Nordelaia opens in Italy’s Piedmont wine region

Set within five hectares of agricultural land planted with vines that will produce the hotel’s own wines, Nordelaia is the culmination of a careful three-year restoration of the 800-year-old farmhouse steeped in a rich history. Working alongside local architects Tunesi Studio Genova, this historic building has been thoughtfully transformed by by British design studio These White Walls, with the guestrooms and spa sitting alongside a striking new three-tiered building within the grounds which is home to the dining and events space.

“Our design for Nordelaia is centred around wellbeing and escapism,” said Rose Murray, Founder of These White Walls. “The aim being to create a holistic and nurturing environment in which guests can relax, switch off and connect not only with each other, but also with the stunning landscape that surrounds them. We define this design as ‘rustic-luxe’, where rest and reconnection with nature go hand-in-hand with cultivated indulgence.”

Image credit: Nordelaia

Each of the 12 individually designed guestrooms has a distinctive aesthetic that celebrates Italian heritage and local craftsmanship. Ground floor ‘Garden’ rooms have direct access to ornamental gardens and feature textured materials, including rustic woods, natural stone burnished metals and wrought iron. These sit in contrast to the ‘Legacy’ rooms on the second floor that have a more dramatic feel with luxurious materials such as velvet and brass. Tucked away at the top of the building are the cosy and wonderfully private Attico Suites. There are no televisions in guestrooms in an effort to encourage guests to enjoy a digital detox, and various rooms feature Devon & Devon freestanding bathtubs, fourposter beds, private terraces, or a ‘Yours & Mine’ layout, where each guest has their own wardrobe, desk and chair.

Adjacent to the farmhouse are Nordelaia’s two restaurants – a ground floor Bistro for relaxed all-day dining with a focus on Piedmontese ingredients, and L’Orto fine dining restaurant on the second floor for an innovative culinary experience. The food concept by Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Ribaldone and resident Chef Charles Pearce, emphasises home-grown produce from local farmers that evolves with the seasons and is inspired by traditional dishes. L’Orto bar offers a tailored list of wines from the region as well as imaginative cocktails, again using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

“The design for the restaurant is very much a reflection of the layers of the garden that surround it,” said Murray, discussing the design. “The ground floor palette is reminiscent of the rich soils, roots and earthy, deep shades of green, red and black found underfoot. The first floor, in contrast, references the budding and blooming flora of those gardens, with plaster pink walls and peachy gloss tiles and textiles.”

Image credit: Nordelaia

Placing importance on a slower pace of life, the spa at Nordelaia is 450 square metres and set in the vaults of the building with views across the valleys of Montferrat, inviting in the healing powers of nature. The spa has partnered with Comfort Zone to offer relaxing rituals and rejuvenating treatments, and guests can make use of the Turkish hammam, banja, Kneipp pool and a herb room, as well as yoga and gym spaces.

Image credit: Nordelaia

Open year round and with a focus on natural relaxation, Nordelaia has plenty to inspire and explore. Easily accessible from Genoa, Milan and Turin, guests can enjoy countryside walks or cycles in the rolling hills, wine tastings and winery tours at local vineyards, truffle hunting, foraging and cooking classes using local ingredients and traditional techniques. Beyond the hotel, the destination offers ancient castles and picturesque villages, hot sulphur springs – as well as under-the-radar Genoa, with its art, historic centre, fabulous food and the transformed Renzo Piano port.

Main image credit: Nordelaia