothing to do' rhythm of eating well, sleeping deeply, periods of silence and embracing natural stillness. Come for two nights or much, much longer to rest deeply.
our Reviewer Catherine Turner says:
‘How easily this place makes it to slow down to its rhythm. How just a couple of days of authentic hospitality in a sacred, safe space surrounded by unspoiled raw nature has given me room to process what has been an intense time. It has given me exactly what I wanted and needed’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘With no schedules, gurus, therapists or wifi, prepare to truly unplug. Quietude pervades - birdsong and Gregorian chanting soothe your soul. Wander the surrounding valley or view it from your beautiful room. Eremito’s love for the planet is everywhere - from its renewable energy and private well to its electric vehicle and irrigation scheme’
Experiences
The main aim is to give guests a digital detox experience and a kickstart towards a more simple, uncluttered life, with periods of silence, pure air and dense darkness at night to reconnect you to your essential self.
With no formal programme and the emphasis on resting and just being, days revolve around three delicious meals, interspersed with what you feel like doing, be it practising yoga, reading or relaxing.
Even non-meditators will enjoy the optional morning and evening gatherings in the tiny chapel at the top of the building and in the intimate cave. Guests and the live-in team share in moments of silent reflection, and there are sometimes inspirational readings from owner and founder, Marcello Murzilli.
A daily visit to the low-lit spa area is a soothing ritual as you embrace the heat of the steam room and immerse yourself in the jacuzzi. Allotted times mean you’re likely to have the spa to yourself.
Access to unspoiled nature is all around. Strike out on any of the unmade paths - there are signs to guide you. You’ll come across ancient oaks, a river, a waterfall, cool clear streams and even a small village. Wander without the need to get somewhere, enjoying the meditation points along the way.
Spaces
There’s a sacred feel to the narrow, candlelit corridor which leads into the cosy reading room. Day beds and huge cushions around the fireplace make it a welcoming place to relax during the day and gather for evening chats.
A fully equipped yoga studio with huge windows giving a wonderful vista across the valley is perfect for self-practice or a class if a visiting yoga teacher is staying. Next door, the Relaxation Area carved into the rock has two steam baths and a jacuzzi with chromotherapy and whirlpool.
The focal point of the large garden is the lush front lawn, an idyllic place where you can sit back in the comfiest of deck chairs and talk, or simply breathe in the fresh air and survey the valley.
As well as two twin rooms and two triple rooms, there are 14 single en-suite bedrooms – the beds are big enough for a couple to share too. Each of these perfectly formed ‘celluzze’ - with monk’s cell simplicity and privacy - is named after an Italian saint. There’s a window seat opening out to greet the sunrise/sunset and star-sparkling night sky.
Meditative and cocooning, walls are whitewashed, accented with exposed local stone. There’s a marble hand basin, a curtained-off shower and toilet and wrought iron bed with supremely comfy, hand-sewn, hemp bedding.
Sustenance
Food is comforting, nourishing, full of fresh local ingredients mostly grown in Eremito’s grounds or bought from local organic producers, infused with love by resident cook. Meals are vegetarian - vegan meals are available on request.
Breakfast is a sweet and savoury feast of granola, yoghurt, fresh and dried fruits, juice, bread, cake, preserves and cheese (and occasional pizzette).
Lunch, served outside on the terrace nestled into the hillside gardens if it’s warm enough, is four smallish courses - green salad; caponata; pumpkin ravioli; black cherry panna cotta, for example.
Dinner is a beautiful, candlelit, silent ritual announced by the ring of a bell. This is also four courses – expect crostini with bean pate, finely sliced fried potato and mushroom soup, followed by strudel.
Drink in the melting warmth of a homemade after-dinner alcoholic or non-alcoholic digestivo and enjoy local red wine with lunch and dinner, as well as good coffee and a selection of herbal teas.
