Villa Sampaguita Activities

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Whereas many of our guests are content to tour and sample the wonderful local wines and foods, for the more active (or in order to compensate for all that tasting) we offer a variety of sporting activities around Villa Sampaguita.

HORSE RIDING	Our neighbour farm keeps a stable of 3 riding horses and Andrea the owner is happy to take our guests on a guided ride through the Val Botte nature reserve which also encompasses our properties. A one to one and a half ride is 25 €, and we need to book in advance.
HIKING	For short walks (or jogging) our own farm offers several trails including a nature walk in the Val Botte, past fossil studded cliffs. Many guests also like to perambulate on the local road to the nearby village of Valleandona (about 2 km). For serious walkers this region offers many fantastic walks through vineyard covered hills and panoramic mountain views, stopping at local villages for a drink or a panino. We have a list of different walks that we can advise our guests on.
BIKING	A really good way to see the local countryside and get exercise. Villa Sampaguita has a couple of mountain bikes for guests to use, either as a short exercise on the local road or we can recommend some longer journeys. We can also arrange rental of road-bikes for serious cyclists. Please let us know in advance if you are interested.
SWIMMING	Alas Villa Sampaguita does not yet have a pool, although its definitely on the list (after the new vineyard is established). For guests who would like a swim in the summer months we have a number of local pools, including a water-slide lido-park 5 minutes away. For a day's outing there are two really nice pools in the area, in Agliano Terme, set in the woods about 20 minutes drive, and a huge outdoor pool fed by natural springs in Acqui Terme, 45 minutes away. Or there are swimming holes in the mountain rivers towards Liguria for the adventurous.
SPA & MASSAGE	The ancient Roman spa town of Acqui Terme offers hot springs, sauna and "Roman" massage session at the recently renovated Grand Hotel Terme, an old belle époque fashionable resort. We can make a booking for you and it's great for a day trip through the Monferrato vineyards, or we can arrange transport for you if you like (see Tours). A Roman Spa treatment starts at 25 €. We also have a shiatsu therapist who comes to Villa Sampaguita on a regular basis.
GOLF	We have several Golf Courses nearby, both 9 and 18 holes (some 27). We are happy to recommend based on previous guests experience and book for you. (for a list of sites see www.arc-group.com)
TENNIS	One of these days we will put in a tennis court for our own use and our guests, but in the mean time guests can use facilities in Asti (courts) or nearby San Damiano (clay courts). Please let us know in advance if you like to play.
GRAPE PICKING	Of course during our harvest (usually early October) our guests are most welcome to participate in the age-old ritual and try their hand at picking grapes and even the crushing.
TARTUFO HUNTING	Piedmont's white truffles are world-famous (and expensive). During the tartufo season October-November, we can make arrangements for a guest to visit a "trifulau" house and join him as he hunts for tartufi with his faithful hound. Please give us advance notice as this takes time to arrange. Also tours for summer black truffles from May-September.