TAKE ME BACK TO TUSCANY: Toscana Resort Castelfalfi

Take your time machine and crank it back about 1000 years.  Then step out into an ancient village that has been transformed today into the ultimate Tuscan resort.

Castelfalfi is an ancient Borgo in the heart of Tuscany, that decades ago fell into a gentle slumber, but has been revived into a spectacular Tuscan resort. It sits on more than 1,100 hectares in one of the most stunning locations in Italy. Here you can experience the simplicity and authenticity of true Tuscan hospitality. There is a myriad of wonderful activities to partake in at the resort and surrounding areas.  Guests can go golfing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, truffle hunting, take cooking classes, and of course, indulge in wine tasting. Castelfalfi is nearby the cultural hubs of Florence, Pisa, and Siena so visitors can experience even more of the local flavors and history when venturing beyond its borders.

Upon arrival at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi visitors are immediately cast under its tranquil spell and transported to times past with a modern twist.  Start is by strolling up the hill and parade past the shops in the historic village and catch a glimpse of the castle. Then venture through the resort doors to the terrace and notice the signature sculpture, “The Circle of Life.” The intertwined male and female figures create a bridge between the earth, where the olive tree grows, and the vault of heaven. Keep walking and be rewarded with the most amazing art, the vista of the Tuscan countryside created by Mother Nature. Take a seat on one of the lazy bean bag lounge chairs and soak in the view while letting all the real-world worries fade away. Later, try a plunge into one of the outdoor pools. Then as the Tuscan sun starts to set, taste one of the many local wines while the best show on earth begins – ‘Sunset in Tuscany’. Minutes turn into hours while gazing yonder. Soon enough it’s time to taste the flavors of Tuscany at one of the resort’s restaurants offering gourmet dining experiences. 

After a good night’s sleep, take in a round of golf or truffle hunting. Dine poolside or at the Country Clubhouse. Then venture out on a Vespa or bike ride around the resort. Finally, arrive for a wine tasting to learn about the local viticulture.  Be sure to sign up for a cooking class to learn the tricks of the Tuscan trade to show off back home. Choose a new restaurant for dinner, retreat to your suite, sleep, wake up and repeat this leisure life under the Tuscan sun.

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi’s dining experiences will delight all the foodies, while maintaining a sustainable philosophy. The hotel’s restaurant in the main building is soon to be transformed into a brand new innovative dinning experience. Here guests can dine alfresco with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. La Rocca Di Castelfafi is located inside the restored medieval castle. It’s ideal for an aperitif on the terrace before experiencing fine dining inside the ancient walls with a dynamic tasting menu. Il Rosmarino is a rustic traditional trattoria serving the best of Tuscany’s cuisine. Here, pizza from the wood-fired oven with shaved truffles sourced on the estate is truly a treat. Giglio Blu is the seasonal poolside dining area for light lunches including vegetarian, vegan, and low-carb meals. Dining at Castelfalfi is an all-out orgasmic affair!

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi has 25-hectares of vineyards that produce ten different varieties including Sangiovese, the “oenological king” of Tuscany, all complying with organic procedures.  They are a mix between the classics of Tuscan tradition and those inspired by the terroir. Tuscan viticulture is the most representative of Italy, thanks to the crops distributed over hilly terrain, creating the best climate for growing vines.  The main reds of the region include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, all produced from Sangiovese varieties.

Soothing organic ingredients are also a part of the rejuvenating spa experience such as grape-based essential oils infused with indigenous botanicals. La Spa is an 11,000 square-foot sanitarium. It boasts a wide variety of spiritual treatments and nature-inspired beauty rituals, indoor and outdoor pools, Finnish and bio saunas, sensory showers, and relaxation areas. The estate’s philosophy strongly advocates personalized activities for guests’ mental and physical wellbeing. For outdoor wellness activities, there is an open-air cabin for yoga, pilates, and massage.  

For golf aficionados, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi has a spectacular 27-hole course. The more challenging Mountain Course has 18 holes for experienced golfers, while the Lake Course has 9 holes suitable for beginners. The courses are eco-friendly with an eco-label, GEO Certified. The brand-new Golf Club Castelfalfi Country Clubhouse is the crown jewel rounding out the golf experience for dining between rounds of golf. 

Thrill seekers can partake in the newly launched “Castelfalfi Adventure Park” offering survival courses, tree climbing, archery and more. 

Art is an integral part of Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. For centuries, in Castelfalfi people have valued beauty and culture. The estate pays homage to this tradition, through its artistic expression. The Borgo is filled with exhibitions and art installations by Tuscan artists. The Cellars of the Castle brought back to their original glory, are the most evocative symbol of this, with unique art exhibitions inside. The main hotel lobby showcases a wide variety of local artists in a gallery-like setting. Meanwhile, meandering around the resort, guests can discover unique sculptures placed in prominent positions on the estate grounds. 

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is a proud believer in sustainability. The 2700-acre property consists of protected terrain replete with vineyards, olive groves, lakes, and a wildlife reserve alongside the over 1000-year-old ancient settlement of Castelfalfi.  The entire village encompasses the resort. The restoration began in 2007 renovating the original village apartments, farmhouses, and the 15th-century castle. All have been thoughtfully refurbished using green building principles and traditional materials. This renewal process was carried over to the resort’s main new building and additional accommodations set in a historic tobacco warehouse.

Sustainability does not stop with building construction. There is a biomass power plant providing an innovative heating and cooling system. Castelfafli is also 98% self-sufficient in terms of water resources. Plus, the presence of wild animals including deer, wild boar, insects, and bees are all an important part of the local ecosystem. Additionally, there are the prized Truffle, Porcini, Prugnoli, and Chiodini mushrooms along with organic fruit trees and vegetables growing on the resort’s land. Castelfalfi even has its own bee farm and extra virgin organic olive oil production coming from its 10,000 olive trees.

Today, the 5-star, 146 room hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection. In 2018, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi won the “Best Wine Resort” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, followed by Conde Nast Johansen best immersive experience in 2020, 2021 and 2023 and Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award in 2021 and 2022.

In 2021 a proud new owner took over the reins of this magnificent resort and added some contemporary touches. It reopened in Spring 2022 with some stylish upgrades. Stay tuned for some new discoveries next season at Castelfalfi .

For guests who never want to leave, the resort offers a collection of eco-sustainable villas and apartments to rent or buy. Additionally, there are farmhouses for sale in pre-restored condition or ancient ruins ready for complete restoration.

For those looking for a romantic place to say their “I do’s”, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi may just be the place.  This idyllic setting is a perfect place to host a destination wedding or spend a splendid honeymoon.

Whether a honeymooner, vacationer, or someone who just wants to escape reality, spending a few days and nights under the Tuscan sun at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi may be just what the doctor ordered. Consume some of the world’s best wines and gourmet organic meals in a sustainably conscious environment. After all, tomorrow’s another day. Why not live for today in Tuscany?!

https://www.castelfalfi.com