Castel Monastero

Castel Monastero began life as an eleventh-century village. Then it became a monastery, complete with an incredible Chianti cellar. Now, roughly a thousand years later, it still sits magisterially on a hill, a high-end luxury hotel, one placed close to Siena, far from most everywhere else, and absolutely worth a detour.

As you’d expect, given such a pedigree, there are vaulted ceilings, rough-hewn stone walls, broad beams, and vineyard views galore. Yet there are also flatscreen TVs, complimentary wi-fi, and that lovely modern invention known as the mini-bar. Rooms are scattered among various buildings a short distance from the main one, heightening the sense of seclusion (the super-thick walls and private courtyard help too). Tours by bike, horse, or car into the neighboring countryside can be arranged, or you might prefer to hang out by one of the indoor or outdoor pools. The hotel also offers mushroom foraging, followed by lunch.

Speaking of food, we have two words: Gordon Ramsay. He serves as the consulting chef — when he’s not plying his main trade of becoming angry on television, that is. You can even learn to re-create the Tuscan specialties you sampled at the two restaurants. Less formally, you can get refreshed at the wine bar or tearoom. As for the spa, we have two more words, preceded by an abbreviated honorific: Dr. Mosaraf Ali. Though less (in)famous than his culinary counterpart, Ali is a well-known specialist in integrated health, and the spa features his Ayurvedic approach in its slimming, detoxing, and revitalizing packages.

Please note: Castel Monastero is open annually from the end of March through December.

How to get there:
Castel Monastero is located 100 km from Florence airport (FLR) and 170 km from Pisa airport (PSA).