L’Andana, Castiglione della Pescaia
This upscale property, the former summer residence of the Duke of Tuscany, is located on the historic wine estate of Tenuta La Badiola, near a picturesque coastal village. It offers access to a private beach and luxury yacht excursions to Elba Island, besides the exquisite La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, a signature restaurant serving authentic Tuscan cuisine and also offering cookery courses.
Castello di Vicarello, Poggi del Sasso
A historic castle hotel converted into an intimate hotel with 7 cosy rooms and a relaxing spa. The guests can join the owner’s cooking classes or savour the estate’s own wines. They can go on a beach picnic at the natural reserve of Parco dell’Uccellina or ride a bike in the pristine fields and valleys around. Nestled in Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region, the hotel is 36 kilometers away from the city of Grosseto and an hour’s drive from Siena.
La Bandita, Pienza
What does an international music executive do, when he’s sick of his big time New York job? Quit and open a small hotel in the Tuscan countryside, of course! That’s exactly what John Voigtmann did with his fiancé. Today, they offer two properties: A 12-room luxury boutique hotel inside the historic center of Pienza, and a former farm house off the beaten path –both are hip alternatives to the area's nostalgic accommodation options.
Lupaia, Torrita de Siena
This romantic countryside hotel is situated at the heart of Val d’Orcia, between Montepulciano and Pienza. The main house, dating back to the 17th century, is a perfect hideaway offering magnificent vistas of vineyards and olive groves. The hotel's 11 rooms and suites are spread over 5 ancient buildings, each decorated with a different character.
Castello Banfi - Il Borgo, Montalcino
At the center of Montalcino’s biggest wine estate stands this medieval fortress, which has been converted to an upscale hotel. The former workers’ houses of the estate now serve as elegant guest rooms and suites. You can stay here for a special occasion or have a day visit, to enjoy the Tuscan countryside at its best and to taste the estate’s noble wines at its Enoteca and savour the regional dishes in the Taverna. Guests may also indulge in exclusive vino-therapy products, derived from the estate’s Sangiovese grapes. The hotel is closed between November and March.
Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco, Montalcino
This hilltop village, completely converted into a luxury resort by Ferragamo family, is only 12 kilometers away from Montalcino. It is a small world in itself with its medieval castle, old winery, church, two restaurants, cooking school, spa, 23 suites and 11 villas created from restored 17th and 18th century farmhouses. This is just the place to pamper yourself in open terraces and pools overlooking the beauty of Val d’Orcia.
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro, Chiusdino
With a thirteenth-century villa at its heart, this stylish hotel has been decorated with romantic antiques. The villa's rose scented, manicured courtyards and terraces offer a peaceful retreat, while the hotel is set on a fertile farm producing its own organic vegetables, herbs, honey and prosciutto. All these culinary delights are served in the hotel restaurant and also demonstrated at the in-house cooking school, run by two talented chefs. This Relais & Chateaux property is located a 40 minute’s drive away from Siena.
Castel Monastero, Siena
This elegant Tuscan retreat, nestled in an 11th century monastery at the center of a walled hamlet, offers great views of the Tuscan countryside. Famous British chef Gordon Ramsay is the consultant of the hotel’s two gourmet restaurants: Contrada and La Cantina. You would not like to go out of the hotel spa, but if you do, hotel can also arrange you activities like concerts or truffle hunting with dogs.
Borgo San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga
A former village in the heart of Chianti wine region, an hour’s drive away from Florence, has been completely converted into a Relais & Chateaux resort. The village’s medieval buildings, chapel, picturesque streets and squares have been restored into their old glory. 33 rooms and 21 suites are scattered around the stone buildings of the village and the historic oil mill is now used as a wellness area. You can taste and buy the olive oil and wine produced here as well, coming from the surrounding 147 hectares of vineyards and groves.
Hotel Villa Mangiacane, San Casciano
This 15th century villa built by the Machiavelli family offers great views of the Chianti countryside, 12 kilometers from Florence. The villa was damaged by the World War II and stayed dormant for almost 50 years, until it was revived by a businessman and entrepreneur in 2000. The art-loving new owner of the villa discovered the frescoes under the layers of paint and restored them into their old beauty. The villa’s restaurant serves refined Tuscan cuisine, accompanied by house-made wine and olive oil. Indoor and outdoor pools are great to relax.
Villa Bordoni, Greve in Chianti
This is a charming countryside hotel in an old Florentine merchant’s villa at the heart of Chianti wine region. The hotel has a celebrated restaurant, and a wine cellar nestled in a 11th century dungeons. Today the estate no longer produces wine, but offers a wide selection of wine labels and a cooking school. One of many delights of the hotel is the swimming pool area surrounded by olive groves.
Il Salviatino, Fiesole
This 15th century villa is today one of the most refined and upmarket hotels of Florence. The villa is located on the slopes of Fiesole, the Florentine aristocracy’s favourite recreation area. All suites and rooms are an elegant blend of local artisanship and the latest technology. The hotel attracts attention by it magnificent terraced gardens the relaxing spa and pool area.