23/09/2025: In the hills of Cesena, at Villa Monty Banks, you forget time and find yourself making "peace with the world," pampered by a competent and esteemed staff.
Thanks to Fabio De Luigi, who, with the film he directed and starred in alongside Stefano Bonaccorsi, "50 Km All'Ora," where some scenes from the sweet, melancholic comedy were filmed, a couple of months ago my husband booked our vacation as a couple for the first two weeks of August, and there we found something we hadn't expected.
An enviable location, overlooking a poetic and photographable panorama, from whose "terrace" you can enjoy an "impromptu" gourmet brunch or a relaxing aperitif, cheered all day by an ever-present breeze that, thanks to the beautiful centuries-old trees that frame the villa, managed to counteract the Saharan heat of early August.
A welcoming, clean atmosphere, a tranquil atmosphere, and discreet background music ranging from Mina to Sinatra, from Modugno to Diana Krall, from Aznavour to Vanoni, offering a sense of relaxation in a period residence that its generous founder—the early 20th-century actor, dancer, director, and producer Mario Bianchi, aka Monty Banks—wanted to build as a place to return to with his wife, actress Gracie Fields, when they were in Italy, having moved to America from Cesena, where he found his fortune.
More recently, while maintaining as much of its style and structure as possible, the residence has become a luxury agriturismo, with just 11 comfortable and tastefully furnished rooms. Guests can enjoy the products (worth buying!) that come from the surrounding lands, which the young and talented chef Alberto Pinelli (a self-effacing yet passionate culinary artist) reinterprets in the evenings in creative and exquisite dishes, which non-guests can also enjoy.
Breakfast begins the day in an original way, a good morning that deserves to be enjoyed calmly and unhurriedly, on the romantic veranda filled with exotic and oriental-style plants, with the sounds of cicadas and birds creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere, and with authentic Italian flavors.
An ideal good morning to prepare for visiting the worthy surroundings like Bertinoro, Cervia, Santarcangelo di Romagna, and Cesenatico, or to reach Rimini or Ravenna with a truly special guide, Arianna, who also takes care of welcoming guests. There's another feminine touch behind all this attention to detail: Erika, the hotel manager, is always present and available.
I also forgot about the beautiful pool, a great place to cool off from the heat, another reason to laze around after a nice dip, reading a book, chatting, or simply recharging your batteries.
16/09/2025: Villa Monty Banks is a truly exceptional property, but what truly made our vacation special was the professionalism and kindness of the entire staff. They welcomed us with genuine generosity, pampering us and making us feel truly at home. The food at their restaurant, L'Agrosteria, is also excellent. Special thanks to Arianna, Debora, and Luca. We will definitely be back!
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