Eremito
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Hotel Details
Location
Eremito · Parrano, Italy
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Expert Review: Eremito
Eremito in Parrano, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a truly unique and transformative retreat, lauded for its philosophy of digital detox, contemplative atmosphere, and connection with nature.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Eremito is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "magical place" and an "extraordinary" and "uncommon" experience that "remains in the heart." It is considered a haven for solo travelers seeking respite from modern life and a chance for self-reflection. Review scores indicate high satisfaction across various categories, including location (9.0), cleanliness (9.4), facilities (9.1), comfort (8.9), and staff (9.1).
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise Eremito for several distinguishing features:
- Digital Detox & Contemplation: The intentional absence of Wi-Fi, televisions, phones, and mini-fridges in rooms is a core aspect of the experience, encouraging guests to disconnect and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
- Monastic Design & Atmosphere: The hotel is a beautifully restored 13th-century monastery, rebuilt with original stones and a design philosophy of "Franciscan minimalism." Candlelight is the primary source of illumination at night, enhancing the tranquil and ancient feel.
- Focus on Solo Travelers: Approximately 70% of guests are solo travelers, and the environment is designed to foster connections among them, often leading to deep bonds.
- Wellness & Nature Immersion: Eremito is surrounded by a vast 3000 to 7000-hectare nature reserve, offering a peaceful setting for activities like yoga, meditation, and guided walks. The property features a wellness center with a heated plunge pool, steam bath, and whirlpool with color therapy.
- Sustainable Practices: Eremito is an eco-friendly property utilizing solar power and a photovoltaic system that covers over 100% of its energy consumption. It is also the first resort in Italy to achieve B Corp certification.
3. Room Quality
The rooms, known as "celluzze," are designed to evoke monastic dwellings, emphasizing simplicity and contemplation. They are compact, typically around nine square meters (96 square feet). Key features include:
- Minimalist Design: Simple white plaster walls, cool tiled or stone floors, and few furnishings.
- Comfort Essentials: Wrought-iron bed frames with thick, hand-embroidered hemp sheets, a stone desk overlooking the valley, and en-suite bathrooms with marble sinks and huge brass showerheads. Handmade soaps are also provided.
- Climate Control: Underfloor heating ensures warmth during colder months. Air conditioning is generally not considered necessary.
- Lack of Modern Distractions: As part of the detox experience, rooms deliberately omit televisions, phones, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Eremito is a central and highly praised aspect of the stay:
- Vegetarian Cuisine: All meals are vegetarian, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, often from the hotel's own organic garden.
- Silent, Candlelit Dinners: Dinner is a unique, communal event served in silence by candlelight, which guests describe as a "religious experience." The four-course meal often ends with the sound of a gong, leading guests to a lounge for fireside reading and tea.
- Breakfast & Lunch: A sweet buffet-style breakfast is served daily, including hot drinks, homemade cakes, and jams. Lunch is also provided. The cuisine follows traditional monastic Mediterranean recipes.
5. Service & Staff
The hospitality at Eremito receives exceptional feedback. Guests describe the staff as "wonderful" and "very kind, like family." The owner, Marcello Murzilli, is a significant part of the experience, fostering an intimate atmosphere where guests feel "very looked after and cared for." The team is dedicated to providing an authentic and supportive environment for guests seeking reflection and connection.
6. Location & Accessibility
Eremito is nestled in the bucolic region of Umbria, approximately "halfway between Rome and Florence." It is located in a secluded valley within a 3000-hectare (or 7000-acre) nature reserve, offering profound peace and quiet, with no light pollution or mobile signal.
- Getting There: The property is remote and not serviced by public transport. Guests are advised to bring their own vehicle. Free private parking is available 1.9 miles away, with a complimentary shuttle service to the hotel.
- Nearby Attractions: Orvieto is approximately 19 miles away. The location is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature rather than explore bustling towns.
7. Value & Pricing
While specific pricing can vary by dates, one source indicates prices per room/night ranging from €370–€390. Another mentions rates from $430. The value is generally considered excellent, as the "all-inclusive" price typically covers all vegetarian meals, local wines, hot & cold drinks, and access to the relaxation areas. Eremito attracts a diverse clientele, from the very wealthy to adventurous students, and many guests find the unique and transformative experience to be well worth the cost.
8. Common Complaints
Given Eremito's distinctive philosophy, what might be considered "complaints" for a conventional hotel are often embraced as core features of the experience by its target audience:
- Lack of Connectivity: The absence of Wi-Fi, televisions, phones, and mini-fridges is intentional and central to the "digital detox." However, guests expecting traditional amenities might find this challenging. Some note that cell phone service is extremely spotty or nonexistent.
- Small Rooms: The "celluzze" are designed to be compact and ascetic, which might be a surprise for guests accustomed to larger hotel rooms.
- Remoteness: While a highlight for many, the property's secluded location means it's not easily accessible by public transport and requires a shuttle from a parking area.
- Silence at Dinner: The policy of silent dining, while appreciated by many for its contemplative aspect, might not appeal to all guests.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Given Eremito's distinctive philosophy, what might be considered "complaints" for a conventional hotel are often embraced as core features of the experience by its target audience:
Google Reviews
116 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Eyra Moon
I usually dont give 5 stars but this is the best experience a human can give themselves. This is not a hotel, this is a field of love! Its in the food, the room (a cozy monk cell), the design of each room, but most of all the incredible team that treat you like a warm bath for the soul. The quiet and nature around Eremito and the fact that this is a digital detox hotel adds to the most amazing exp...
Marguerite de Tavernost
Very disappointing experience, especially at this price! Felt like a marketing scam fishing for people who are desperate to find some rest and ready to pay too much for what they get... Eremito praises the benefits of silence in their remote place but we had everything but silence. Charging such amount for the remoteness and quietness of a place would at least require to be the garant of such peac...
Response from the owner
Dear Marguerite, we are truly sorry to read that your stay did not live up to your expectations.<br>Our project was created with the intention of offering a place of retreat, silence, and simplicity, ...
Robyn Davie
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The location was beautiful, the food was nourishing and well balanced. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Extra special touches: the well-planned rooms, which felt simply yet luxurious. The grotto jacuzzi. The calm and peaceful energy of the space. Special thanks to Margarita for incredible morning yoga sessions, and to Enzo for the exemplary, delicious...
Response from the owner
Dear Robyn, It's a pleasure to read your thoughts. We are very happy that you enjoyed the simple and essential luxury offered by Eremito :)
Donna Dooher
I spend 7 magical days at Eremito. Difficult to put into words my experience but I left with a lighter heart, new friends and a vow to return.
Response from the owner
Dear Donna,<br>it was a pleasure to meet you too.<br>We hope to see you again... and maybe with the finished book.<br>A big hug from the "happy hermits"
Tiffany Roxas
We decided to drive from Venice to Eremito and it was quite the journey. For those less adventurous, I’d recommend catching the train to Fabro Scalo and getting picked up. The last 15-20km of the drive is without any network connection. The place itself is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Disconnecting from the internet and social media for 2 days was more liberating than I can explain. The vegetar...
Response from the owner
Dear Tiffany,<br><br>Thank you so much for leaving us your lovely feedback!<br><br>It is great to knoe you enjoyed our detox hotel and that you could make the most of it.<br><br>We really hope to host...
angela hanlon
Eremito is a perfect place to escape from the real world, to recharge, meditate & go deeper. The food & wine is amazing, & the staff were so friendly. Such an amazing experience.
Response from the owner
Thank you for your kind words, we hope to have you again as our guest.<br>Eremito Community
