WORDS & PICTURES: Abi Prowse
Your stay at Colonìa Resort begins not within the rustic stone walls of its country house, but among the rolling hills which surround it. As your car gently threads its way through the lush countryside, where endless ribbons of vines plait seamlessly together, punctuated at intervals by tiny clusters of houses, you feel the humdrum stresses of everyday life begin to lift from your shoulders. Here, immersed within Veneto’s achingly picturesque prosecco hills, you are a far cry from the bustle of nearby cities. In fact, this very landscape forms an essential part of the identity which renders this region of Italy so distinctly unique; elegance and simplicity go hand-in-hand, harmoniously marrying the luxurious and the rustic. This very idea is personified by Colonìa Resort.
Cushioned by miles of hills and vineyards, and framed against a backdrop of crisp mountains, Colonìa finds itself tucked neatly into the surrounding countryside. Composed of a single country house, and centred around its artisanal restaurant, Colonìa is both elegant and intimate, heightened by the unwavering hospitality and warmth of its owners, Sabina and Alessandro. Offering 6 bright, beautifully-furnished rooms, each with an uninterrupted view across the local terrain, Colonìa is a home away from home, but with a twist of luxury. As an ode to the region, each room and suite is named after a different type of grape, and is decorated individually and with incredible attention to detail; the décor is bright and graceful, yet homely. Complimentary hot drinks are available in each room, to be enjoyed as you soak in the panorama before you, watching as the sun dips below the hills. In the early hours, rooms which overlook the resort’s outdoor terrace will be bathed in a glow of ethereal morning light.
Although a relatively small country house, Colonìa is certainly not lacking in outdoor space. Bordered by a well-manicured terrace, it boasts an ample seating area, as well as a raised swimming pool, which overlooks the entire resort and, of course, the vineyards beyond. During the summer months, this terrace is populated by guests enjoying an evening aperitivo, an afternoon coffee, or simply absorbing their picture-perfect surroundings; as the seasons change, the hills are blanketed by rippling shades of rusty orange and golden-brown, which illuminate and shimmer with the sun’s changing light.
Whilst many visitors make the most of their stay at Colonìa to totally unplug and unwind – a task made infinitely easier by their pocket-sized on-site sauna, gym, and wellness centre – more adventurous guests should make use of the communal bicycles available, which allow you to freely explore the local area. Whether you venture into nearby city Conegliano or follow the celebrated Prosecco Trail, there is much more to this area than may initially meet the eye. Whatever you choose to do, Colonìa will welcome you at the end of the day with open arms.
Explore the local area | Treviso, Italy: A Photo Journal
The beating heart of Colonìa is its restaurant, Ristorante Seda. Flickering candlelight and fresh, white tablecloths are peppered through the stone walls of the dining room, the atmosphere characteristically intimate. But the beautiful décor plays second fiddle to the dishes themselves in this restaurant, where chef Alessandro lovingly prepares typical Italian meals with a gourmet edge. Using, of course, fresh, local ingredients, and drawing inspiration from their lush surroundings, the menu is well-crafted and delicious. Each dish is artfully presented, and knowledgably explained by Sabina, before you are then left to experience the flavours for yourself; for me, these flavours consisted of a porcini cream appetizer, spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and aubergine cream, a soft babá with lemon sorbet, and a sharp espresso accompanied by a selection of chocolates to finish. In Ristorante Seda, every fine detail has been considered, guaranteeing you a truly unique culinary experience.
By day, the interior of Colonìa is dappled by sunlight, its soundtrack during the winter months the crackling of the reception area’s fireplace. Sink into one of their plush velvet settees and read about the local area, or continue into the dining area for a hearty, traditional breakfast, overlooking the peaceful countryside below. Wine aficionados should make sure to pay a visit to Colonìa’s ‘cantinetta’: its pint-sized wine cellar, where wooden cabinets are adorned with endless bottles. Here, Colonìa host wine-tasting events, offering tipples from local wineries or ‘cantine’. In a way, this act is a metaphor for Colonìa’s philosophy: a celebration of the local area, which perfectly marries the familiar and the luxurious.
Book your stay at Colonìa Resort here.
