Hotel Snapshot
A touch of kindness often defines companies led by women—especially in luxury hospitality, where female leadership is steadily growing. L’Albereta, a 19th-century villa set amid seven hectares of parkland and the vineyards of Franciacorta, and part of Relais & Châteaux, is a perfect example. Owned by Carmen Moretti of the renowned Moretti family (known for ventures in hospitality, wine, construction, and yachts) and managed by Carmen Otera (and a mostly female team), the property embodies a refined balance of beauty and authenticity. It’s infused with a sense of grace, blending a passion for beauty with love for authenticity and quality. Staying here feels like being welcomed into a private home, where elegance and warmth go hand in hand—and where, reassuringly, little seems likely to change.
Design & Character
Despite its historic charm–think Murano chandeliers or ancient fireplaces like the one in the Sala Scacchi, featuring a coffered ceiling and cozy armchairs perfect for quiet moments or an intimate dinner for two–L’Albereta’s aesthetic feels contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. The interiors, designed by architect Valentina Moretti together with her sister Carmen, echo the natural palette of the landscape, with Dedar fabrics and wallpapers in shades of green, earth, and sky blue. Their love of design also comes through with Boffi|DePadova sofas and Nuvola lamps by Tobia Scarpa for Flos. A highlight: Room 12, with its canopy bed handcrafted from solid ash wood and inspired by artist Giuseppe Rivadossi, is an unexpected, slightly Nordic touch.
The Rooms
The 53 rooms and suites begin in the Main Tower, once home to a “Sala della Musica” created by former owner Mrs. Cavalleri, a musician who hosted artists from around the world in the early 20th century. Highlights include the Torre Contaldi suites, such as No. 48, with yellow dragonfly-patterned drapes, a glass wall between living and sleeping areas, and views over Vigna Leone, the helipad, and a park featuring 13 contemporary sculptures—an open-air art trail envisioned by Vittorio Moretti to celebrate his ties to Franciacorta. Among them stands Maki Nakamura’s marble piece My Inside, evoking the warmth of a maternal embrace.
Food & Drinks
Ever since legendary Chef Gualtiero Marchesi set the standard, fine dining has long been part of L’Albereta’s DNA. Today, the Executive Chef Alberto Quadrio keeps that spirit alive, leading both the Aurum restaurant—try the spaghetti with caviar and bitter herbs from their own greenhouse—and the more relaxed Leone Felice, for dishes like pumpkin risotto with amaretto and vin cotto or Franciacorta-style chicken cooked with sparkling wine. Order a glass of Alma Assemblage 2 or Brut Teatro alla Scala at the nearby 207-hectare Bellavista organic winery. La Filiale by Franco Pepe serves award-winning pizzas right next to the hotel, too. The signature Margherita Sbagliata, with basil pesto, blended peeled tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella is a standout.
The Spa & Wellness Scoop
Handpicked by Henri Chenot as the home of The Chenot Method® in Italy, the Espace is a sanctuary of holistic, regenerative wellness, featuring 14 treatment rooms, most overlooking the surrounding greenery, and a team of 30 highly qualified doctors and therapists. Guests can choose from weekly or 4–5-day programs with tailored nutrition plans, or simply experience the signature Chenot Detox Massage—a vacuum therapy using crystal cups that stimulates lymphatic drainage, improves circulation, and relieves muscle tension.
Fast Facts
Location: Erbusco, Brescia, Italy
Rating: 5-star
The vibe: A charming relais in a peaceful oasis—perfect for disconnecting from the rush of everyday life and reconnecting with yourself.
Dining: The creativity of Chef Alberto Quadrio and his team meets the simplicity of local ingredients with effortless mastery.
Amenities: Welcome gifts in the suites with a bottle of sparkling wine, pet-friendly services, bike rentals, wine tastings, heated indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming pool, and fitness Technogym centre
Pricing: Rooms start at 650 euros ($752 per night)
Our Favourite Thing about the Hotel: The indoor pool with Fornasetti by Bisazza mosaics; a glass of Alma Rosé to sip on Leone Felice’s terrace; the breakfast pastries by pastry chef Camilla; shopping at Mariella’s Boutique, featuring timeless brands like Cucinelli alongside niche labels such as SA SU PHI— appreciated in “the Devil Wears Prada” sequel—and Via Masini 80, Laudomia Pucci’s line.
What’s Nearby: Just a 15-minute drive away, Lake Iseo invites exploration—perhaps aboard a classic Riva Aquarama—with its charming old town and three small islands. Also worth a visit: Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, home to masterpieces of Italian art, and Convento della Santissima Annunciata, surrounded by vineyards. And of course, Milan is just about an hour from the hotel.
Airport: Milan Bergamo Airport-Orio Al Serio (BGY)
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