Relais Villa Prato Mombaruzzo

There was a family named Prato who, since 1222, lived in the small village of Mombaruzzo, in upper Monferrato. The Prato family were known for the many traders, lawyers and notaries who proudly held up their name. And that same name also gave the stamp to the Villa, overlooking the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, in the heart of the village.

With elegance, Villa Prato knew how to adapt itself to historical periods, and many were the alterations made, the influences, the people who walked through its rooms giving rise to new forms and new walls.

In this way came about the structure of Villa Prato as we know it today, even the last restorations in the 1700s have survived.In 1933, after accompanying the story of the Prato family for seven

centuries, the last descendant of the family died there. Some time later, a Swiss couple decided to buy it. Certainly, the potential that the Villa offered did not escape them and so, for the first time, it was transformed into a “Holiday Home.”

The Berta family bought it in 2007, falling in love with its enchanting rooms, its marvellous views, the frescoes that decorated the rooms and its history, all to be discovered.

And in fact, it was the discovery of the small niches that spread underground which convinced the new owners to extend the ambitious renovation project that lasted nine years. Today, Villa Prato has finally returned in all its glory and it opens to you, showing off its old world charm and renewed beauty.

THE BORGO
“Il Borgo” is the result of extensive renovation work. This elegantly restored complex, characterised by an antique and very welcoming charm, is now ready to welcome guests.

Il Borgo is an annexe of the main building, Villa Prato, which stands directly opposite. It features six spacious Suites, two of which occupy several floors and have their own private entrance. Unique furnishings, accompanied by exclusive fabrics and finishes, convey a special atmosphere to each suite.

Guests can also enjoy the annexe’s large terraces, offering a breath-taking view of the hills all around and the village of Mombaruzzo. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to admire the beauty of a natural environment and savour the delights of the most authentic part of Piedmont.

THE SUITES
Six jewels. Each one exclusive and unique. Six different ways to discover the scenery that will accompany you before going to sleep at night and when you open your eyes in the morning, because through the open windows of this special corner of Piedmont, you will be the protagonist of each day.

DEPENDANCE LA TABACCAIA
“La Tabaccaia” is a little piece of the history of the village of Mombaruzzo, revealing the past of people who are strong, people who never give up. Every little village has a shop which sells a whole range of things that the villagers need, making it a reference point for the community.

The tobacconists-cum-general store of Mombaruzzo was one of the many of the local buildings damaged by the earthquake that hit the Asti region in 2001. The shop was inaccessible and no other commercial spaces were available for it to move into.

The most obvious solution was to throw in the towel and close for good, leaving the village without this essential service. But brave people don’t give up and don’t give in. So, the shop moved into a sturdy old house next to Villa Prato which had withstood the tremors and was able to offer the village store a safe new home.

“La Tabaccaia” was born and even now that the store has moved back into the Piazza, near all the other commercial businesses, everyone still calls the house “La Tabaccaia”. And that’s the way it’s going to stay.

This strong and welcoming house has now become the Annex of Villa Prato, brought back to its original splendour by meticulous restoration work.

Two fabulous Suites, each with their own entrance, are located on the first and second floors, while the ground floor is occupied by a comfortable lounge leading into a cellar and two grottoes dug into the rock; a unique jewel to house the most valuable wines.

Frescoed ceilings, elegant furnishings and the charm of beautiful, timeless things set the scene for the most relaxing stay in this exclusive structure.

THE SPA
Daily life lost, nostalgia for a time when you could see the mirror of the mind in a healthy body. Nowadays you can find renewed beauty in the waters. And in time a new care for yourself.

HOT WATER COLD WATER POOL
To feel good doesn’t mean you have to give in to boredom: pleasure is made out of contrasts.

ESSENCES POOL
We are not impenetrable to perfume. Try to single one out. Would you like it to have your scent?

WATER POOL
There is a fine line between what we appear to be and what we really are. Under the waterline we can fly.

TURKISH BATH
Time and temperature have found a compromise: the movement of the steam. A dim light which is only from here that will remind you: “It’s still early.”

SAUNA
No bad thought is intrinsic enough to not be thrown out. The pleasure of freeing yourself from it knows no effort.

ICE CAVE
The thrill is overwhelmed by the enchantment, by the magnificence of the waters. With only a touch you will understand how much heat your body is capable of. It’s not magic. It’s energy.

KNEIPP COURSE
One step away from a thrill, the following step a smile. To feel alive, in the depths of your soul, is as simple as walking.

EMOTIONAL SHOWER
The drops of water can be intense. It can bring you back to the comfort of the morning, with a soft patter that can only be felt by your skin.

DRY BODY BRUSHING
Through a specific brush made of natural fibers and wood, the lymphatic system is stimulated, improving blood circulation and eliminating any swelling. Counteracts cellulite, tones the skin, relaxes the muscles and gives a feeling of relaxation.

GRAPPATHERAPY
“A small boiler was working slowly and the vapour was patiently passing through the grape pomace skins to extract the alcohol.”

This is the innovative idea of the charming Relais Villa Prato. A trend that comes from the heart of distillation so much so that the grape and all of its extracts are transformed into beauty therapies and will have their debut as genuine cosmetic products in the historic residence of Mombaruzzo.

The active ingredients used are exclusively natural and the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols and fIavonoids contained in the grape are enhanced for use in baths, mud baths, and massages and for creams and skin masks.

Your skin can only gain in health and beauty, taking on a brighter and smoother look thanks to the recognized regenerative and moisturizing properties of grapes and grape-seed oil. It is an innovative line in the beauty world: a project for a range of creams whose properties help to counteract

skin-cell ageing, purify the skin, tone up the peripheral microcirculation, moisturise and nourish the skin with proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals.

It is an ambitious project to link two separate worlds: the chance to capture and release the sensation of the vapour that comes out of the boiler, the essence that it gives off, which fills the air, your lungs, warms your heart, shows the colours, stirs up feelings, evokes memories.

You become aware of creating and connecting that intense perfume, that sinuous fragrance, used in the beauty centre of Villa Prato, to a drop of perfume, like a tear, like a memory. From immortal elegance, from the luxury that fights vulgarity, from the fragility of the emotion which overcomes the force of reason.

UNESCO HERITAGE
Unique and striking landscapes, pure beauty, dream-like surroundings which are coloured differently according to the season, a harmony of foods, wines and unforgettable perfumes. All this describes the Piedmont hills which have already become a Unesco World Heritage site.

An area of 769,386 hectares which is divided between the hills at the foot of the Alps and the central part of the region between the Po, Dora Baltea and Stura rivers. A land of great wines: Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, Moscato, Barbera; great foods: truffles, cured hams, cheese, vegetables, select meats.

Not only physical lands but also of the mind, on a human dimension, pervaded by a thousand-year-old tradition in which to relax and enjoy good food. Between Langhe and Roero, Monferrato offers numerous itineraries, whatever the season, for the enthusiastic and inquiring tourist: from Alfieri to Baroque, from medieval to Roman, from wine and food to folklore.

Its territory, dominated by vineyards, medieval castles and churches from the 11th century, extends from the plains of the Apennines and allows you to discover natural environments like the charming Capanne di Marcarolo Park, and many culinary delights.

Travelling through the hills you come across small villages and interesting places, some very popular not only for their historic and artistic heritage. Acqui Terme is an example of this, a modern town already known in Roman times for its therapeutic water springs at a temperature of 75°.

History and traditions can be experienced thanks to the many re-enactments held throughout the year, including the Palio and the Festival of Festivals in Asti, the Barrel Race of Nizza Monferrato, and the Siege of Canelli.

It is, therefore, easy to immerse oneself into this breathtaking landscape, where art blends with the gentle slopes coloured with intoxicating music, let yourself go and feel at home.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 219 EUR per night

Source: www.relaisvillaprato.it