Known for its unique landscapes, rich artistic heritage, and world-class food and wine, Tuscany attracts solo travelers, couples, and families alike. With so many accommodation options, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. To make that process a little simpler, we’ve compiled some ideas. First up: one of our favorites, Borgo San Felice.
Borgo San Felice
You’ll feel the magic from the moment you arrive at Borgo San Felice, located about an hour south of Florence and a world away from any day-to-day stress. You will immediately be swept away by the magical allure of this charming hamlet and prestigious winery as you walk the property to find a piazza, a charming chapel, and meandering lanes and paths once home to a school, bakery, and an olive press.
This authentic Borgo is Chianti’s only Relais & Chateaux property and seamlessly blends the rich history of the structures and original village with the modern conveniences and touches of luxury that provide an unparalleled guest experience. The ultimate Tuscany escape, Borgo San Felice features medieval streets, loggias, and cozy courtyards overlooking acres of vineyards where you can enjoy quiet moments or opt for one of the many experiences that the amazing team can arrange for you to create your perfect getaway.
Premium Accommodations
As you would expect with such a diverse gathering of structures on the property, there are numerous options when choosing your accommodations. There are no “bad” choices, but a few stand out among this exclusive collection of suites and villas. Enjoy being tucked away from others at Villa Colonna, a beautiful four-bedroom residence placed among the olive groves and Tuscan Cypress trees. Villa Cassanova is a gorgeous option ideal for gatherings with friends and family, as everyone will have their private space but you can come together for al fresco parties in the garden. It sleeps up to 18 guests in three individual apartments, each with two, three, or four bedrooms. The Premium Suites are another favorite choice, as they provide plenty of room to relax and unwind with a bottle of wine in the suite or under the stars on the suite’s private terrace.
World-Class Dining
Begin each day enjoying an impressive breakfast spread while sitting on the property’s picturesque veranda with a signature cappuccino. From the level of service to the iconic cups and tableware created for Borgo San Felice, you’ll want for nothing here. Chef Juan Quintero leads the kitchen teams at both Poggio Rosso, which has both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star, and Osteria del Grigio, which is supported by the attentive supervision of multi-starred chef Enrico Bartolini. Chef Juan continues to use the freshest of ingredients to showcase his motto that “cooking is an act of love” while treating guests to a refined and international version of Tuscan cuisine.
Localized Experiences
You’ll find that nothing is impossible for this capable team of experts, who are passionate about hospitality at every step of the journey and ensuring guests leave with priceless memories and plans to return to discover more from this stunning region in Italy. Staying at Borgo San Felice, you will discover “star bene,” the Italian way of feeling good by enjoying the beautiful things in life. A sample of these localized experiences include:
- Scenic Perspectives: Explore the Chianti countryside at the wheel of a Ferrari on the winding roads through the vineyards or depart from the property’s helipad for a bird’s eye view of the region by helicopter.
- A Spa Afternoon: The San Felice’s Pindasweda treatment is inspired by Ayurvedic medicine and includes local aromatic herbs that are enclosed in linen bags after the drying process. The bags are heated in a steam bath and release essential oils when massaged on the body, which creates a deeply relaxing treatment to eliminate muscle tension and give new energy to the body and mind.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Enjoy a Champagne breakfast in a hot air balloon while watching dawn rise over Chianti. You can join a group air balloon flight or reserve a private experience for this magical opportunity.
- Cooking Classes: Allow them to open the doors to the kitchens, where their chefs will reveal the traditions of authentic Tuscan cooking, including how best to use seasonal produce to provide rich flavors to any dish.
- Dinner Under the Stars: Feel at one with the Chianti countryside while you dine beneath the clear night skies with striking views of the stars above. Dinner can be enjoyed with a partner or small group among the entwined vines on Orto Felice’s terrace.
To start planning your ultimate escape in Tuscany, visit: borgosanfelice.com/en.
Other Unique Tuscany Hotel Experiences We Love
If Borgo San Felice isn’t for you, or you want to check out another part of Tuscany and see what the larger region has to offer, here are some of our other favorite luxury escapes.
Borgo Santo Pietro
borgosantopietro.com
A romantic, ultra-luxurious countryside estate near Chiusdino with a farm-to-table philosophy at their Michelin-starred restaurant and holistic spa.
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel
casalidicasole.com
A restored 10th-century castle set on a 4,200-acre estate with vineyards and olive groves near Siena.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco
An ultra-luxury resort in a UNESCO-listed area near Montalcino that offers stunning views, private villas, a golf course, and a cooking school.
Viesca Toscana
viescatoscana.com/en
An exclusive boutique estate, owned and managed by the Ferragamo family, that features spacious villas and suites as well as intimate dining experiences.
Villa La Massa
villalamassa.com An opulent Renaissance villa in a serene riverside setting on the Arno River that features elegant rooms and easy access to Florence’s shopping and dining.