Staying at Relais Fra’ Lorenzo - A Hidden Garden Retreat Above Verona
Introduction
Overlooking Verona from the peaceful Torricelle hills, Relais Fra’ Lorenzo offers a completely different perspective on one of Italy’s most romantic cities.
While Verona’s historic center lies only a few minutes away, the atmosphere feels remarkably removed from urban life. Surrounded by ancient olive trees, fragrant gardens, and panoramic views stretching across the city, the property combines the convenience of a city stay with the tranquility of a countryside retreat.
Inspired by the legend of Fra’ Lorenzo, the Franciscan friar from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the relais embraces a philosophy centered around nature, privacy, and slower living. With only ten rooms and suites, the experience feels less like a hotel stay and more like being welcomed into an elegant private villa above Verona.
The Setting
Location is undoubtedly one of Relais Fra’ Lorenzo’s greatest strengths.
Situated on the Torricelle hills, the property enjoys an elevated position overlooking Verona while remaining within easy reach of the city’s historic center. Guests can reach the old town by car or via the shuttle service provided by the hotel, allowing them to experience Verona’s cultural treasures before returning to a much quieter and more intimate environment.
The surroundings are defined by greenery, ancient olive groves, and open views that create a sense of complete escape. Despite being only minutes from the city, the atmosphere feels worlds away from the pace of urban life.
The views are equally remarkable. From the terrace and several rooms, guests can admire Verona’s rooftops, church towers, and the winding Adige River. As daylight fades, the city becomes bathed in golden light, creating one of the most memorable moments of the entire stay.
The property’s story is closely connected to its setting. According to local tradition, Fra’ Lorenzo himself would retreat to these hills to collect medicinal herbs and meditate among the olive trees that still characterize the landscape today.
The Experience
As a historic 5-star relais with only ten rooms and suites, the property maintains an intimate scale that immediately distinguishes it from larger luxury hotels. Every space feels personal, thoughtful, and connected to the history of the villa.
The interiors are particularly memorable. Antique furniture and decorative pieces sourced from markets across Europe from Venice to London give each room and common area a unique identity. Rather than feeling curated for social media, the spaces feel genuinely lived-in, elegant, and timeless.
During our stay, we experienced the Executive Suite, located on the second floor. The suite features a separate living room, bedroom, and bathroom, as well as three windows overlooking Verona. Many of the photographs captured during the visit were taken directly from the suite itself, which offers beautiful perspectives across the city.
The suite also provides convenient access to the rear garden and the saltwater swimming pool. Like the rest of the property, the room reflects the relais’ distinctive character through carefully selected antique furnishings and refined details. Bathroom amenities are provided by L’Occitane en Provence.
Hospitality is another highlight. The staff are warm, attentive, and always available when needed, while remaining discreet and respectful of guests’ privacy throughout the stay. Before arrival, communication was managed directly by General Manager Fabiana G., whose attention to detail set the tone for the experience from the very beginning.
Breakfast follows the same philosophy of simplicity and quality. Served in the restaurant area, it combines a small buffet with freshly prepared dishes such as omelettes, fried eggs, and pancakes. One of the highlights of the stay was enjoying breakfast outdoors in the garden, surrounded by flowers, olive trees, and complete tranquility.
Sustainability also plays an important role in the property’s philosophy. Relais Fra’ Lorenzo has achieved GSTC-recognized sustainability certification, reflecting its commitment to responsible hospitality and preservation of the surrounding environment.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the experience, however, is the feeling the property creates. After a busy week, only a few hours spent among the gardens and olive trees were enough to leave behind everyday stress and embrace a much slower rhythm of life.
Our Favorite Moments
Enjoying a Veronese Aperol Spritz on the terrace as the sun disappeared behind the surrounding hills
Wandering through the gardens among olive trees, rosemary, and flowers
Having breakfast outdoors in the garden on a peaceful morning
Watching Verona transform throughout the day directly from the suite’s windows
Who It’s For
Relais Fra’ Lorenzo is particularly suited to couples who appreciate privacy, elegance, historic residences, and boutique hospitality.
The property appeals to travelers seeking an intimate experience rather than the atmosphere of a large luxury resort. Its timeless interiors, peaceful surroundings, and strong connection with nature make it especially attractive to guests looking to slow down and disconnect from everyday routines.
It is also an excellent choice for weddings, family gatherings, and private celebrations thanks to its villa-like atmosphere and exclusive setting.
Travelers seeking extensive resort facilities, multiple restaurants, or a highly contemporary luxury environment may find the experience intentionally understated but for atmosphere and authenticity, it excels.
Final Thoughts & Review
Relais Fra’ Lorenzo successfully combines the intimacy of a historic villa with the tranquility of a retreat immersed in nature, all while remaining only minutes from the center of Verona.
As a 5-star boutique relais, its greatest strengths are undoubtedly its panoramic views, elegant antique interiors, intimate atmosphere, and remarkable ability to make guests slow down almost effortlessly. The property delivers luxury through beauty, privacy, and emotional connection rather than excess.
The terrace deserves particular mention. While every area of the property contributes to the overall experience, it is here that Verona, the surrounding landscape, and the philosophy of slow living come together most powerfully. Watching the city glow beneath the evening light while enjoying an aperitivo is the kind of moment that remains with you long after departure.
That said, the very intimacy that makes the relais so special also creates some limitations. With only ten rooms and a boutique scale, facilities are naturally more limited than those of larger luxury resorts. Guests seeking expansive spas, multiple dining concepts, or extensive wellness offerings may find the experience more focused and residential.
We rated Relais Fra’ Lorenzo 9.0/10 - a score that reflects its exceptional location, breathtaking views, beautiful interiors, memorable hospitality, breakfast in the garden, and unforgettable sunset aperitivo overlooking Verona. The only reason it falls short of perfection is that its intimate scale intentionally prioritizes atmosphere over extensive facilities.
Would we return? Absolutely. For the views, the gardens, the timeless atmosphere, and the rare feeling of being able to completely disconnect while remaining only minutes from the heart of Verona.
Explore More
Discover our Portfolio Post of Relais Fra’ Lorenzo: Here
See Relais Fra’ Lorenzo on our socials: Instagram Post
