The distance between Asolo and Venice—both located in the Veneto region of northern Italy—is only one hour by car. But Asolo, a relatively sleepy but exquisitely beautiful town, feels a world away from the bustling piazzas and canals of Venice.

The five-star Hotel Villa Cipriani in Asolo, is one thread that ties together the tiny town with a population of less than 10,000 residents with the world-famous tourist mecca of some 260,000.

Engraved portrait of Robert Browning

For centuries, Asolo has drawn poets, writers and artists who were inspired by the town’s breathtaking landscapes. It was Italian national poet Giosue Carducci who described it as the “town with a hundred horizons.”

Another devotee of Asolo was the English poet, Robert Browning, who late in his life acquired an 18th-century Palladian villa steps away from the town center. After his death, that property with commanding views of the hills changed hands many times before serving as a summer home for a wealthy family and then a country inn.

But it was under the ownership of the well-known Guinness family (yes, the Irish brewer)—more than 50 years afterward—that management of the inn was passed to none other than Giuseppe Cipriani.

Already a successful hotelier and the owner of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Cipriani transformed the property into the classic hotel that still bears his name, Hotel Villa Cipriani.

Aerial view of the pool area at Hotel Villa Cipriani

Villa Cipriani has 28 one-of-a-kind guest rooms, two of them suites with spacious, private terraces. The tastefully furnished rooms with antique pieces and rich architectural details are split between the original Villa and an annexed Garden House.

A lush interior courtyard between the two buildings is filled with olive trees, cypress trees, fragrant rosemary bushes and flowering plants. Adjacent to that is a heated infinity pool with a lounging area. From here, guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the green valleys, the majestic Monte Grappa, and the vistas described by writers and poets, and painted by artists.

Both the guest rooms and public spaces at Villa Cipriani have been lovingly maintained. Renovated about four years ago, the property has the patina of a place that has aged gracefully.

American Bar at Villa Cipriani

Asolo Prosecco, the most famous wine of the region, has held the DOCG designation since 2009, the highest classification given to Italian wines.

Coupling the area’s prominence in the wine world with the legendary Cipriani name, it’s not surprising that a stay at Villa Cipriani is designed to appeal to food and wine enthusiasts.

The two on-site restaurants, Restaurant Villa Cipriani and the more informal Rosmarino Bistrot (where meals are served on an umbrellaed outdoor terrace) offer well-prepared seasonal foods, both local and regional, that are creatively presented and paired with excellent wines. The restaurant’s picture windows overlook the garden with stunning views from every angle.

In season, guests can enjoy specialty foods such as radicchio from Treviso, white asparagus from Bassano, and porcini mushrooms from Montello. The menu also includes some dishes that are Cipriani classics.

The intimate, wood-paneled American Bar with leather club chairs was designed by Mr. Cipriani himself. He modeled it after his iconic bar in Venice, including the diminutive but comfortable height of the tables. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo. Of course, Bellinis are one of the most popular libations on the menu, served with Venetian cicchetti (small plates).

One of the winding streets in Asolo

Villa Cipriani is located within walking distance of the historic center of Asolo, named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. All the winding streets seem to lead to the 16th-century fountain—surrounded by the main church (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta), the civic museum, the castle of Caterina Cornaro, and shops, restaurants and bars. During the evening, locals can be seen sitting at the bars or taking a leisurely passeggiata.

Only minutes away from the hotel by foot is a small but charming museum, Villa Freya, once the home of travel writer and explorer Freya Stark. Also nearby, a trek to the top of the medieval fortress (La Rocca) offers some of the most spectacular views of the Treviso region. On a clear day, you might even see Venice.

Cyclists and hikers will want to explore the surrounding roads in the undulating Asolan hills. The concierge at Villa Cipriani arranges personal tours to view museums, Palladian villas, and castles, and nearby wineries that offer tours and tastings or day trips to Treviso, Vicenza, Verona or Venice.

Since its opening in the 1950s, Villa Cipriani has served as a discreet getaway for royalty and celebrities. Marcello Mastroianni, Orson Welles, Barbara Streisand, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth are among the notables who have stayed here. The hotel is also a popular destination for food and wine enthusiasts, architecture and history buffs, as well as those simply seeking pampered relaxation and renewal in an authentic Italian setting.

The intimate size of Villa Cipriani lends itself to personal but unobtrusive service. Soon after arrival, Susanna or Camillo at the front desk, or Marco at the bar seem to anticipate your needs.

It’s easy to fall in love with this charming property. Such was the case for its current owner, coffee heir Massimo Zanetti (owner of the Segafredo Zanetti group), who purchased the hotel with the goal of preserving its beauty for future generations.

Hotel Villa Cipriani has been named to two Historic Hotels Worldwide Top 25 Lists

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