My World of Travel and Food: Sextantio, Albergo Diffuso, Santo Stefano di Sassanio, Italy

We spent 6 nights here .... very specific, very unique and this is one place to cherish if you have done a lot of travel and are looking for a point of difference.

The project is incredible, the scale quite difficult to fathom. Every detail has been seen to with meticulous precision. Your key will be heavy and made of iron, the lock a little fiddly, the room large (we had a 'junior suite') and completely in period. The sheets and bed covers hand made, the wooden floors knobbly and beautiful. The room is lit with subdued lighting which some may find too dim in which to read. The essence of the lighting is perfect however a reading light would allow those needing a little extra help that assistance without loosing any character. The bed is large and very firm and a little uncomfortable however I somehow think that if it was hotel perfect it would somehow loose the charm and I do feel all of this has been taken into consideration which is remarkable.

The village is absolutely beautiful, sitting like a pearl in a majestic valley of Abruzzo. The decor itself was apparently assisted by a film set designer and when you see this place it all makes sense somehow as it is indeed like being on set. The detail is indescribable.

The breakfast room doubles as a wine bar later in the day and has a wonderful atmosphere and keeps pretty busy in a good low key way. Wine prices are very reasonable and the restaurant serves up fresh local courses every night. The waiter is charming and quirky, full of pride for his homeland and will share as much information about he local food and wine that you want to hear. The food's pretty heavy going and I couldn't even manage half of each course most nights, the pasta course in particular is huge but I'm not the biggest eater and for those wanting to load up on lots of good local dishes you won't be disappointed. Once again very reasonably priced. Breakfasts were served by charming local women who cook the cakes and teach you Italian. A wonderful way to start each day.

The landscape surrounding Santo Stefano di Sessanio is breathtaking. We did a run each morning up towards the plateau near Sasso Grando. The beauty unreal. There are numerous day drives to visit beautiful villages and see more natural beauty of the countryside. This really is a gorgeous part of Italy with hardly any tourists which makes it remarkable. I'd recommend lunch at Agriturismo Sapori di Camgagna about 8 kms out of Ofena. Worth the detour and absolutely superb local food with a modern touch with everything done in-house.

Sextantio itself is for those with a bit of money who want to experience something completely unique. Don't go expecting a hotel and if you are a hotel person expecting turndowns, room service and fitness rooms STAY AWAY and leave it to those of us who can relish in the exquisite detail, an honest, magical restoration in a stunning village nestled in bewitching landscape - to see Italy how it once was, to meet people who have pride in their land, to experience something so utterly unique it makes you think. Very special indeed and a privilege to have stayed.