Castel Monastero
Siena, ItalyDating back to the 11th century, the property once belonged to Tuscan nobility and beautifully preserves the charm of medieval times. An accurate restoration turned the hamlet into a five-star retreat, whose rich heritage comes through in all sorts of lovely details, such as stone staircases, vaulted rooms, and beamed ceilings.
There is also a beautiful little square with a little church, a café, and an ancient well.
The jewel in the crown at Castel Monastero is the spa, housed in two beautiful country houses and complete with a range of exclusive facilities, including a high saline density oil pool and a pretty tearoom serving infusions of aromatic herbs grown at the estate. Guests can try a range of treatments and wellness programs by expert therapists and practitioners, from detox and positive thinking sessions to energising yoga lessons. Alternatively, there’s the chance to swim in one of the three outdoor pools beautifully surrounded by olive trees.
Guests keen to learn more about Tuscan wine tradition should make a beeline for La Cantina, where they can dine surrounded by 17th-century barrels in what was once the cellar of the village. The venue is truly scenic, with magnificent high vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and low lighting. The chef prepares tasty classics such as Chianina meat and pici pasta with “pappa al pomodoro”. The wine list includes the hotel’s very own Chianti grown on the estate.
The Contrada offers a sophisticated gastronomic experience in an elegant establishment where the walls are decorated with unique drawings depicting local fauna. The chef concentrates on Tuscan traditions revisited with a modern twist, focusing on seasons and local produce.
A delightful wine bar serves excellent drinks and aperitifs throughout the day.
Castel Monastero offers 73 elegant rooms and suites, as well as a splendid villa. They feature soft earth tones and precious textiles, with beautiful nature views through the windows. Terracotta flooring and wooden beams give a warm and rustic feel and are perfectly mixed with contemporary style elements. All have free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen LCD televisions and mini-bars.
Guests can also choose to stay at Villa Lavanda, an independent villa surrounded by vineyards. It’s a 17th-century farmhouse on two levels, consisting of three bedrooms, a kitchenette, a living room and a beautiful garden with a patio.
Castel Monastero has first mentioned in records in 1044 and throughout the centuries it was the home of Tuscan nobility as well as a property of the Commune of Siena. Today, the estate stays true to its heritage thanks to a renovation project that left its layers of history unspoilt.
The onsite spa is a 1000 sqm jewel with state-of-the-art facilities and services including saunas, jacuzzi, sensorial showers, hammam and Kneipp therapy. A wide range of innovative and traditional treatments is available, from detox and acupuncture sessions to relaxing massages and wine rituals.
Food is one of the hotel's top features, with two superb restaurants taking visitors on a journey through the culinary delights of Tuscany. Executive chef Enrico Marmo and his team regularly host cooking classes sharing recipes and stories through a range of Tuscan classics.
Castel Monastero D’ombrone, Siena, Italy