Urbino Resort in Le Marche, Italy

Urbino Resort in Le Marche, Italy is a traveler’s dream come true. Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo Resort has so much charm, beauty, history, and marvelous food and wine (not to mention the activities and spa), it’s a heavenly spot to add to the top of your Italy list!

Some of you will remember that last October, my partner in all things food and travel, Cynthia from What a Girl Eats, and I discovered this hidden gem, Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo (aka Urbino Resort), in Le Marche.

After our visit in October (not sponsored) we were graciously hosted by Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo for a press trip in May 2025. As always, no conditions were made and all opinions are my own.

The difference between our visit in October and May was visible in almost every aspect: from the landscape, the weather, what was blooming and in season (grapes versus cherries, for example.) However, one thing did not change: the warm welcome from each and every staff member. Cynthia and I were joined by our colleagues and friends, Cathy (She Paused 4 Thought, and Corey (From California to Italy.)

Where is Urbino Resort?

Before telling you about this historical, picturesque property in the Italian countryside, allow me to show you its location as Le Marche is a lesser known of the 20 regions of Italy.

As you can see, Urbino Resort is nestled near the Adriatic Sea, just a few hours from many major cities in Italy. Did you know that if you visit San Marino you check another country off your list? Cynthia and I had just visited the spectacular Frasassi Caves last year, when we found the resort immediately afterwards!

See a very important message about traveling in Italy at the bottom of this post.

Why Visit Urbino Resort?

It’s a daunting task to try to convey all the reasons to visit the relaxing Urbino Resort, because it’s difficult to put into words. The peacefulness and serenity of this area is something some of you who have always lived in cities may not have ever experienced.

While you are here, you will understand how relaxing the estate is. Here is a short list of the reasons I fell in love with Santi Giacomo e Filippo last year.

• The location in the midst of the rolling countryside within the La Badia Wildlife Reserve.
• It is a family owned estate. It’s evident that the owners care about every aspect and detail of the property and business; from the land (organic farming since 1997), to the experience of each guest who arrives.
• The staff who are so warm and welcoming. Hospitality is top notch at Urbino Resort.

• The quality wines are made on site. What could be better than sipping a glass of wine whilst overlooking the vineyards where the grapes are grown? Wine tasting is one of the many activities you can choose to do on site.

• My culinary expectations were exceeded after our first meal. In fact, Cynthia and I decided to stay an extra night last October after the antipasto platter, bread and wine were served (with estate made olive oil!) Our lovely waitress, Mafalda, was so professional, yet friendly–it sealed the deal.

• A beautiful breakfast buffet is included! Each stay includes an organic, deluxe continental breakfast which will be one of the best you’ve ever had, I can almost guarantee it.

• The ability to choose to relax at the unique spa, or spectacular pool, or partake in one, or many of the activities which are offered, from cooking classes and wine tasting to yoga and horseback riding.
• Clean air, no noise pollution or light pollution (great for star-gazing, and fireflies in summer! See the very last photo at the bottom of the page.)

• The estate is only 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Urbino, the birthplace of renowned painter, Raffaello Sanzio. Interesting fact: Raphael used to visit the estate when he was a child!
• Somehow, the air is different here; it is an atmosphere that must be experienced to be understood. It reminds me of my mother’s village when I would visit as a child.
• Bonus: reasonable pricing! You won’t be price gouged here as in some touristy locations in Italy. And lucky you! I have an exclusive discount code you can use to receive 10% off and a glass of Urbino Resort’s estate-made sparkling wine at check in! I’ve added it below.

This doesn’t even begin to cover the history of the estate, how expansive it, that there’s a restaurant over a lake on the property, and it’s the perfect spot for a destination wedding or special celebration! My friend Cathy made a flipbook eMagazine so you can get a little more of an idea of what you can do in 5 days at Urbino Resort.

A Message About Overtourism in Italy

Maybe you saw the campaign featuring popular cities with slogans like, “Rome is Full, Italy Isn’t.” Recently, Italy launched the 99% campaign which targeted the overtourism of Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome and Naples, stating that the rest of Italy is experiencing undertourism.

I always encourage anyone who is visiting Italy to get off the beaten track. Yes, the hot spots are popular for a reason: history, beauty and foods specific to that city or region, but that’s not all Italy has to offer. Travelers miss out on so much when they take a trip to visit Venice, Florence and Rome and immediately head back home!

Depending on how experienced these tourists are, they may not have even enjoyed a legitimately authentic, Italian meal the entire trip.

So when you are planning your next (or first) holiday to Italy, take lesser known places like the city of Urbino and Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo into consideration. Reducing the amount of time spent in the overtouristed spots also helps.

You can always spend a few days in the city then explore other places in the area to expand your horizons (this is exactly how Cynthia and I discovered the Frasassi Caves.) Wouldn’t you rather support small family owned businesses than major hotel industry giants?

You can buy cherry jam which is made from these cherries, along with other jams, homemade products, pasta, extra virgin olive oil and wine in the estate shop.

To Book a Stay at Urbino Resort

To book a stay with our exclusive 10% discount and glass of sparkling wine, just use: vinorelax (all lower case) on Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo‘s booking page.

Fireflies in the Italian Countryside

If you visit in Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo during the early summer months, you’ll enjoy an incredible treat from Mother Nature: a firefly display like nothing I’ve ever seen! As a child, I spent a lot of time in Italy and grew up in Michigan, so I’m no stranger to fireflies, but what I saw this past June blew me away! All four of us were in awe.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take the time to set up a tripod to catch a better picture, but this is just a taste of what we saw. I rather like the impressionistic quality!

A special thank you to Martino for showing us this unforgettable sight! It’s truly a memory that will be with us forever.

Stay tuned for more on my personal experience with Cynthia (What a Girl Eats), Cathy (She Paused 4 Thought) and Corey (From California to Italy) at Urbino Resort and a little about its sister property in the city of Urbino, Palazzo Giusti Suites and Spa. This property has a spa like no other in the world! BONUS: the vinorelax code works for 10% off and a glass of sparkling wine at check in at Palazzo Giusti Suites and Spa, as well!

Are you on Instagram? You can watch my highlight reels from our stay!

• Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo (Urbino Resort)
• Urbino and Palazzo Giusti Suites and Spa
• Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo (Urbino Resort) Part 2

Thank you to Marianna, Martino, Daniele, Valentina, and everyone else at the estate for your most hospitable stay, fantastic wines, delicious dishes and more. It was an incredibly memorable week that I can only hope others will be able to experience for themselves.