Relais Villa Matilde - A SINA Hotel

Location. Set in verdant hills and with Alpine peaks all around, the Relais Villa Matilde - A SINA Hotel is a restored 18th century country house set in a manicured estate. The hotel is located in the pretty village of Romano Canavese, which is dominated by a high bell tower, 35 kilometres north of Turin.

Hotel Features. The house's original limonaia has been converted to house the Sina Wellness Club, where guests indulge in treatments, massages, saunas and spa tubs. Business visitors have access to a 90- capacity meeting room, and all public areas are wirelessly linked to the Internet. Guests arriving by car will find secure garage parking spaces.

Relais Villa Matilde - A SINA Hotel's restored stable block houses chic gourmet restaurant, Le Scuderie. Here regional specialities are served, including Fritto Misto alla Piemontese and sticky amaretto-filled desserts. Local wines, including the local Passito di Caluso.

The hotel's grounds contains a grass tennis court and rectangular swimming pool, located outside the spa and in the property's orchard area.

Guestrooms. There are 43 guestrooms and suites set in both the old villa and the newer buildings. They are individually decorated and furnished in rustic style, with antiques, whitewashed walls and views over the park. Amenities include balconies, air conditioning, coffee and tea makers, minibars, safes, complimentary newspapers, hair dryers, satellite TV, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries.

Expert Tip. Turin has a reputation as something of a chocoholic's paradise, with specialities including gianduiotti (mixture of cocoa and Langhe hazelnuts), pralines, hot chocolate and cakes. The Turin tourist office offers Chocopasses, which entitle buyers to try these confections in local cafés, confectioners and handicraft workshops. The prices varies depending on whether the pass is valid for 24 hours, 48 hours or five days.