La Gioia Country House, ITALY

Meetings: The former stable has been converted into a beautiful seminar and practice room with its own terrace. The 80m2 space is available to groups for music, painting, dance and management workshops - an ideal setting for learning and training sessions.

Dining: The restaurant with its open terrace is reserved for hotel guests only. Experience exquisite culinary specialities from all over Italy, with a selection of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes that changes daily. Their fresh produce hails exclusively from their own garden and the region's best small farms and producers.

From the terrace, you have a sweeping view of the park with its swimming pool and tranquil lounging area. A lounge with library and audiotheque invites you to browse and linger. The estate is surrounded by a forest and a brook which once supplied the mill with water. Nature trails provide the setting for peaceful walks and explorations.

Area activities include: "dolce far niente" (relaxing) , churches, monasteries and palaces of Perugia, Todi, Spoleto, Assisi and Norcia, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting or golfing, Umbria Jazz, the Spoleto Music Festival or one of the many local happenings.

Getting there: It takes about two hours from Florence and as little as three from Rome in good traffic conditions. From Zurich, you can travel by car, airplane (airports in Perugia or Rome) or train. They would be glad to pick you up from the nearby train stations in Foligno or Spoleto.