Swimming pool, terrace, cooking classes*, wine tasting*, Wi-Fi. The nearby Hotel Paggeria Medicea has a swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes, Spa at the Borgo*
*Denotes local charge
Swimming pool, terrace, cooking classes*, wine tasting*, Wi-Fi. The nearby Hotel Paggeria Medicea has a swimming pool, tennis courts and bikes, Spa at the Borgo*
*Denotes local charge
Steeped in history and bursting with rustic charm, this romantic 14th-Century farmhouse has beautiful gardens, pretty courtyards and a charming cloister. Take a short uphill walk to the outdoor pool, which is free for hotel guests, although there is a charge for the hire of sun loungers and parasols. Inside the Villa, there's an indoor pool, plus a sauna, steamroom, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. The wellness centre offers a wide range of treatments designed to soothe, rejuvenate and relax. The noble floor of the Villa is an actual museum adorned with Florentine, Sienese and Umbrian paintings alongside other interesting artefacts. Wine lovers will be fascinated by the wine cellar, still complete with antique machinery and large oak barrels used in ancient production. The restaurant serves authentic Tuscan cuisine along with international dishes and, during the summer, the pretty ivy-draped courtyard provides a delightful setting for meals. During the winter months you can dine in the evocative antique hall. The renovated rooms feature classic décor and modern amenities including air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The Classic Rooms are located on the second floor and are accessible via a small courtyard while the Comfort Rooms are set in the main wing.
Nestled in beautiful gardens sprinkled with cypress and olive trees, this delightful hotel is just a ten-minute gentle uphill stroll from the UNESCO-listed medieval walls of San Gimignano. It is perfectly placed for local exploration yet far enough away from the town to provide a peaceful countryside escape. Relax under the shade of a parasol on one of the sunloungers that are dotted on the lawn and around the shell-shaped pool, or slip into the hydromassage pool and soak up the serenity and the mesmerising views over the countryside. The views are quintessential Tuscany – a picture-perfect landscape of endless rolling hills, olive groves and a patchwork of fields and vineyards dotted with medieval towers. In the summer months you can enjoy breakfast on the shaded terrace. Snacks are also available on the terrace and in the evening it is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of cold Vernaccia or Chianti. Stroll into San Gimignano for a great selection of restaurants and cafés. The historic Piazza della Cisterna is a wonderful evening spot for people watching and drinks. Don’t miss a visit to the square’s award-winning gelateria where you can choose from delicious and creative flavour combinations such as raspberry and rosemary or spicy chocolate and sour cherries. The simple rooms are cosy but comfortable and they all include free Wi-Fi. Standard Rooms are compact and face the small back garden while Superior Rooms are more spacious and some overlook the countryside. It is well worth upgrading to a Classic Countryside View Room with Balcony which offers incredible views over the surrounding countryside.
Set amid olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards in the small village of Montaione, this historic hotel offers traditional charm and modern comforts. It’s located right in the heart of Tuscany, with Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca all around an hour’s drive away so it’s perfectly placed for a self-drive holiday. Soak up local life by strolling around the village and explore the beautiful scenery by hiking or hiring a bike before relaxing by the attractive pool. Arrange wine and olive oil tastings at local farmhouses and vineyards or learn about Montaione’s long history of glass-making – which dates back to the 13th Century – at the small museum. The original Palazzo building is full of character and the restaurant offers a beautiful setting in a historic olive oil mill. Enjoy contemporary cuisine inspired by traditional Tuscan dishes as you dine under vaulted ceilings and arches. The buffet breakfast includes a choice of Italian favourites – croissants, cakes, jams and espressos – and typically English dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages. Book a romantic candlelit dinner or wine-tasting session in the Wine Cellar or learn how to recreate a typically Tuscan meal during a cooking class with the chef. The individually designed rooms are located in the main historic Palazzo building or in a modern annexe set just across the road and accessed by an underpass. The Double Classic Rooms are characterful – some feature wooden beams and terracotta floors while the bright and airy new rooms are more contemporary in style. Upgrade to a Superior Room to enjoy extra space or choose one of the Junior Suites in the Palazzo building.
Hidden in glorious vineyards with spectacular views of Chianti’s rolling hills, this 11th-Century former monastery has been beautifully restored into a luxury hotel where the gardens are adorned with aromatic vineyards, olive groves and shady cypress trees. There’s a choice of three swimming pools to cool off in and although it’s tempting to spend all day relaxing, there’s the opportunity to leave the hotel by bicycle and explore the beautiful surrounding area. For days of pure relaxation and pampering the Wellness Spa caters for every need. Dining at the Castel Monastero is a unique experience as both restaurants are overseen by Gordon Ramsay. The elegant Contrada overlooks the piazza and serves gourmet Italian cuisine. For a more authentic Tuscan experience, book a table at La Cantina which is set in the monastery’s medieval wine cellars, and enjoy fresh, local produce accompanied by an excellent selection of fine wines. The rooms and suites feature a contemporary design and charming views of the courtyard, the gardens or the surrounding countryside. Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger than Superior Rooms. The elegant Prestige Rooms are even more spacious and have an inviting lounge area while the Tuscan-style Junior Suites feature a lounge and are ideal for groups of up to four.
Villa Casagrande
Relais Santa Chiara, San Gimignano
UNAHOTELS Palazzo Mannaioni Toscana
Castel Monastero
