SEXTANTIO ALBERGO DIFFUSO
HOTEL REVIEW BY REVIEW BY LAURA SANGSTER
WHEN: October 2024
WHERE: Santo Stefano di Sessanio
At first, the rough stone walls and humble surroundings made me wonder what I had gotten myself into. But then, little by little, the magic unfolded. This place has all the comforts you’d ever want, layered with something far rarer: an authentic glimpse into Italian history.
The village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio is still home to local residents, which adds to the authenticity that makes your stay feel naturally immersive, not staged. Distributed throughout the town’s ancient houses are 29 hotel rooms, each one complete with contemporary amenities (yes, there’s electricity and modern plumbing), yet deeply rooted in the past.
With its creaking wood floors, giant beams overhead, picture window framing the red rooftops and green rolling hills in the distance, it was so easy to relax and unwind. Later that night, I sank into a bubble bath by a crackling fire and flickering candles and realized—I didn’t know how much I needed this kind of stillness until that moment.
Meals were another revelation. All food served in the hotel’s two restaurants is crafted around what would have been available and eaten in the 1600s. The hotel’s Cantinone, named for the old Italian word for cellar, serves up dishes that taste as though they’d been passed down for centuries. Or A simple lentil soup, so earthy and flavorful, reminded me that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. Paired with a glass of local wine, I could almost believe I’d been transported to 1625, dining in the very heart of Abruzzo tradition.
The nearby trails are made for wandering. I spent mornings hiking through quiet, untouched landscapes with views that seemed endless—raw, unspoiled nature at its best. Returning to the village in the afternoon, I appreciated the simple rhythm of life. Sextantio isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience that stays with you. Contact TJGT for totally customized travel planning.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
VIBE // This isn’t polished modern luxury. It embraces the past, and “authentic” is the best way to describe the vibe here.
WELLNESS // The food is free of additives, and the hills beg to be hiked; you’ll get your wellness fix just living here for a minute.
CULINARY SCENE // Simple food where the highlight is in the history of the recipes and the freshness of the ingredients.
BEST FOR // Active travelers, couples seeking the romance that seeps in, in those quiet moments, friends looking for a unique experience.
HOW DID THIS HOTEL MAKE ME FEEL // Alive and connected. I felt like I could momentarily relate to the inhabitants of the past and, most importantly, feel the things they probably appreciated most – good weather, a healthy crop season, and community.
IF I DID THE SAME TRIP AGAIN, HERE’S WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY // Hike more. We trusted an outaded map and got a bit turned around so next time I visit, I’ll do my homework on how to access the best hikes… right out our backdoor!
COMPLIMENTARY VACATION CONSULTATION
Contact The Journey Group to start planning your next getaway, and we’ll schedule a complimentary call to answer your questions, explore ideas, and walk you through how we design seamless, custom vacations. What sets us apart is that we work as one highly experienced team and are part of the world’s largest network of vetted travel providers, giving you unmatched access and peace of mind.