Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, a Design Boutique Hotel Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy

"Sextantio Albergo Diffuso offers unique accommodation in the fortified medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, deep in the Abruzzo hillside, at 1250 metres a.s.l. This spectacular hilltop village in the Gran Sasso National Park has been perfectly preserved. Rooms and junior suites are scattered in the original, period buildings. You will find beautiful, simple décor, locally woven linens, 17th-century wooden ceilings, and ancient fireplaces. All this is combined with modern technology, including under-floor heating and remote-controlled lighting. At the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, the restaurant serves a great range of local recipes, all made using fresh food grown in the neighbouring fields. Outside the ancient walls, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from climbing and hang-gliding, to hiking and horse-riding. Famous ski slopes are also just a short drive away as are many interesting old towns and villages." - My Boutique Hotel (en)