Casa Newton

Mr Smith and I checked into Casa Newton for a low-key long weekend away to celebrate my birthday. Instantly, I was taken with how beautiful the property was and how attentive the service was — in just the right way. When Mr Smith and I entered our room, it was clear that everything had been prepared to such a thoughtfully detailed standard, with plenty of personality. I later learned that one of the owners is a Swiss architect and I could see her feminine touch everywhere. She has designed a space that makes so much sense — the closets are a dream, the electric sockets are perfectly located, and everything else was just so thoughtfully placed, too.  

Mr Smith and I went down for dinner and were equally pleased. The food was simple but perfect. Everything was so fresh, much of it coming from the vegetable garden in the grounds — it's how food should taste. The waiters were so kind and attentive, getting the tone of their service just right — it was clear they are proud of their work here and wanted to tell us everything without hovering or being overbearing.  

We went to bed tired from our journey, stomachs filled with fresh pasta and Italian spring vegetables, and woke up the next morning having slept more soundly than we had in months — the bed was so comfortable, the grounds were so quiet and the air was so fresh. I went down to a platform nestled in a cluster of trees to practise some morning yoga on my own, while Mr Smith read and had coffee. Afterwards, we reconvened for breakfast, which was simple but perfect.

In the morning light, the grounds were even more breathtaking. The landscaping is beautiful and the parasols by the pool were peaking out, making the view even more photogenic. We whiled away a lazy afternoon, reading and relaxing by the pool.

Later, we found the croquet pitch and had some fun — me less so, as I wasn't very good — but we brought over some bubbles and cake to enjoy while we played, which made losing more tolerable. The estate is also home to a bocce green for more jolly (and not competitive at all) games.

That evening, we went to the bar for an aperitivo and met the owners, who told us their story. They were so humble and inspiring — it was clear this is a total passion project for them. The drinks were delicious, the bartender clearly an expert, and we enjoyed them over a round of backgammon by the fire before heading off to dinner.

I hadn't heard much about Casa Newton before checking in, but I was beyond pleasantly surprised. It has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, which makes you feel right at home. The standard is truly so high, but the vibe is super laidback so it doesn't feel like a scene. The quality of the furniture, the thoughtfulness of the design, the refined yet relaxed attitude of the team — it was all so well done. I always count on Mr & Mrs Smith to find the places I might not know about and this was yet another hit. I would come back again and again, which says a lot. And I would recommend this hotel to my friends in a heartbeat.  It's the perfect low-key spot, where you can detach and unwind while being totally taken care of.