Featured in Travel Weekly — World of Luxury
A philosophy of travel rooted in access, authenticity, and connection...
We are honored to be featured in Travel Weekly’s World of Luxury, highlighting Italy’s emerging destinations and the evolving meaning of luxury travel.
The article reflects a shift away from traditional tourism toward deeper, more authentic experiences — rooted in culture, connection, and rare access to places most travelers never see. This philosophy has always guided our work in Tuscany and now in Umbria, where we continue creating intimate, highly curated journeys shaped by relationships, local knowledge, and meaningful moments.
For us, true luxury is not defined by excess — but by access.
Featured in Rick Steves’ Italy Guidebooks
Since 2019, we have been honored to be featured annually in several of Rick Steves’ Italy guidebooks, including Italy, Florence & Tuscany, and Hill Towns. This recognition reflects the style of travel we’ve always believed in — personal, place-rooted, and guided by genuine relationships rather than trends.
Our story began with Relais Ortaglia, where we had the privilege of welcoming guests from around the world and building a reputation for thoughtful hospitality, deep local connection, and unforgettable experiences. That chapter laid the foundation for everything we do today.
Over time, our vision naturally evolved beyond a single property. We wanted to spend more time with our guests, share more of Italy, and create experiences that were immersive, flexible, and deeply personal — not limited by four walls.
That evolution became Total Tuscany, and today, Ultimate Umbria.
Through our hosted retreats, private journeys, and boutique stays, we now curate all-inclusive luxury experiences across Tuscany and Umbria, centered on food, wine, culture, and connection. We partner with exceptional boutique hotels, private villas, and trusted local hosts — many of whom are longtime friends and collaborators who share our standards of warmth, quality, and integrity.
As full-time residents, Sandy and Phil Ferretti have cultivated deep ties within the local community. The farmers, winemakers, chefs, guides, and artisans we introduce you to are people we know personally — many of whom also appear in Rick Steves’ guidebooks — forming a trusted, living network rooted in authenticity and shared values.
Today, our work comes together most fully in Ultimate Umbria, where we host guests at our new home base in the hills near Assisi. Here, we welcome travelers not just as guests, but as part of our extended family — offering a week that blends slow food, meaningful experiences, exceptional wines, and the kind of connection that stays with you long after you return home.
While our past continues to be recognized in Rick Steves’ guidebooks, our focus is firmly on the present — creating unforgettable journeys that go beyond accommodations and into the heart of Italian life.
Join us for an experience filled with beauty, depth, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime.
This is Italy as we live it — and we can’t wait to share it with you.
