COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany

Tucked away amongst the vineyards and olive groves of the Tuscan countryside lies a 12th-century castle which looks like it has been plucked from the pages of your favorite fairytale. The dream continues upon arriving at COMO Castello del Nero to check in and discover one of the 18 muralled suites has your name on it. A blissful retreat providing complete tranquillity at just a stone’s throw from Italy’s most mesmerising cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa, marvel at Medieval frescoes and ride horseback through the Chianti hills before returning for a stint in the state-of-the-art spa.

Location

Situated in the charming town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa in the heart of the Renaissance countryside, with Florence airport just 40 minutes to the north and Siena airport 50 miles south, COMO Castello del Nero is perfectly located for those wanting to get away but be a short hop from Italy’s urban gems. Whether it’s picnics on the vineyards, truffle hunting for your cooking class or breathing in the surroundings with a hot air balloon ride, the hotel and its sprawling 740 acres is sure to surpass all expectations.

Your Room

Choose from one of 32 exquisitely decorated rooms and 18 unique suites, each painstakingly restored to retain original characteristics, including vaulted ceilings, marble and mosaic bathrooms and ‘cotto’ floors evocative of the castle’s magnificent past. Offset by contemporary design and a palette of neutral tones with the odd splash of pastel, each room is a lesson in sophisticated chic, the perfect marriage of classic style with contemporary comfort.

Why We Like It

Aside from it being a treasure trove of original features, the diamond in COMO Castello del Nero’s already glittering crown has got to be the ultra-modern, signature COMO Shambhala Retreat spa, designed to cater to your every need. With revitalising thermal suites, ice fountains, a heated vitality pool and tranquillity lounge you’ll struggle to decide exactly where to do your relaxing. And, of course, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without ultimate epicurean indulgence; the La Torre Michelin-starred restaurant is housed in the castle’s old stables and is known for its fine dining, with the chef making everything (and we mean everything) by hand, whilst the Tuscan La Taverna is the place to sample regional delicacies. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine cellar either.

Sustainability

With a strong focus on farm-to-table experiences, choose your own produce directly from the kitchen garden to be prepared into your meal. In addition to the organic garden, the estate hosts its own beehives, olive groves and vineyard, keeping it local and eco-friendly.