Dunking a piece of warm homemade sourdough into a tiny pot of olive oil, I can’t help but pause mid-bite and turn to the bar manager, Elena.

“The oil is so good,” I say, perhaps too seriously, “I could actually drink it!”

Elena’s unfazed expression suggests my request isn’t so uncommon here. As it turns out, the oil I’m savouring is produced organically onsite, from groves surrounding the hilltop town outside the window.

Favoured by locals, this liquid gold has even made its way into one of the bar’s signature cocktails. Strictly for journalism purposes, I decide that’s something worth investigating.

Moments later, I’m presented with an olive oil martini, inspired by Elena’s personal travels to Panama.

“I wanted to bring a piece of Panama to Italy with me, but use something that belonged to this place.” Citrusy, fresh yet velvety, it’s a cocktail that blends both distinctly Italian and tropical at the same time.

It’s a fitting welcome to Rastrello, a family-run boutique hotel tucked away in a medieval town of Panicale, Umbria, about a two-hour drive from Florence – a region that offers a quieter alternative to the neighbouring Tuscany.

Firmly rooted in local life, the town invites the visitors to enjoy its slow rhythm, making it an ideal choice for a two-night relaxing escape away from the bustle and hustle.

Rooms and suites at Rastrello

Rastrello officially opened as a hotel in 2020, after undergoing an extensive four-year-long renovation.

Its latest expansion has nearly doubled the property’s capacity, bringing the room count from nine to 16. Each spacious suite is well appointed with custom Pelizzari Studio furniture, flatscreen TVs and all the premium amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel.

The property also features a large guest lounge, where visitors can enjoy breakfast, sip on a complimentary aperitivo, or simply relax and read.

Once I’m finally satisfied with my oil intake for the day, I am more than ready for a good night’s rest. My Superior Double, situated in the brand new Garden Annex, is the perfect place for that.

Overlooking the scenic Lake Trasimeno, the room boasts wooden floors, exposed stone walls and tall ceiling beams, while bespoke neutral furnishings and minimal decor keep it chic without losing its warmth.

The large bathroom features warm marble, textured brick and a rainfall shower, as well as high-end toiletries and bath linen from the prestigious brand Rivolta Carmignani for a spa-like experience.  

The main highlight, however, is the plush king bed. Topped with a Simmons Platinum Beautyrest mattress, this cloud-like structure makes sleeping an absolutely joy. The pillow menu, which offers a choice of orthopaedic, hypoallergenic, feather and down pillows, is the icing on the cake. 

Food at Rastrello 

Dining is where Rastrello truly shines.

Headed up by celebrated regional chef Nicola Fanfano, the intimate Cucina & Gardiano restaurant serves just a handful of tables indoors, delivering the private ambience demanded by today’s high-net-worth clients.

The kitchen follows a farm-to-table approach, with organic seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers who put sustainability at the heart of everything they do – a practice that earned the restaurant a B Corp certification in 2024.

Dinner begins with wild boar pulled pork, served in a miniature sesame brioche. Tender and succulent, the starter was paired perfectly with ginger mayonnaise and fresh salad.

For the main course, the chef's renowned handmade tortellini arrived generously filled with artichokes and pecorino, and served on an indulgent carbonara cream – rich yet balanced and comforting.

As an avid wine enthusiast, scanning the comprehensive wine menu felt like Christmas morning. The rotating list offers both Umbrian and Tuscan wines, all of which have been made within a 70km radius of Rastrello.

I opted for a Sebastianini from Montefalco – a full bodied match for my cheesy tortellini.

By dessert, I couldn’t resist the final dive into my newly-found obsession with liquid gold, opting for their signature pudding: a decadent chocolate brownie adorned by Rastrello’s olive oil ice cream.

The perfect finale to Rastrello’s unique dining experience rooted in the land surrounding it.

Wellness at Rastrello

Wellness at Rastrello is tucked away on the lower level, where a small, tranquil spa area comprises a sauna, shower and two lounge chairs.

There’s also a meditation chamber that can be found on the second floor, designed to create the most serene environment and promote relaxation. It’s where guests can book treatments, from individual massages to romantic couples sessions.

Even the wellness rituals incorporate one of Rastrello’s most treasured ingredients – its own olive oil – celebrated for its restorative properties.

For the full authentic experience, I booked the hotel’s signature Umbrian Countryside Escape – a personalised massage that uses its organic olive oil, blended with essential oils of lavender, rosemary and citrus.

Inspired by the rolling hills of Umbria, this ritual promises to balance the body and mind, leaving you completely rejuvenated. Other treatments include targeted facials and lymphatic drainage massages, as well as soothing personalised treatments, guaranteed to release tension, clear mental fog and restore balance.

Guests seeking more privacy can reserve the wellness space for hour-long intervals with an exclusive access available with their room key.

The verdict

In true Italian hospitality, I leave with a small bottle of Rastrello’s olive oil tucked into my carry-on. While it most certainly will not last long once I’m home, the memories of Panicale will linger much longer.