Karma Group adds Tuscan estate to resort portfolio
Leading international developer and luxury lifestyle brand, Karma Group, has announced the acquisition of a new property in Tuscany, Italy.
Borgo di Colleoli is a magnificent estate situated in the Tuscan hills and within an hour of Pisa, Florence, Luca and Volterra.
The sprawling estate represents the latest in Karma’s stable of spectacular European estates alongside Le Preverger on the French Riviera, Pelikanos on the Greek island of Mykonos and the soon to open Chateau de Samary in Carcassonne, France.
The Borgo is an elegant country retreat
Over the years, the original medieval castle evolved to become an aristocratic villa and estate. During the 17th and 18th centuries much renovation work was carried out to the frescoes and delicate mouldings, transforming the Borgo into an elegant country retreat.
Today the estate encompasses the main villa and surrounding farm buildings, including a hayloft, workshop and administrative building. The Borgo was restored in 2003 under the guidance of the Italian Fine Arts Commission to transform it into a unique holiday destination, with 50 well-appointed guest apartments situated in the former farm buildings.
No two rooms are completely alike, but all are redolent with Tuscan flair, which is very much part of its charm, and the palatial main villa houses 12 beautiful and spacious suites. Guests can enjoy excellent local wine, as well as food in the resort’s wine bar, explore the beautiful countryside or relax among the ancient olive groves before taking a dip in one of two panoramic pools.
One of the pool areas at Borgo di Colleoni
John Spence, Karma Group’s founder and chairman, said the company had pursued the Italian property for many years and was delighted to have finally acquired it.
“I have had an eye on Borgo di Colleoni for quite some time and am delighted to announce that Karma Group has acquired the estate in the superb hills of Tuscany, one of my favourite parts of the world.
The resort was initially developed by the late Ron Haylock, former managing director of RCI Europe, who was a stalwart of the timeshare industry and long-term associate of Spence.
“It is both ironic, fitting, and probably no coincidence, that it is almost five years to the day that Ron passed away, and I like to think he is up there raising a toast with a glass of extremely good chianti to our news,” said Spence.
“The resort will be open for the summer season as we renovate and refurbish the property to bring it up to our high standards. The magnificent location of the estate is close to many attractions and I have no doubt that this will be a hugely popular destination for Karma guests both old and new, from all around the world.”
In a separate development, Spence also announced that the complete refurbishment of Karma Minoan Resort in Crete has been completed ahead of schedule and the resort is due to open in June.
Located just outside the historic town of Agios Nikolaos, the traditional Cretan-designed property is nestled between rugged mountains and the sea and is comprised of 23 one- and two- bedroom rooms with balconies, all offering panoramic views of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos and the surrounding mountains.
The resort’s facilities include a large pool, bar, restaurant, library, spa and kids’ club. It also has its own catamaran with crew, which will take up to six guests at a time on day trips to neighbouring islands or further afield – another reflection of Karma’s desire to provide exciting experiences as part of a Karma getaway.
“At the heart of the Karma Group is the promise to deliver an exceptional leisure lifestyle and extraordinary experiences,” added Spence. “Our new resort acquisition in Italy and the refurbished Karma Minoan Resort are fabulous additions to the ever-increasing menu of holiday and leisure options we are able to offer to our Karma members.
“We are relentless in our mission to give our members more and more choice of quality resorts, destinations and experiences.”
