My destination scouting trip was taking me to Tuscany and Florence this May. I would start out in Tuscany and work my way back to Florence. I felt confident renting a car for 2 reasons; I requested a manual car and a navigation system in the vehicle. The navigation system had a slight hiccup as some of the villages you will visit are very small so the navigation system recognizes the village location and not necessarily the hotel name. You will see the hotel once you arrive at the village. Just make sure to have the accurate street address. If you are visiting more than one hotel in Tuscany, it is valuable to rent a car. This will give you the freedom to explore at your own schedule.
This was the case with my first stop, Il Borro Hotel in Tuscany. It was an easy drive, which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Florence airport. Once a tiny village in the 1700s, then the home of a royal Italian family, then the home of the Ferragamo family, now is all included in the property of the hotel. The family still lives on property in their own private home.
The small village makes for an expansive sprawling property for guests to enjoy with its contrasting hills and fields, mountains and valleys, beautiful birds and peaceful serenity. Steeped in history and tradition, it is a step back in time. There are three villas on property; two 10-bedroom villas and one 8-bedroom villa. There is also an area of the property where three small building housing suites are located. There is a pool and café in this area since it is a short distance from the main buildings on the property. All the décor is traditional Italian design with some of the villas having original restored furniture pieces. Some suites also have working fireplaces. It is a great mix of traditional features with modern touches.
The property is walkable but has some steep hills. There are also bicycles to get around but just know a ride is always available with a phone call to reception. You are surrounded by the hills of Tuscany and feel like you have taken a step back in time. The Village has been kept in its original form and there are several boutique shops on the property as well as the original church.
There is plenty to do with a spa, gym, pool, 3-hole golf course, tennis court, horseback riding, cooking class with the Chef and wine tour, all at your doorstep. There are two restaurants for dining and outdoor seating to enjoy the gorgeous views. The food is farm to table and delicious. The property was certified organic in 2015. They produce their own organic extra virgin olive oil, pasta sauce, pasta, honey, cheese and of course wine on property.
I highly recommend taking the wine tour. It is so educational and enjoyable. There are 90 horses on property. If you are a horse lover, like myself, you should book the horseback riding experience.
Il Borro was the perfect first stop to immerse myself in Tuscany and all it has to offer.
My next stop was Borgo Pignano Tuscany. A short drive from Il Borro of 1 hour 15 minutes, filled with the beauty of the Tuscany hills. High on a mountain top sits a 750-acre estate. The main building was an 18th century villa that has been converted into room and suites. There are also 4 villas on property; one 5-bedroom villa and three 2-bedroom villas. Two more 3-bedroom villas are in the process of being constructed as of May 2022. The villas are pet friendly; however, there is an additional 50-euro fee. The property also has 31 rooms and 2 pools; one for adults only.
The spectacular views you will enjoy from your room and the property won’t disappoint. The goal is to immerse yourself in nature.
The hotel is sustainable and makes every effort to recycle and be eco-friendly. They have solar panels, a water filtration system, a recycled water irrigation system and use wood chips in the boiler system from old trees to heat the property.
70% of the ingredients you consume at Borgo Pignano are produced on site. This includes a vegetable garden, herb garden, tea garden, honey, olive oil, pasta, grains, sauce, soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion in the rooms, spa products and of course wine. They even make their own silk scarves for women. All the products are ecological and do not use any chemical.
There is plenty to do on property; starting with a grand tour. They have a list of weekly activities that include yoga classes, horseback riding, truffle hunting, wine tasting, hiking, biking, painting classes, soap making, artisan workshops and they have a wonderful museum on property showcasing cars, motor vehicles and bicycles from the Golden Age of Italian design. They also have a tennis court, basketball court and soccer field. The property is hilly so keep that in mind for hiking and biking.
The main estate is fun to explore with 4 floors of rooms, a library, billiards room and family room areas. There are board games and chess sets to enjoy in the common areas inside and out.
On a typical afternoon you will see groups having a wine tasting as they sit overlooking the mountains, people enjoying the grand lawn playing chess, chatting or reading a book, while others are splashing in the pools and lounging in the sun. Borgo Pignano encourages its guests to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take time out to be in nature.
There are not coffee makers in the room but morning coffee and tea are served in a common lounge should you desire either before breakfast. There are two restaurants on property as well as an outdoor dining area. There is a formal fine dining restaurant as well as a boutique Tuscan restaurant with one group table of 14 to encourage guests to enjoy dinner communally in true Tuscan fashion and flavor. Reservations are required for this restaurant due to the limited number of seats.
The rooms and property honor the historical tradition of the estate and Italian décor adding the perfect charm. I highly recommend Borgo Pignano. It has the perfect mix of ingredients for a lovely holiday.
Next on my journey, I visited COMO Castello Del Nero. I have stayed at other COMO properties so was excited to experience their newest addition to their collection in Tuscany. The property is a 740-acre historic 20th century Castle in Italy’s world-famous Chianti wine region. The acreage includes olive groves and vineyards. COMO Castello Del Nero is a seasonal hotel open April – November.
The property features 50 accommodations; 32 rooms and 18 suites. They have kept the traditional structure of the building but added modern touches in the décor which complements the period features without losing any of historic authenticity. The property is pet friendly as well.
The goal is to enjoy a serene, contemporary retreat that makes guests feel at home, with precise service, therapeutic wellness experiences, and exceptional, carefully sourced food. The property is boutique and offers privacy. To plan any experiences, you will need to go off property.
Enjoy dinner at the Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant which opens at 7:30 pm. You can also enjoy lunch at La Taverna or wood oven baked pizza and Tuscan fare at the Pavilion restaurant. I highly recommend the lamb! It was delicious. Our server paired the perfect wine for our meal which enhanced our entrees.
There is a beautiful wine cellar with wine tasting daily at 5:30 pm.
The estate includes tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a Como Shambhala Retreat Spa. The spa offers treatments ranging from rebalancing jet-lag recovery to rehydrating and reenergizing as well as an aromatic steam room. There is a great gym with weights and excellent cardio equipment. They also have individual fitness, yoga and Pilates instruction. There are a variety of hiking paths to enjoy and explore.
COMO Castello Del Nero is the perfect place to stay; centrally located 30 minutes from Florence and Sienna. They offer a free shuttle service to both cities. The shuttle departs at 10 am and returns from Sienna at 5 pm and Florence at 6 pm. If your goal is to enjoy the best of both worlds; experience the city during the day and return to the property to feel secluded and relaxed, this is the perfect resort for you.
I changed things up a little by visiting L’Andana. L’Andana is the former hunting lodge of Leopold II, Duke of Tuscany. It is an enchanting Hotel characterized by a refined and timeless charm. Its lush countryside stretches to the Tyrrhenian Sea. A relaxed ambience and eclectic décor are the trademarks of L’Andana. The hotel is pet friendly. L’Andana is a seasonal hotel, open April – November each year.
The property boasts a spa and hammam, black-slate hot bath and indoor pool. A variety of massage and beauty treatments are available. There is an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the gardens as well as a tennis court and small putting green and driving range for golf. There are mountain bikes available to explore the area and horseback riding lessons. Cooking classes are given by the hotel’s chef if you prefer to stay indoors. You can also experience a tour of the wine cellar and wine tasting. There is a kids club and a free shuttle bus to the beach which is about 15 minutes away.
The hotel boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, olive groves and undulating lawns, where you can revel in 360-degree views of the 500 acres surrounding the hotel. You feel a sense of serenity as you walk the grounds. There is even a small chapel on property which was kept to maintain the historic authenticity.
There are two restaurants on property; one of which is a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hotel Castello di Reschio was next on my scouting trip. This fortress sits on the Tuscany/Umbria border and showcases hospitality of the highest order. Fun fact; during the war the occupants were able to close the main entrance to the castle to protect themselves from outsiders invading and could live in safety for one year living off the land!
Sit poolside, saddle up and explore on horseback, hit the tennis courts, take strolls through the gardens, or simply sit back enjoy the spectacular scenery. There are hiking options and mountain bikes available for exploring if you are feeling adventurous. There is also a floral arranging class. Walk the flower gardens picking the ones you love and return to learn how to best arrange them. You can also enjoy cooking classes and wine tastings.
On the vast estate you’ll find olive groves, vineyards, lakes, an equestrian center with beautiful horses, a boutique stocked with Italian wares, a wine bar, two restaurants and a pool bar. Feast on locally-inspired dishes at Alle Scuderie restaurant, a casual dining experience, which prides itself on using homemade produce – including honey, olive oil, pasta, and wine. A Castello, is the fine dining option on property.
Castello di Reschio hosts themed music nights. You can also enjoy live piano music each afternoon in the lobby. The reception area also doubles as a library if you prefer a quieter vibe.
This boutique hotel has 36 rooms in total. The rooms are all unique with each being exquisitely renovated, with vintage furniture complementing the original stone. I must mention the Castle’s Tower: a whole five-floor suite in itself with panoramic views, an open-air tub on top and a dumb waiter for hoisting up cocktails. The beamed ceiling, bespoke furniture and generous space of the suite make for an elegant stay. There are also 25 villas on the 1500-acre property; 16 individually owned and 9 rental villas. Every August they host a tennis tournament with all the villa owners.
The Spa, formerly a wine cellar, offers outstanding treatments and is a must book during your stay. All the products used in your treatments are grown on property. The ceremony of the spa experience is outstanding, in depth and will not soon be forgotten. Among the caves is a roman bath which is unique and fabulous!
Castello di Reschio is pet friendly for an additional fee; €150. Small and medium-sized dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a leash in the grounds and away from the pool and the restaurant.
There are two churches on property and yes, Castello di Reschio can host your wedding should you desire.
There is a soft peaceful serenity the moment you drive through the gates. Come here for adventure or relaxation – and leave utterly enchanted.
Castello MONASTERO was my last stop in Tuscany. Castel Monastero is a luxury resort near Siena, located in the middle of Chianti Region. Once an 14th century monastery and village, Castel Monastero has been beautifully restored to a refined Tuscan Retreat and Spa. All guests’ rooms and interiors have been elegantly designed to enhance the rustic charm of the ancient walls, adding elements of contemporary design, respecting its local culture and environment. The resort is set in unspoiled green surroundings, providing spectacular views of the vineyards and the gardens from every angle.
There are 72 rooms in total comprising 11 buildings. There are adjoining rooms and private villas for families. The hotel is dog friendly.
There are 3 pools; 1 children’s and 2 adult pools. There is an outdoor open-air gym that is pretty good size with equipment and weights. The hotel was awaiting the arrival of new equipment at the time of my stay. There is also a yoga pavilion where private sessions can take place upon request.
Two exceptional restaurants offer the best in Tuscan and Italian cuisine. Contrada offers casual fare for breakfast and lunch. The lobby bar offers afternoon snacks and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
The spa is the ideal place to relax and restore your well-being. There is a salt water indoor pool, 3 saunas, 1 cold room, 2 emotional showers with cryotherapy, 7 treatment rooms and a quiet room to relax before and after your treatment. They even have a special wine body treatment in keeping with the winery theme.
If you are looking for a quiet country escape with easy access to Sienna and the surrounding region, Castello Monastero is perfect. How often can you say you stayed in a former monastery?
On to Florence. Kicking things off with Baglioni Relais Santa Croce. This hotel is Florentine luxury, and barely two blocks from the Santa Croce church itself. The 24-room historic boutique property is impeccably restored, with magnificent marbles and frescoes. There are two royal suites on the first floor in a separate area that can be closed off and privatized for families or clients seeking additional privacy.
Located in the historic center of Florence, your every need will be met by a highly professional staff. Rooms feature luxury amenities including welcome treats from the chef. Some rooms have ceiling frescos and many have views to Basilica di Santa Croce.
There is a distinguished music room that hosts public music events that are free to the guests of the hotel. There is complimentary daily afternoon tea with live piano music. The classically-styled restaurant serves reinterpreted Tuscan and Italian cuisine. There is also a chic bar serving drinks and separate menu for light bites. Unfortunately, there is no gym or spa; however, you can book an in-room massage. Guests have free access to the nearby Swan gym and special rates at a local spa.
Art installations in the hotel are by local artists to expose guests to local culture. There is a Michelin star restaurant, Enoteca Pinchiorri, on the first floor. It is independent of the hotel but passing its beautiful garden and inviting smells of Italian cuisine is very hard to resist.
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a combination of Old-World luxury and lush modern amenities. This majestic 16th century 116 room hotel, is located slightly out of the tourist area in the Gherardesca gardens, the largest private garden and park in the center of Florence.
The rooms reside in two buildings: The Palazzo della Gherardesca, a converted 15th-century palace. Or the Villa, a former 16th-century convent, now a 37-room hotel-within-a-hotel, with its own concierge, ballroom and restaurant. Some of the rooms feature original palazzo elements. The Villa building offers a more private experience with a separate entrance from the main Palace entrance.
A two-level, free-standing building on-site houses the spa, which delivers top-quality treatments as well as a state-of-the-art steam, sauna, and ‘Emotion’ aromatherapy/chromotherapy shower. It is also home to a state-of-the-art gym and yoga studio. There is also a lovely outdoor pool.
Il Palagio, the Michelin-starred restaurant features Italian cuisine sourced from artisan producers. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner indoor or on the outdoor terrace in the garden. Il Palagio also serves private dinners in the former confessional in the Palace and under a willow tree in the garden. Both are magical and have been the spot for many marriage proposals.
Al Fresco is a Tuscan Trattoria and is open air. It operates during the summer months by the swimming pool and offers casual fare.
There’s a smaller restaurant, La Magnolia, that also has outdoor seating in the garden. If that isn’t enough, there is the Atrium Bar set beneath a skylight in an elegant room playing classical music that serves light meals, coffee, and cocktails throughout the day.
The gardens are tranquil and serene with many private spots to enjoy. The hotel honors the history of the buildings and the city as well as featuring local artists throughout the property showcases their creations. Conveniently located to many attractions while providing a respite after exploring the city.
Palazzo Vecchietti hotel is just steps from Piazza della Repubblica and within a few minutes’ walk of many places that will be on your Florence to-do list. This small boutique hotel is big on style with an incredibly modern feel inside a 16th Century building. Named for the wealthy Renaissance family who first built this palace, the building retains its high-end feel with a limited number of rooms that are incredibly spacious and of the highest quality. There are 14 comfortable studios, suites and two apartments with three of the rooms having private terraces. The remarkably large suites all come with kitchens or kitchenettes, polished hardwood floors, living rooms and reading rooms, and feature modern art throughout.
The hotel has retained many original features inside the handsome three-story 16th-century townhouse, which is built around a now glassed-in courtyard. They include a vast carved stone fireplace in the lobby, arches and vaults and wood casement ceilings.
Communal areas are limited to the club-like lounge and reception area and the third-floor breakfast room. There is only breakfast available with no other food options throughout the day served at the hotel. The staff can also prepare you a breakfast box if you want to take your meal on the road while exploring the city. Unfortunately, there is no gym or spa. The Concierge can recommend local options for both.
I love the uniqueness of this property. I felt like a native living in my own apartment. It is also perfect for a long term stay in Florence.
A short taxi ride away is Dimora Palanca. Itis a unique art experience hotel. Dimora Palanca is a 19th-century villa newly transformed into a contemporary-styled, boutique hotel with a private garden, lounge, library, morning room, bar, wine cellar and games area influenced by Florence’s artistry. The building’s original architectural elements have been beautifully restored in the 18 bedrooms and suites.
Dimora Palanca is well situated for those wishing to explore Florence on foot as it is an easy 10 to 15-minute walk to the heart of Florence’s old town.
The hotel’s Restaurant Mimesi is situated in the villa’s original kitchen and offers a sophisticated fine dining experience.
I would describe the hotel as grand and elegant with old world charm. The hotel invites its guests to immerse themselves in artistic pursuits and encourages visitors to build a deep cultural bond with the city of Florence during their stay. The hotel can arrange for the direct sale of artwork/paintings in the hotel to its guests.
Last but not least, Hotel Savoy, Rocco Forte Hotel. The Savoy lies at the very heart of Florence overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica. The Duomo is a block away and the Ponte Vecchio a short stroll to the south. The elegant designer stores of Via Tornabuoni are a couple of blocks to the west, while more accessible high street fashion boutiques fan out to the east and the San Lorenzo market lies just to the north.
The excellent service is old-school but with a modern twist, a bit like the hotel itself. There is a lounge area on the lower level where you can relax and enjoy a beverage or read. There is not a spa; however, there is a Spa Suite. It is a private treatment room with a menu of spa services available. There is only one person at a time serviced so it’s best to make an appointment before your arrival. There is an impressive gym with excellent equipment and it is very large.
There are 80 bedrooms with 30 suites and connecting options for families. The rooms are chic yet homely. As much as possible (lamps, cabinets, iron fittings) were commissioned from local artisans. Bathroom amenities are in-house Forte Organics toiletries.
Enjoy the relaxed, bistro-style Irene restaurant, with its view of the Piazza for cocktails, lunch and dinner; breakfast is also served there. Executive chef Fulvio Pierangelini, favors fresh, modern Tuscan cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients that you will truly enjoy.
Hotel Savoy was the perfect way to end my exploration of Tuscany and Florence.
There are many options of places to stay and things to do while in this region of Italy. I recommend traveling in late April/May or September/October. The summer months can be very warm and especially humid in Florence. Whichever decision you make, Italy will be a magical experience. The people, the culture, the history and beauty are magnificent and to be enjoyed by all.
