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A medieval stone village converted into a luxurious resort in the heart of south-eastern Chianti, Borgo San Felice is also a working wine estate, producing award-winning wines and olive oil. Immersed in vineyards and olive groves, it is a sophisticated country retreat with particular appeal for oenophiles.
The restoration has left typical Tuscan features, such as beamed ceilings and brick arches intact, but updated the look for the 21st century.
Rooms are spread through the main palazzo and village buildings; the old schoolhouse, the olive press, the cellars and the bakery.
There’s an excellent spa and two restaurants, one with a Michelin star.
Although this is the sort of place where you could throw your car keys away on arrival, there is lots to do close by. Siena is a twenty-minute drive away and Florence is an hour. This part of Chianti is stuffed with wine estates, so it’s a brilliant launch pad for wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Approached by a series of winding, mostly empty backroads, Borgo San Felice lies in utterly peaceful, unspoilt countryside surrounded by hectares and hectares of vineyards. Birdsong and the odd tractor are the only sounds likely to disturb the peace.
Wine buffs will enjoy a visit to the nearby Castello di Brolio and its huge estate, where Baron Bettino Ricasoli ‘invented’ Chianti Classico wine in 1872.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[12.7 miles]
Arguably the most perfect medieval city in the world, Siena is a glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, famous for its fan-shaped Campo and Il Palio horse race.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[12.9 miles]
The most famous bareback horserace in the world, Il Palio is an extraordinary spectacle that sees horses and riders gallop three times round Siena’s glorious, medieval Piazza del Campo. A centuries-old means of settling of neighbourhood scores, it defines the social, cultural and political fabric of the city each year.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[12.8 miles]
Located a minute’s walk from Piazza del Campo and occupying a former grocer’s shop with a retro vibe, Le Logge is a classic osteria. They offer a creative take on regional dishes such as tagliatelle with Tuscan ragu, stuffed rabbit with blueberries, black garlic and fermented carrot and braised beef cheek.
Best for ages: 13+ | £30
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[12.8 miles]
Siena’s principal market, held each Wednesday morning, is one of the best in Tuscany. Stalls are set up at La Lizza, filling the streets around the Fortezza. Apart from excellent produce (cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil and wines, fruit and vegetables), you’ll find clothing, shoes, bags and household items.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[12.9 miles]
A historic cafe and pastry shop that’s been around for almost a century. It’s a great place to sample and buy panforte (the dense, flat cake made with nuts, dried fruit, spices and honey) and light, almond-y Ricciarelli biscuits.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Tuscany, Italy
The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.
