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Taking Pleasure Seriously

Castel Monastero Resort & Spa – A Tuscan Fairytale Mansion

After 4 days in beautiful, tourist mobbed, Rome, Daniel and I went on to the next destination on our trip – Tuscany. The countryside, the clear air, and the breathtaking views were exactly what we needed to charge our batteries for our long trip.

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

The picturesque region of Tuscany is characterized by breathtaking countryside scenery, dreamy villas, and medieval castles. So, it was pretty evident that we would spend this part of our trip in one of the hotels that have their guests to stay in the beautiful old buildings in the area. After a great deal of searching for the perfect hotel, one that combine the authentic Tuscan atmosphere with high standard accommodations, the historic Castel Monastero resort & Spa was chosen. Situated in the heart of the Chianti area, it is only a 15 minute drive from beautiful Sienna. Set in a traditional complex made up of a group of typical medieval Tuscan buildings in the center of a small, ancient 11th-century village, the hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

As soon as we turned off the main road toward the dirt road that leads up to the village in which the hotel lies, I felt as if I was entering into an age-old fairytale. My first impression of this little village was “WOW”. It was even more striking than I imagined. The vineyards, the lush vegetation, the stone buildings with red-tiled roofs, and of course the hotel's entrance gate leading to Piazza, the main square of the hotel, all generated an amazingly romantic atmosphere.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

We parked the car in the hotel's large parking area and from there we continued to the reception desk, where the staff welcomed us warmly and explained to us about the special historical structure and the hotel facilities. The extravagant Tuscan complex includes interiors adorned with works of art and the most elegant furniture, a bar and two restaurants {not just any restaurants – The menu in both restaurants is under the supervision of the Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay!}, 3 outdoor swimming pools, a spa and a small gym in the open air just above it, a tennis court, and an ancient church that still works to this day, including on Sundays with a mass for those living in the tiny village.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

My favorite area of the hotel was its central piazza, a beautiful little square surrounded by residential buildings, restaurants and the lobby. Luckily, the very same weekend we were staying there, there was an Italian opera performance in the open air in the Piazza. It was the first opera I had ever seen and it was so mesmerizing. Not only because of the amazing singers, but also because of the special atmosphere of the square where the opera took place, which I’m afraid will be very difficult to top.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

The hotel has 74 rooms and suites, located in a small number of buildings scattered throughout the complex, all decorated in a local Tuscan style with respect for the ancient region’s tradition and combines elements of modern and elegant design. We stayed in a Deluxe Double Room, a large beautiful room with a little salon and kitchenette, a bedroom {equipped with a big, super comfortable bed!} and an extra spacious bathroom with a double vanity, great bathroom amenities and a large bathtub combined with a rain shower-head. The room is decorated in a palette of natural earth tones combined with materials and furnishings that lend a warm and cozy atmosphere. The cherry on the top is the heavenly view from all the windows in the room … To wake up every morning to such a view is simply a dream.

 

 

Speaking of waking up, I can’t not mention the breakfast which is served at La Contrada, in the hotel’s piazza. Only a perfect breakfast like that one can get the hotel guests out of bed and start their day. I’m not sure I know what I enjoyed more, the calm, quiet atmosphere, or the excellent food. The breakfast is served as a buffet {including assorted cheeses, sausages, breads pastries, fruit, fresh juices and hot dishes} with a selection of drinks and eggs, served upon request. One thing is for sure, the combination of the two was wonderful. I found it harder to leave breakfast than I did bed ??  After such a wonderful meal, we were fully energized and ready to go out and explore the small towns and villages in the area. Click here for the full guide to the town we visited while in Tuscany.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

The hotel breakfast was so good that we decided to stay in the hotel for dinner one night, instead of going out to Sienna. Two of the hotel restaurants, La Contrada and La Cantina, serve seasonal Tuscan dishes with a changing menu, while the first is considered a gourmet Tuscan restaurant, and the last, Tuscan with a relaxed and modern twist. We chose La Cantina, located in a charming building that used to be the mansion’s wine cellar, where wines were made and stored.

For the first course we shared a platter of Bruschetta with a bunch of toppings, for the main course we ordered handmade pasta, Daniel chose pappardelle ragu and I a Pici pasta with brown butter and pecorino cheese, and we also shared a meat fillet. For dessert, we ordered a traditional tiramisu and a caramelised cremsnit with pistachio cream and berries. Apart from the bruschetta, which felt a little drab to me, all of the dishes were excellent.

Just like the food served in the restaurant, its design combines traditional Tuscan design with modern style – with high vaulted stone ceilings and large wooden barrels alongside marble tables and modern colored plates.

 

 

Throughout our entire time in Tuscany, the weather was nice and warm, more than usual for the season, which is why we decided to spend our last day at the hotel poolside and in the luxurious spa. We ordered an especially refreshing Aperol Spritz, and took advantage of the great weather and enjoyed the nature that surrounded us from all sides, and the exemplary quiet.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

After some poolside time under the sun, we decided to move to the spa and soak in the salt pool and Jacuzzi. If you haven’t booked a treatment, then you will be charged for entering the spa, but the spa is really high end, including a heated swimming pool, a sauna, and resting areas. I personally do not think that entering a spa in such a hotel should cost extra , but from my experience this is the norm in most hotels. On rainy days, it is quite the wise decision to spend your day at the spa.

 

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

Beautiful hotel in Tuscany, Italy - Castel Monastero Resort & Spa

 

If you’re looking for a little drop a’ heaven in Tuscany, I highly recommend the Castel Monastero resort & Spa. The buildings are authentic and beautiful, the atmosphere is magical, the food was divine, and the staff was so friendly and professional.

 

What is your opinion of Castel Monastero Resort & Spa? Leave me a comment below 🙂

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* Thank you Castel Monastero resort & Spa for your perfect hospitality.

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