An experience that combines hospitality, local culture, and an international perspective: thanks to ITV and Great Stays, Acqua Bio Retreat has become an ambassador for Umbria beyond Italy’s borders.
In June 2026, Acqua Bio Retreat, one of the new properties added to the Great Stays portfolio, served as the setting for a major initiative organised in collaboration with ITV, the UK’s largest television network. This special event brought the authentic charm of Umbria and the Great Stays experience to millions of British viewers.
WHEN A PLACE BECOMES AN AMBASSADOR FOR A REGION
Nestled in the peaceful countryside surrounding Castiglione del Lago, Acqua Bio Retreat perfectly embodies the spirit of hospitality that Great Stays promotes through its selection of properties. Here, the landscape blends harmoniously with the architecture, the rhythm of nature sets the pace of each day, and every detail invites you to slow down, observe, and experience the area in an authentic way.
It was precisely this atmosphere that won over the ITV production team, which chose Aqua Bio Retreat as a filming location for one of their competition projects.
During the day of filming, renowned actor and presenter Nigel Havers appeared on the show “This Morning,” one of British television’s most-watched programs, discussing the philosophy of Great Stays and showcasing Acqua Bio Retreat as an example of Italian hospitality set amidst the beauty of the landscape.
The broadcast also served as an opportunity to launch a contest for viewers in the United Kingdom, with a prize worth £100,000.
TEAMWORK THAT CREATES VALUE
Behind every opportunity for international exposure, there is always a network of people who share common goals and a shared vision.
For the filming, the owner of Acqua Bio Retreat kindly made the facility’s spaces available. Great Stays, meanwhile, handled the logistical organisation of the event, taking care of the television crew’s accommodations.
This special occasion helped showcase not only the property itself but also the surrounding area and the entire Great Stays project.
THE EXPANSION OF HOLDING GE’S INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
The initiative stems from the proactive international promotional activities carried out by Holding GE and Great Stays, the holding company’s business unit dedicated to luxury vacation rentals, aimed at increasing the brand’s visibility and consolidating its presence in key foreign markets. This ongoing work in building relationships and developing new communication opportunities helps to promote the region and the hospitality offerings provided by the group.
Thanks to this ongoing promotion and networking, Great Stays continues to strengthen its presence in the British market, reaching an audience increasingly interested in authentic experiences in Italy.
TELLING ITALY’S STORY THROUGH AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
The visibility gained through ITV represents much more than just a television appearance. It demonstrates how a property can serve as a starting point for showcasing a region, a lifestyle, and a different way of experiencing travel. Through places like Acqua Bio Retreat, Great Stays continues to promote a vision of hospitality that centres on authenticity, beauty, and a connection to the landscape. These values now reach an increasingly broad international audience, transforming the Italian dream into a tangible experience to be lived.
With Great Stays, every stay becomes a journey into the heart of the region. The carefully selected properties serve as a starting point for discovering landscapes, flavours, and traditions through experiences designed to highlight the authentic identity of each destination. From boat trips to picnics surrounded by nature, from tastings to moments of relaxation outdoors, every activity contributes to creating a complete travel experience that leaves a lasting memory.
Be inspired by places like Acqua Bio Retreat and find your next getaway among the properties selected by Great Stays.
