Our history of tradition, values and hospitality in Urbino
An old farmhouse in Montefeltro, reborn with natural materials, sustainability and authentic hospitality, in a place where nature and values guide every choice.
We are Giorgia and Francesco, and Aura Relais is the product of our love for this place. We fell in love with it at first sight and wanted to share its wonders with others. Every decision we made came from the heart, from the restoration of the old farmhouse to our attention to detail and our respect for nature, and our commitment to providing authentic hospitality.
Aura Relais has a long history, dating back even before the glorious Duchy of Urbino. The original structure, known as “Ca Palmiere”, dates back to 1299, as evidenced by a historical document certifying the payment of the “tithe” to the nearby parish of San Giovanni in Pozzuolo. Originally, it was a small cluster of artisan houses.
Our dream has finally come true and is called Aura. This word has ancient origins, deriving from Latin and, even earlier, from Greek, where it meant “breeze”. This refers to the wind that caresses our hills. We have given this word an additional symbolic meaning, linked to the atmosphere surrounding the relais and the positive energy that can be felt everywhere. Aura is a short, catchy word with immense meaning that remains etched in the memory, just like this place.
OUR MISSION
At Aura Relais, we have chosen to let nature take centre stage. That is why we have not created any fences or obstructions to the view. The spaces remain open and free, as befits a place that seeks to blend in with its surroundings. Even on the drive the Relais, you can feel the stress of everyday life melting away as you are welcomed by a sense of well-being that engages all the senses.
Here, Mother Nature sets the pace, and we owe her respect. This principle forms the basis of our mission to manage Aura Relais in a sustainable way by making choices every day that protect the environment and enhance its authenticity. The first step was to restore the old farmhouse. We kept the original perimeter and reused natural materials to discreetly integrate the Relais into the landscape.
Our green choices include:
- furnishings made from wood recovered from Storm Vaia
- natural materials, such as stone and wood, combined with energy-efficient technologies
- biomass-powered underfloor heating
- widespread use of natural products
- commitment to reuse, recycling and proper waste disposal
- underground electrical cables to preserve the landscape
- optimised acoustic and thermal insulation
- spring water and a water-saving system with rainwater recovery
- water softening and purification
- electric charging stations
We embrace sustainability in every detail. We collaborate with local artisans who share our values and use authentic materials and quality workmanship. Our connection with the traditions of the Marche region is reflected in the wood from Storm Vaia, the ceramics from Casteldurante and the engravings by local artists. The courtesy sets, specially created by a workshop in Urbino, are 100% natural and free from plastic, enriched with local essences.
Our aim is to provide an experience that embodies respect, authenticity and care, offering a way of experience the landscape with lightness and in harmony with our surroundings.
