Sextantio – unique world class hotel
There are places and things to see which at times need no description at all. Either because everything’s already been said or nothing has to be said at all because you have to experience it for yourself in order to do it justice. Sextantio, the “Extended Hotel” located in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is surely one of these places.
Let’s start things off simply: Santo Stefano di Sessanio is an abandoned medieval mountain town in the heart of the raw Apennin mountains located approximately 5 Kilometres from Rocca Calascio in the province of Aquila which was brought back to life by Daniele Khilgren.
How was this done? Well, he simply had the idea of purchasing a good portion of the town, renovating the houses so well that they don’t look renovated at all, then adding ultra modern touches (which blend in perfectly may I add) and then inviting the world to sleep over in his playground. Yes my friends, medieval is definitely “IN” this year… and next, and then next… this hotel is truly timeless and unique.
It’s like something out of a James Bond film and would probably be called WiFi-Island if it were. One wouldn’t think it. One doesn’t see it. But yes, thanks to Sextantio, wireless internet access has come to the raw Apennin ranges. A minor miracle considering you can’t even get DSL in a great part of the region yet.
From the outside, Santo Stefano looks absolutely normal, unchanged, still abandoned if you may. But once you enter one of Sextantio’s many complexes that’s where the fun starts. Anyone interested in interior design will catch themselves gazing. You can’t help but be spellbound at the idea of it all: these extremely old houses which have been renovated at the highest possible level, the furniture gathered and collected minutely, each room’s floor being lifted to make space for heating coils (you will never see a radiator here at Sextantio) and then placed again, stone by original stone.
Each room is lovingly decorated and so cozy you will have to persuade yourself to leave the room at all. Not only are the beds extremely inviting, each with their own hand woven bedspread made in Santo Stefano by traditional weaving methods, but the space age bath tubs smack dab in the middle of some rooms will make you want to lie weightlessly for hours… with of course your partner, candle light and a bottle of 1996 KRUG Grande Cuvee.
One can go on writing for pages and not even have reached the details regarding the breathtaking surroundings of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Nature lovers, hikers and mountain bikers have one huge problem… where to start! Yes, that’s how many possibilities you have here. Raw nature, trails on top of trails in the area.
Whatever your liking when on vacation, relaxation, sporting activities, gourmet indulgence, Sextantio offers something for everyone and considering the magical and unique atmosphere offered, the prices are very fair, ranging from € 120,- per night for a double room to € 240,- per night for a suite.
Once you are there, take the time to visit the many little “bottege” (handicraft ateliers) where you will find a goldsmith, soap maker, weaver and other crafts people which work with traditional methods and who also sell their wares on the premises.
Even if you don’t plan on staying in Santo Stefano di Sessanio overnight, a day visit to stroll through the town is surely worth the drive and its close proximity to Rocca Calascio will surely fill your day with enough activity that at the end of the day, you are going to wish you had reserved one of those rooms I described before.
67020 Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ)
Open all year round
Telephone: +39.085.4972324
Telefax: +39.085.4972324
Website: www.sextantio.it
E-Mail: reservation@sextantio.it
