Hotel Review - Il Borgo del Balsamico

Found in the heart of Reggio Emilia and part of the Welcome Beyond collection, Il Borgo del Balsamico is a boutique countryside bed and breakfast helmed by sister’s Cristina and Silvia Crotti, who wanted to share their family home and farm (and the velvety-smooth aged balsamic vinegar they create here) with the world.

Spread over a guest house and the family villa, each room is named after a rose, and are dotted with retro posters and sketches from the 1970s, all the work of their father who found the Italian fashion company Maska. Add vintage furniture (some of the piece date from the 16th century), family heirlooms, photographs and illustrations from visiting artists and tiles from the 1920s, and you have a space designed to make you feel right at home. 

In my own pastel-hued room, the bed was nestled between an immense fireplace and windows that opened to view of the sprawling garden, which is filled with more than 130 types of flowers (and a pool for good measure). Breakfast is served in the converted stables, balsamic tastings involve a visit to the barrel-lined guest house attic (the heady aroma soothing you the moment you enter), and you’re immediately aware that every detail has a story.  

Words by Isabelle Hopewell & Photographs by Marina Spironetti

First published in our Italy Magazine