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A recent revamp has given this hotel a fresh, modern feel – albeit in the context of a storied, aristocratic 12th-century Tuscan castle.
Terraced gardens – scented with lavender, roses and jasmine – overlook the timeless Tuscan landscape of olive groves, vineyards and tall slim cypress trees.
The fabulous Shambhala Retreat is the main reason why many guests book into (and return to) the castle; it offers Asian-style spa treatments, meditation and yoga classes plus thermal pools, saunas and hammam.
The Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant offers a sophisticated take on local dishes, while La Taverna, housed in the old castle kitchens, serves up vast bistecca alla Fiorentina and the like.
It’s in an ideal location for a Tuscan countryside retreat, but close enough to Tuscany’s top attractions. Downtown Florence is a 30-minute drive; Siena is a little further (a shuttle bus service runs regularly to both). Many Chianti wine estates are nearby offering tours and tastings.
The huge 750-acre estate is immersed in classic Chianti countryside, with olive groves and vineyards covering gently-rolling hills and the odd mellow villa and farmhouse on the horizon.
The approach is along quiet country lanes; the peace is total.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Chianti, Tuscany, Italy[11.6 miles]
Home to some of Italy’s best wines, the DOCG Chianti Classico stretches across 177,500 acres of undulating, vine-striped land between Florence and Siena.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy[15 miles]
Sometimes dubbed ‘Tuscany’s Manhattan’ for its clutch of slim medieval towers (visible for miles around), iconic San Gimignano is the region’s most famous (and most visited) hill town.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Florence, Tuscany, Italy[24 miles]
This shady green oasis in the centre of Florence is one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy and makes a wonderful escape on a hot, summer’s day.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
Florence, Tuscany, Italy[24.2 miles]
Housed in the city’s most imposing palazzo, Florence’s second-largest art gallery is home to masterpieces by Raphael, Rubens, Botticelli and Van Dyck.
Best for ages: 18+ | £9
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Certaldo, Tuscany, Italy[11.6 miles]
An excellent cooking school based in Certaldo (southwest of Florence) offering truffle-hunting experiences in the Chianti woods, followed by a truffle-based lunch or cooking lessons with truffles.
Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 3-4 hours
Colle di Val D'Elsa, Tuscany, Italy[21.2 miles]
Colle Val d’Elsa Food writer/blogger and photographer Giulia Scarpaleggia and her husband run the excellent ‘Jul’s Kitchen’ offering a range of hands-on cooking classes alongside courses in food writing and photography. Classes are held in their house in the countryside between Siena and Florence.
Best for ages: 13+ | £70 | 3 hours
Florence, Tuscany, Italy[24.5 miles]
For centuries, the Oltrarno neighbourhood south of the river has been known for its artisan workshops; it still is today.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Florence, Tuscany, Italy[24.5 miles]
This side chapel of Santa Maria del Carmine church (separate entrance) is decorated with world-class frescoes by 15th-century artists Masaccio, Masolino and Filippino Lippi. Highlights of these seminal works which profoundly influenced the Florentine Renaissance include Masolino’s Temptation of Adam and Eve and Masaccio’s The Tribute Money. Book ahead to climb up and see them up close.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Tuscany, Italy
A heady mix of incomparable Renaissance art, gorgeous palazzos, Tuscan cuisine and home-grown haute couture.
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.
