STAY > Villa Abbazia, Follina Italy (17/20 points)

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A bit off the regular tourist track, Follina is a beautiful village in the Prosecco Hills, it is about an hour north of Venice.

The Villa Abbazia is a small Relais & Chateau hotel set in an 18th century mansion that blends historical granduer with contemporary luxury. The restaurant La Corte has a one star Michelin rating.

STAY >

The hotel comprises 18 rooms spread across two buildings, each appointed in traditional Venetian style. The main mansion houses social spaces and 12 bedrooms, while a charming villa completes the property. Rooms feature elegant period furnishings and modern amenities, with some suites offering romantic terraces overlooking the Venetian Alps.

Also in the hotel is the Cantanetta – a bistro serving excellent value meals. It is an area popular with hikers. Famous Paoletti Wool Mill make quality weaves for the fashion houses.

EAT >

The Michelin Star ‘La Corte’ restaurant, offers a seven course €90 degustation tasting menu where Chef Giuseppe Francica crafts smart modern Italian cuisine using herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s garden.

A typical selection might start with Cuttlefish Ravioli, a Goose Breast Risotto, Black Tortellini with Monk Fish, then Salted Cod with potato foam and candied lemon, deserts of Peach and Marscapone with a red current coulis.

The other restaurant Bistrot La Cantinetta offers more casual dishes that still come out of the same kitchen and while a little less fussy are equally as delicious..

Here you will find a range of salads, entrees like Milk Cream Cod on puffed corn (€18) or Gazpacho dell Orto, pumpkin flower, advocado and Sicilian shrimp (€20).

Risotto with Basil Straticella and Roasted Pine Nuts (€14), Spaghetti Piave Vecchio Cheese and Mullet Roe (€16) and main courses like Sea Bass (€22), Vitello Tonnato with capers and citrus (€25) or Grilled Beef Entrecote with Salmoriglio Sauce (€22).

DRINK >

The wine program deserves special mention, particularly for its outstanding Riesling selection.

The Zanon De Marchi family’s hands-on management style infuses the property with genuine warmth. Guest reviews consistently praise the staff’s attentiveness and ability to create personalized experiences, from arranging bike tours to crafting bespoke wine-tasting itineraries.
Villa Abbazia represents the pinnacle of Italian hospitality, where historical charm, gastronomic excellence, and personalized service converge to create an unforgettable Veneto experience.

STAY >

The hotel has only 12 bedrooms or suites, each of the rooms are decorated in an elegant style that reflects the hotel’s historic character while also providing modern comforts. Standard room sizes range from 18 to 20 square meters, and suites up to 40m2 so about normal for a European hotel.

All the usual mod cons are are available but that is now why you are there, this is romantic countryside in the middle of Prosseco so enjoy a special glass of something sparkling and settle in for an excellent meal followed by a comfortable night.

CONCLUSION >

Very much a family run business (they are very friendly) with Giovanni (of the Zanon De Marchi family) at the helm. The Villa Abbazia is just far enough off the beaten track to be totally worth the journey.