Described as Italy’s most exciting new luxury resort, Antognolla Golf in Umbria will soon have the credentials to warrant that bold statement. The resort, which was established in 1997 and currently consists of an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II designed golf course, sits in the shadow of Antognolla Castle which dates to the twelfth century.

Lying at the heart of the 500-hectare estate, the castle will soon form the centrepiece of an up-market golf resort, ideally located in Perugia, just a few hours from either Rome or Florence. Described as the ‘green heart’ of Italy, Umbria is rich in culture, and set against a backdrop of olive groves, vineyards, and cypress-topped hills.

Six Senses, the upscale international hospitality brand, will soon transform the castle into a luxurious 71-bedroom hotel together with 79 branded residences. Construction work is due for completion by 2023 just in time for Europe to (hopefully) regain the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.

As part of the renovation of Antognolla Castle, Six Senses will also incorporate a wellness centre, equestrian centre, cookery school and organic farm ensuring that guests privileged enough to stay on-site will have plenty to occupy their time besides golf.

“We are thrilled to start bringing our collaborative plans with Six Senses to life,” commented Victoria Sobolevskaya, head of hospitality asset management for VIY Management, the owners of Antognolla.

“Antognolla is a unique project in Italy in terms of its concept; combining a luxury hotel in a medieval castle, stylish serviced residential properties, an exceptional golf course and a luxurious spa complex – all of which will be operated by a world-renowned international hospitality brand.

“We are delighted that our vision of the project is in line with that of Six Senses, and we have a truly unique opportunity to carefully preserve and develop this area of historical and cultural significance.”

Until that vision is realised however, golf, for the time-bring at least, is the main attraction at Antognolla with the resort investing heavily in the condition of the course over the past couple of years.

“Our aim is to create one of Europe’s top luxury resorts and the golf course is a key part of Antognolla’s vision,” added Sobolevskaya.

Featuring long, cliff-lined fairways, water hazards and large, undulating greens, every bunker has been upgraded; all tee boxes rebuilt; the drainage and irrigation improved, and a newly designed practice facility constructed.

Antognolla Golf is fast becoming a globally renowned course, providing one of the most spectacular rounds of golf in Europe. Rated among Italy’s best golf courses, Antognolla was selected to host the 2019 PGA Italian Championship.

With sustainability and the environment being at the heart of the whole development, Antognolla Golf has adopted a proactive approach to implementing its sustainability initiatives, and the exquisite harmony of the landscape and natural environment offers a golf course with a truly spectacular backdrop, opinions shared by Gary Player who recently visited the resort.

“Although its been a very short trip to Antognolla Golf, I can say without reservation that the greens are some of the finest you’ll see here in Italy,” he mused.

“The views from the course are simply spectacular and when the 12th century castle is restored as a hotel it will be one of the most beautiful places in Europe to stay.”

As a destination, Umbria is one of Italy’s best kept secrets, and the privacy and seclusion that the valley in which the Antognolla course sits, is part of its charm and appeal. Nestled amongst forest covered hills, it feels like every hole is a ‘signature hole’ such is the beauty at Antognolla Golf.

The charm of Umbria’s ancient towns and villages is complemented by its cuisine, which is renowned for superb ingredients and authentically rustic dishes.

The region is also well-known for the quality of its wine, truffles and olive oil, and a wine-tasting tour to Vineria del Carmine is a real must, where visitors will learn about the wine making process in the region, and how the seasons influence the wine.

The 90-minute tour culminates with a food and wine pairing hosted by a sommelier which includes locally sourced truffle paste and Umbrian cured meats and local cheeses.

Perhaps not quite as well-known as neighbouring Tuscany, Umbria still has plenty to offer including the historic city of Perugia, the capital of the region. Overlooking the Umbrian and Tiber Valleys, the city is probably best known for its medieval Etruscan walls which encapsulate the well-preserved city within.

In 1540, Pope Paul Farnese III destroyed much of Perugia, building a new fortress on top, leaving entire streets underneath intact, which can be accessed via an underground escalator system. The city is also home to two of Italy’s most popular celebrations: the Umbria Jazz festival each July, and October’s annual Eurochocolate festival.

Umbria, and Antognolla Golf have plenty to offer, and despite the Six Senses hotel not opening until 2023, a visit to the destination is a must, especially for the golf purist.