Need to know
Rooms
Thirty-nine suites and penthouses, 28 villas and farmhouses.
Check–Out
10am. Earliest check-in, 4pm.
More details
A generous Continental breakfast is usually included. WiFi is free, as is valet parking.
Also
Take a Tuscan cooking class and learn how to make homemade pastas and pizzas, indulge in a gelato tasting session, or brush up on your language skills with an Italian class. Pick up grape-related know-how, from cultivation to the final product, from Castello di Casole’s wine-consultant extraordinaire Paolo Caciorgna.
At the hotel
Grounds spanning 4,200 acres (including a game reserve, vineyards and olive groves), walking and cycling trails, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, cinema, games room, croquet lawn. In rooms: flatscreen TV, iPod dock, minibar, bathrobes and slippers. The Oliveto suites have Nespresso coffee makers.
Our favourite rooms
We love the Limonaia suites, set in the converted lemon barn and boasting private gardens, cosy living rooms and a split-level layout. If you hanker for something historic, book one of the Tinaia suites, close to the chapel, which have original stone walls and bathrooms decorated with mosaics. Plump for the Bargagli Penthouse, which comfortably sleeps six and has a private patio, farmhouse antiques, rich fabrics and Carrara marble bathrooms. All suites are styled with a luxurious take on Tuscan rusticity: rich traditional colours (ochre, gold, olive and terracotta), heavy antique furniture in polished wood, four-poster beds with wrought-iron frames and original stone floors.
Poolside
The heated outdoor infinity pool is built into the hillside and has sweeping views of Siena’s valleys and vineyards. It’s flanked by sunloungers with parasols, and there’s always an attentive member of staff at hand, should you find yourself parched or peckish; it’s open from 8am until 8pm in high season (closed between November and March).
Spa
Wine cellar turned spacious luxury spa Essere (‘to be’ in Italian) has high vaulted ceilings, restored stone walls and Etruscan artifacts on display. The spa is divided into his and hers sections, with relaxation areas, luxury locker rooms, steam rooms, Roman-bath-inspired plunge pools and seven treatment rooms, including one for couples massages. Choose from a selection of classic pampering options, including Swedish and deep-tissue massages, glow-unveiling skin treatments, a signature Mediterranean aromatherapy ritual, and mani-pedis; Tuscan-tinged ingredients, including olive oil, grape seeds and rosemary, are used for all massages. There's also an east-facing garden terrace for morning yoga sessions and Pilates, a private outdoor garden for relaxing in the fresh air, and a dainty boutique displaying local products.
Packing tips
Cashmere and cologne, classically beautiful swimwear and something that’ll stand up to stomp around the grounds. Leave space in your suitcase for bottles of the local Vernaccia: a zingy white wine that goes particularly well with summertime lunches.
Also
There’s a sizeable fitness centre with a range of classic gym equipment on the ground floor of the spa. Two suites have been specially modified for wheelchair users.
Pet‐friendly
Small dogs can stay too, for a deep-cleaning fee of €150 a stay (€150 every three days for larger dogs). Pillows and bowls can be provided on request and there are plenty of quiet country roads for walkies surrounding the hotel. See more pet-friendly hotels in Tuscany.
Children
Despite the hotel’s adult feel, children are very welcome. Extra beds (€173.80 a night) and cots (free) can be added to rooms; there’s a children’s menu and the chef will happily adapt dishes from the main menu. Babysitting is available from €15 an hour.
Best for
All ages.
Recommended rooms
If you’d like a private garden for you and your brood to potter around in, book a spacious Oliveto suite or one of the Limonaia suites in the converted lemon barn. The latter are spread across two levels, with a lounge upstairs and a bedroom downstairs.
Activities
The hotel organises art classes, pizza-making sessions and gelato tastings. There’s a croquet lawn behind Ristorante Tosca, cricket equipment and walking trails. For winter months or lazy moments, there’s a cinema and games room (unsupervised), plus a stash of board games and bikes to borrow. The hotel can arrange private viewings with the gamekeeper, so children can spy on wild boar, pheasant and hare.
Swimming pool
There’s an outdoor pool set in the gardens, overlooking the Tuscan fields. A lifeguard supervises the pool from 8am until 8pm (high season). The pool is 1.4m at its deepest point; 70cm at its most shallow and is accessed by four steps. Borrow floats.
Meals
Highchairs can be provided; kids are welcome in Ristorante Tosca and there’s a children’s menu. The chef will adapt menu items for younger palates and Pazzia Pizzeria is cosy and informal – perfect for Smith Junior.
Babysitting
Babysitting is available from €15 a night; must be booked two days ahead.
No need to pack
Arts and crafts materials are provided, as are board games, bicycles and bike helmets.
