The Hotel at Monteverdi — Tuscany, Italy

To curb the depopulation of villages in Italy, numerous creative solutions have been initiated throughout the country. One of the philanthropic masterminds is American Michael Cioffi, who has spent the last few years restoring the lost hamlet of Castiglioncello del Trinoro. The medieval mountaintop village, located 90 kilometres southeast of Siena, has been returned to its original splendour after meticulous reconstruction. Cioffi has joined forces with architect Ernesto Bartolini of DA.Studio and interior designer Ilaria Miani in the creation of a seven bedroom hotel, a number of villas and a café for al fresco dining. Next year will see the opening of a highly anticipated contemporary art gallery.