Six Senses has announced plans to open a new Italian resort at a historic castle estate nestled into the Umbrian countryside, in Perugia, scheduled to open in 2023.

Six Senses Antognolla will mark the brand’s second destination in Italy, joining the upcoming hotel in Rome – due to open 2021.

The 1,335-acre (540-hectare) site is being reimagined to welcome guests to a peaceful sanctuary with a focus on wellbeing, shared experiences and reconnection, set against the backdrop of olive groves, vineyards and cypress-topped hills.

The castle, borgo and estate are being reincarnated with a sustainable focus to feature 71 rooms and 79 branded residences, a diverse wellness and cultural offering, 18-hole golf course, equestrian centre, cookery school and organic farm.

The 12th-century Castello di Antognolla is located on the site of a 10th-century Benedictine monastery and crypt, with traces of a Roman settlement. It was also the backdrop of many sieges and struggles in the Middle Ages, and for centuries was the seat of one of Perugia’s most powerful noble families.

Guest rooms, suites and residences will be located within the castle and traditional old borgo buildings while a signature Six Senses Spa will be located within a contemporary wing of the new main building, offering wellness programming that incorporates sleep health, nutrition, movement and self-discovery.

Guests will be able to access a variety of activities which place emphasis on wellbeing, connecting with nature and gaining a greater understanding of Perugian traditions and history.

Six Senses is creating a designated resort Experience Pavilion to host wellness master classes, craft workshops, wine and food tastings and children’s activities.

Hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails through forests of oak, chestnut trees and olive groves will also be on offer, along with a dedicated space for younger guests with activities that encourage them to reconnect with nature and gain useful life skills through play.

“Umbria really speaks to me,” said Neil Jacobs, Six Senses CEO. “After many years of studying and living in the country, my connection to Italian people and culture is strong.

“Six Senses Antognolla lends itself to the creation of a unique community that will touch the hearts of its residents and hosts through honesty and respect for the land, coupled with the aligned intention of all its stakeholders.

“We’re excited to be working on this project that brings together sustainable practices, wellness programming, and out-of-the-ordinary activities for all.”

The redevelopment is being headed by VIY Management (VIYM), London-based investment firm focused on luxury hospitality and mixed-use real estate projects, and Alessio Carabba Tettamanti, an investor in Antognolla and the owner of the luxury Umbrian estate Tenuta di Murlo.

Renowned architecture firm Woods Bagot is behind the masterplan, while interiors are being planned by Tokyo-based Design Studio SPIN.