Hotel Leone
Intimate, creative, unhurried. Art Deco bar, vaulted 15th-century dining room, saltwater infinity pool with views to the Adriatic and Sibillini Mountains. Heavy focus on arts, writing, yoga and creative retreats — most of the season is booked out in week-long retreat format with expert tutors and small groups.
Book retreats directly at hotelleonemarche.com for the best rates; a €350 non-refundable deposit per person is required at the time of booking
Why It Matters
One of the few places in Italy where the creative retreat is the main event, not an add-on. The 2026 programme runs May through October with respected tutors in painting, pastels, watercolour, oils, mixed media, creative writing, yoga & wellness, and even Italian language. Many weeks sell out months in advance. The combination of a historic palazzo, an infinity pool overlooking rolling countryside, and guests-only dining in a medieval vaulted cellar is hard to replicate.
Hotel Leone is a privately owned boutique hotel and creative retreat centre set inside a restored pre-16th-century palazzo on the edge of Montelparo, a quiet hilltop village in Le Marche, central Italy. There are just twelve individually designed rooms, each different in character and theme — from Asian-inspired interiors to colonial touches to classic Italian elegance. Hosts Madeline and Tim Jones have run the place since 2008, and the atmosphere is genuinely more welcoming home than formal hotel.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Room 1 – Classic Twin / Double
The smallest room in the hotel at 22m², furnished with antique Italian furniture. Can be configured as twin or double. En-suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower. On the upper ground floor.
Twin or Double · 22 sqm
Room 10 – Classic Double
A 25m² classic double room in the recently renovated adjoining guest house. Features Duck Island luxury mandarin and bergamot toiletries, underfloor heating and remote control ceiling fan.
Double · 25 sqm
Room 11 – Classic Two Bedroom Suite
A 38m² two-bedroom suite in the adjoining renovated guest house, with a king-size bed in each room. Both rooms have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in rain showers and underfloor heating.
King + King · 38 sqm
Room 2 – Superior Double
An individually designed 27m² superior double on an upper floor with king-size bed and stunning rolling countryside views. En-suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower.
King · 27 sqm
Room 3 – Two Bedroom Suite
A spacious 48m² two-bedroom suite on the upper ground floor overlooking the courtyard. One room has a king-size bed, the other has two single beds. Walk-in rain shower bathroom. Good for families or two couples sharing. In-room spa treatments available.
King + Twin · 48 sqm
Room 4 – Junior Suite
A 40m² first-floor junior suite with a super king-size bed and a picture window with countryside-to-coast views. Large sitting area and walk-in shower. Eligible for in-room spa treatments.
Super King · 40 sqm
Room 5 – Superior Double
A 32m² superior double, individually designed with a king-size bed, underfloor heating and stunning views across the rolling countryside. Includes bath robe and slippers. Eligible for in-room spa treatments.
King · 32 sqm
Room 6 – Deluxe Double
The larger of the two deluxe doubles at 33m², with its own balcony overlooking the terrace and pool area. King-size bed, walk-in rain shower, underfloor heating. Eligible for in-room spa treatments.
King · 33 sqmRoom 7 – Deluxe Double
An individually designed 28m² deluxe double with a super king-size bed and its own balcony overlooking the pool terrace area. Stunning views and a walk-in rain shower.
Super King · 28 sqmRoom 8 – Classic Twin / Double
A 31m² individually designed room on the first floor that can be set up as two singles or one king-size bed. Walk-in rain shower, underfloor heating and ceiling fan. The largest classic twin, and one of the rooms eligible for in-room spa treatments.
Twin or King · 31 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Week-long structured art retreats led by internationally recognised tutors. Disciplines include pastels, oils, watercolour, acrylics, mixed media, encaustic, pen & wash, and plein-air painting. Small groups, full hospitality included (accommodation, all meals, transfers). The 2026 programme runs May through October, with many weeks already sold out.
Structured week-long writing retreats with published authors and writing coaches. In 2026, tutors include Rachael Herron and Ruth Brandt. Format: small groups, focused daily sessions, shared meals and evening conversations.
A week dedicated to improving your Italian with tutor Irene Canovari. The 2026 edition (July 31 – August 7) sold out quickly.
Many retreat weeks include guided field trips to surrounding Le Marche hill towns, coastline and countryside for on-location plein-air sessions. The studio provides portable easels, stools and chairs for outdoor work. Non-participating partners are welcome to join field trips.
A saltwater infinity-edge pool surrounded by flowering borders, open 7am–7pm daily. Views stretch across the Le Marche countryside to the Adriatic in one direction and to the Sibillini Mountains in the other. Sunbeds, umbrellas and a poolside honesty fridge. Heated to 25°C in cooler months.
A cellar hidden underground at the back of the restaurant, stocked with wines from the Le Marche region. Guests can explore the cellar as part of the dining experience.
Week-long yoga and wellness retreat. In 2026, the Reset & Rise retreat with tutor Heidi Horne runs July 24–31.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Open fire in the salone sitting room.
A comfortable sitting room (salone) at the heart of the hotel with large sofas and an open fire, leading out onto a spacious panoramic terrace. Used for post-dinner coffee, informal gatherings and relaxation.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, including at the poolside.
Breakfast included for retreat guests. Available for other guests.
Dedicated studio space for retreat participants equipped with desktop easels, boards, individual daylight lamps, jars, paper towels and odourless spirits. Portable easels and chairs available for on-location plein-air sessions.
Barbecue available on site.
Limited parking spaces on site in the historic centre. Additional free parking available in the central piazza, a one-minute walk away.
EV charger available on site.
Salt water, infinity edge. Views to Adriatic and Sibillini Mountains. Open 7am–7pm, heated in cooler months. Sunbeds, umbrellas, shade sails and honesty fridge at poolside.
Listed as an amenity on Sawdays. Enquire directly with the hotel for details.
Laptop-sized in-room safe in all rooms.
Every room has a multiple USB charging point station with both USB Type A (1/2.0) and USB Type C (3.0) ports.
All rooms have air conditioning. Many rooms also have underfloor heating and remote control ceiling fans.
Wash, dry and fold laundry service available at an additional charge.
No on-site tennis court, but a public tennis court is a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
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