It must be said that Castelfalfi is one of the most unique ‘hotel’ stays I’ve ever the pleasure to experience. In truth, to call it a hotel is almost misleading; Castelfalfi is an entire medieval village lovingly restored, where daily life blends seamlessly with hospitality. Locals welcome and mingle with international guests, giving the place an authenticity and warmth that few luxury retreats can claim.
Perched on a picture-postcard hill in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, the borgo of Castelfalfi feels like stepping into another time. At its heart, lies a beautifully restored castle, now home to the fine dining La Rocca restaurant, alongside the San Floriano church, exclusive boutiques (stocking fine Italian craftsmanship), the main hotel building and a scattering of exquisitely restored cottages and private villas available to rent.
When it comes to accommodation, the choice is abundant. The main hotel houses elegant rooms and suites, their interiors inspired by the colours and textures of the surrounding landscape. Every space is designed to frame the rolling hills, the vineyards and golden sunsets.
Rooms span from Deluxe and Prestige categories with views of either the gardens or countryside. You then have an array of suites, from Junior to two-bedroom Family Suites with terraces and, the showpiece – Castelfalfi Grand Suite, complete with an open-plan patio and private garden cascading down the hillside. Or, just a short stroll away, the former tobacco warehouse offers a handful of contemporary, minimalist-style rooms, a subtle contrast to the more classic hotel aesthetic.
For those seeking seclusion, the estate’s eight luxury villas provide the perfect retreat. Ranging from 2 to 8 bedrooms, they combine the privacy of your own residence complete with pool, chef and butler, alongside the privileges of the hotel’s five-star service.
And then there is the Stefano Ricci La Rocca Suite – my favourite of them all. The suite occupies two rooms within the medieval castle walls. Every detail reflects supreme Italian craftsmanship synonymous with the Stefano Ricci brand, making it less a suite and more an expression of Tuscan artistry and heritage.
Food is of course, at the heart of life here. Castelfalfi’s culinary offerings range from trattoria-style casual to fine dining, each restaurant celebrating Tuscany’s rich traditions. At La Rocca, menus are crafted around seasonality and paired with vintage wines from the estate’s own vineyards. For something more relaxed, Olivina and Il Rosamarino trattorias serve handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and produce drawn straight from the surrounding hills. Whether indulging in a tasting menu or a simple plate of pasta, every meal comes with views that remind you why Tuscany captivates so completely.
Beyond dining, Castelfalfi offers experiences that let you immerse yourself in the estate and its surroundings. Among my favourite moments were, a fun masterclass in cocktail making and a cookery lesson with tips on how to make the perfect pizza. A bespoke olive oil and wine tasting session allowed us to appreciate the quality of the estate’s produce, whilst feasting on the finest seasonal ingredients felt like a celebration of Tuscany itself.
Mornings began with a gentle hike through the vineyards, a time to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and soak up the warmth of the summer sun. When the afternoon temperatures rose, we retreated to the state-of-the-art spa – the indoor-outdoor hydro pool with its panoramic views is the perfect setting to unwind and stay cool. And for a touch of cinematic charm, an evening spent watching a film under moonlight in the castle courtyard was the perfect way to relax and digest a delicious meal.
Time spent at Castelfalfi feels considered and personal. Whether you wish to take advantage of the many experiences on offer or simply pause to take in the landscape. It’s a place where history, design and everyday life coexist, inviting you to slow down, immerse yourself and rediscover the joy of the present moment.
If Castelfalfi sound like your perfect Tuscan setting, please do get in touch.
