By Simone Bandini
We are with Valeria Testi, director of the Hotel Fortebraccio. A well-defined idea of accommodation and hotellerie, experiences for Italian and foreign visitors (also in foreign languages), Spa and wellness packages and formulas dedicated to the territory and to those who want to treat themselves to a few relaxing and regenerating hours a stone’s throw from home.
A degree in ‘Intercultural Studies’ in Florence, then a master’s degree at the IED in Florence in ‘Organization of Cultural Events’, Director Valeria Testi definitely knows what she is doing in terms of accommodation. Since she has been at the helm of the Hotel Fortebraccio – and a year has now passed – she has condensed his vision into an absolutely original and diversified concept of hospitality. How?
By carefully and concretely planning the stay of the guests of the structure – allowing them to get to know the territory through authentic and valuable experiences with producers, artisans and locals. To leave an indelible memory of this land so linked to its nature and millenary history, to complement autonomous outings and ‘explorations’ in which tourists launch themselves, with great fun, in advance.
But we ask her directly what to expect from a stay at the Hotel Fortebraccio or a visit to its exclusive Spa.
VALLEY LIFE: What is the essence of hotel hospitality? Spa and experiences in the area, how important is it to make guests feel good, take care of them, make them live a pleasant and ‘constructive’ time?
VALERIA TESTI: The essence of hospitality in the hotel, as the word itself says, must be kindness and the willingness to try to meet every type of need. Those who come to us, like those who come to Umbria in general, are looking for peace, tranquillity, relaxation and good food. In addition to the comfort and cleanliness of the room, cornerstones of every hotel, our goal is to pamper guests by trying to provide services that enrich their stay and trying not to reduce it to just a simple overnight stay. We offer a buffet for breakfast full of a variety of sweet and savoury all prepared at home by us, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool always available to guests, a Spa where you can indulge in complete relaxation, the possibility of wellness treatments and we also offer experiences for those looking for a more dynamic stay
V.L.: You offer significant experiences: from truffle hunting with the quarryman to tastings, cooking class groups to discover typical Umbrian cuisine, trekking routes and outings with the e-bikes available in the structure. We would like to know more….
V.T.: We try to offer experiences that create a bond, that make our territory so full of history and curiosity known, with the hope that people will take with them a good memory and the desire to return. Ours is a truffle area so it seemed natural to us to offer this type of experience. Taking advantage of the collaboration with expert ‘hunters’ and their dogs, we take our guests to discover how it is collected or ‘hunted’ in the woods and then return to the hotel and taste truffle-based dishes; we offer e-bike tours, with or without a guide, which can be combined with a tasting in the cellar or a lunch in a restaurant that offers typical dishes and for this reason we collaborate with various realities in the area to try to offer a service as diversified as possible; We organize cooking classes in which you can learn how to prepare a tagliatella, pizza or a dessert… Tiramisu is always in great demand!
V.L.: The parent company has its own olive grove that produces high quality extra virgin olive oil. So what use is made of it?
V.T.: The property has an olive grove on the border between Umbria and Tuscany and every year, inside the hotel, the oil that guests find and taste is of our production. You also have the opportunity to buy it, since it is always a highly sought-after and highly appreciated product. Having then an olive grove of our own, in October and November, we also offer an experience related to the olive harvest in which we invite you to experience a different day, participating in the harvest and then ending with a visit to the oil mill; A picnic basket can never be missing, with local products for a km0 break!
V.L.: I also see on display the products of ‘Fortebraccio Pharma’ which processes organic medicinal herbs from which it obtains essential oils, essences and active ingredients. A vision of nature integrated with the services offered and with your philosophy of hospitality?
V.T.: The Celestini family, who are the owners, are very attached to the territory, its nature and the products that can be obtained. They manage the ‘Fortebraccio Pharma’ which produces natural food supplements; for some of them, active ingredients extracted from organic herbs produced by another business branch of the group are used. ‘Sana Pianta’, on the other hand, deals with the cultivation of medicinal herbs, the entire process that goes from planting to harvesting and then to their transformation and sale. The company has also started the affiliation process for the ‘Fair for Play’ certification. Below are the links of the companies: https://fortebracciopharma.com/ and https://sanapianta.it/
V.L.: Well, Montone enjoys an absolutely unique panoramic position. From the rooms you have to enjoy an incredible view…
V.T.: Montone’s location is privileged and we are very lucky for that. From most of the rooms and from the outdoor swimming pool you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Carpina Valley up to Umbertide and Monte Acuto. In summer you can enjoy breakfast in your room to be consumed on your panoramic balcony. A great start to the day, isn’t it?!
V.L.: How is the Spa and Wellness offer designed for the inhabitants of the area? Are there dedicated packages?
V.T.: All our services and experiences are not only aimed at hotel guests but also at external customers. Our Spa is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Admission is exclusive and we offer a series of packages, such as: ‘Spa Entrance & Apericena’, ‘Spa Entrance, Massages & Bubbles’, ‘Evening Spa Entrance’ with chocolate and prosecco tasting and much more. They are all packages always available for everyone, housed or not.
Info for stays and for the use of the Spa: / Tel+39 075 9306400 / info@hotelfortebraccio.it
– Hotel Fortebraccio, Via dei Magistrati, 11 Montone (Pg) / www.hotelfortebraccio.it