We stayed at Vento di Rose for 3 days and nights near the end of August. Our experience was simple to describe: magical. Emanuela and Emidio have created a magical world in the rolling hills of Monterrubiano filled with magnificent food, kind and generous energy, and impeccable hospitality. From the moment that we first saw Emidio waiting for us on the train station platform to our last moments comically arguing over a gift, we will always cherish our experience at this special place. More details for you:
Booking: Emanuela was kind and communicative before our stay and helped us figure out transportation possibilities. She also did not require a deposit from us, telling me that "we trust our guests," which started the entire experience off in a direction far different from that which we navigate at home.
Transportation: We joked during our trip that Emidio was not only an Inn Keeper, but also a professional limo driver! We visited Italy without renting a car, and Emidio went above and beyond anything that we expected in terms of transporting us to/from the train station and to/from dinners and tourism visits. We did not expect as much support as we received and felt enormous gratitude for his generosity.
Our room: Even in the midst of an enormous heat wave ("Molto caldo! Molto caldo" as Emanuela explained), we have not slept as well as we did at Vento for many years. Literally. Even in our air conditioned home. The bed was an incredible mountain of sleep! The views and air that traveled to us from the windows were remarkable! The B & B, decorated over the years by Emanuela and Emidio had wonderful, peaceful, warm energy. We also had a room with a wonderful bathroom next to it. The shower was fantastic, and the decor beautiful (even down to the miniature soaps found in an old french bathroom stand). To create privacy, Emidio and Emanuela have made a "privacy curtain" that separates the two doors from the hallway so that you can walk from the bathroom to your room in a towel, etc., without others seeing you. The thought put into every detail is remarkable.
The B & B as a whole: Beautiful, impeccably designed, surrounded by gardens and the most breathtaking views. Hammocks line the property, chairs for reading (or sleeping) in fill the grass. You can pick tomatoes off of the vine and many different types of fruit grow all around you. The kitchen for guests to use is large, very well stocked in terms of cooking utensils and staples. Each guest room gets its own shelf in the fridge and in a dry goods cupboard. Very easy to use and comfortable.
Food: We were greeted upon our arrival with a magnificent bottle of local chilled red wine and never ending snacks (cookies, pastries, meats, cheeses and Emidio and Emanuela's smiles). Oh, and figs from the tree on the property ... oh, and gelato that Emidio drove down from Monterrubiano, a special flavor which is unique to the region. And yes, this was all before dinner. And yes, much of it disappeared! We sat on the back porch with a wonderful breeze coming through, mesmerized by the view, the gastronomic treats and a true exhalation. The breakfast feast? Unclear what we can add to what everyone else has said. Our greatest memory of breakfast was sitting at our table, chatting with the other guests, with Emanuela and Emidio and then having the food brought out. Emanuela or Emidio would then count the dishes on the table to make sure that all was served. All 9 or 10 dishes of magnificent, local, intentional food (plus delicious coffee and juice). As noted by others, there was always plenty for a picnic or two (or a snack while reading barefoot in the grass).
Cooking class: We took a cooking class with Emanuela (with help from Emidio as well). We learned how to make pasta (she learned from her mother and grandmother), arrabiata sauce, panzanella salad, and how to put a little bit of our hearts into our cooking! The class was a magical experience and somehow our English-Italian barrier was transcended! (Emanuela and Emidio speak great English! It was our Italian that was improvised!) Our dinner that night was the most delicious pasta either of us have ever eaten.
Local sites: During our stay we went to visit Monterrubiano and the Adriatic Sea. Monterrubiano is a beautiful small city/town and we took a lovely tour with a local guide and saw the town's museum (with artifacts dating back to the bronze age). We also spent an afternoon at the Adriatic, in Pedaso. Lovely!
Overall, Vento di Rose reminds us of a cross between the magical worlds of "Amelie" and "Chocolat" (with a bit of "Like Water for Chocolate" in the love-filled food). If we can, we definitely will return to Vento di Rose. We will send our friends and wish Emidio and Emanuela the best of luck with their adventure!
