The Sanctuary by Caimeli

The Sanctuary by Caimeli is a place unique unto itself. Majestically perched among the green Umbrian mountains, and basking under beautiful blue skies, The Sanctuary is an 18th century olive plantation situated in nature, stillness and peace galvanizing our body, soul and inner being.

The Sanctuary by Caimeli is a place unique unto itself. Majestically perched among the green Umbrian mountains, and basking under beautiful blue skies, The Sanctuary is an 18th century olive plantation situated in nature, stillness and peace galvanizing our body, soul and inner being.

We can only describe this tranquil environment as “a posto,” or simply; “everything is in order and in its place.” Majestically perched among the green Umbrian mountains, and basking under beautiful blue skies, Caimeli is a 40-acre olive plantation situated in an environment of incomparable natural beauty. Whether you are involved in one of our programs (or merely renting our facilities in a self-catering capacity), the region offers exquisite foods, delicious wines, and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. In addition, any vegetables, fruits, cheese and meats offered to you while staying at Caimeli will be either produced on-site or bought directly from local farmers. Pastas and pizzas are homemade and, of course, will always be mixed with Caimeli’s fabulous olive oil. Caimeli peacefully awaits your arrival offering a remarkable setting where chic luxury and idle self-indulgence are naturally available to compliment any Umbrian experience.

Caimeli perfectly awaits your arrival offering an extraordinary setting where minimalism allows you to rid yourself of life’s excesses in favor of focusing on what’s important-so you can find happiness, fulfillment and freedom.

The Sanctuary by Caimeli is committed to protecting its environment. Sustainable farming and yearly planting of new olive trees, collecting of rainwater for our needs, and bio-waste feed for the horses are all part of the process. We will be installing both solar and photovoltaic panels for our energy and heating needs of our infinity pool. We frown highly upon plastic bottles and offer as a substitute glass bottles for our guests. We hope that our guests will understand from their stay the human impact on the biophysical environment, ecosystem, biodiversity and natural resources caused directly or indirectly by their lifestyle and hopefully become more environmentally friendly.

We will be installing both solar and photovoltaic panels for our energy needs and consequently will be extremely proud in having a positive impact in the fight against global warming.

I am a minimalistic globalist having lived on three different continents and this experience and knowledge has led me to create a cuisine of many different fusions from the Mediterranean to Asian using fresh seasonal foods and spices mostly grown on our farm. It is an exercise and a passion to bring the “Cucina Povere” kitchen to my guests while they relax in an environment of green sustainable living of wholesome food and fabulous Yoga and Pilates. It is with a great pleasure that I share this with everyone today.

I was born on a winter’s day in a medium size New England town. After college, I spent a short time in both Mississippi and New York City, and then moved to Asia with Hong Kong becoming my home base for the next decade and a half. The experiences from living in the most populated area of the world to the empty sand beaches of the region were amazing. I plunged into the Asian culture with Yoga, Wing Chung, Kung Fu and all the plethora of different cuisines available to me from the lowly hawker stand to the Michelin star restaurants. I became inspired by the minimalism and stoicism of the cultures and with the savoir vivre which they embellished. These influences still remain with me to this day.

In 2002, I bought this 18th century olive plantation with manor house, tower and groves of olive trees in Umbria  that fulfilled my imagination of peace, tranquility, off the grid, sustainable, yet extremely close to the village and a wonderful morning cappuccino. I have been patiently restoring the property with a focus of being part and living in the eco system of our valley while simultaneously promoting the Umbrian wine, our olive oil and truffles to the public in Europe via tastings. In 2010 I opened the Sanctuary as a yoga retreat.  

I am a globalist having lived on three different continents and this experience and knowledge has led me to create a cuisine of many different fusions from the Mediterranean to Asian using fresh seasonal foods and spices mostly grown on our farm. It is an exercise and a passion to bring the “Cucina Povere” kitchen to my guests while they relax in an environment of green sustainable living, and an instant gratification and lasting transformations of yoga. It is with a great pleasure that I share this with everyone today.

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Natura 2000 is a network of areas for the conservation of natural habitats, wildlife and flora of the European Union. The Natura 2000 sites in Umbria are aimed at the protection of environmental and landscape heritage