Florence is a vibrant, dynamic city – that’s one of the reasons we love it so much. But sometimes it’s good to get away, to pack a bag and leave the hubbub behind. Some of the most tranquil hotel havens can be found in Tuscany’s countryside and smaller towns. Whether you want super luxury or a more accessible option,
all these hotels are wonderfully secluded yet not too far away from our favourite city. Below are our choice of six peaceful hotels in Tuscany.
La Locanda Country Hotel
Radda in Chianti
La Locanda Country Hotel
In the heart of the Chianti Classico region and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this sixteenth-century converted farmhouse will win you over straight away. A rural cocoon (3km away from the medieval village of Volpaia) which treats you to picture-perfect panoramas of Tuscany, La Locanda is a rustic yet stylish B&B-style hotel. Its owners, a Milanese couple who left the world of high finance for this retreat, are warm and welcoming yet also leave you to your own devices. Three nights a week they also cook a traditional Tuscan dish which you can share if you so choose. The rooms are vintage in design, all with ensuite bathrooms and many with balconies.
Castello di Casole
Casole dʼElsa
Castello di Casole
A stay in this luxury hotel in a converted castle is sure to get you in a good mood. On top of a hill overlooking the Tuscan countryside and featuring a 4,200-acre estate, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a spa and two eateries, Castello di Casole caters to your every need. The resort’s flagship restaurant skilfully combines Tuscan cuisine with a more international flavour and is perfect for children and adults alike, while the wine and cocktail bar provides a more sophisticated atmosphere. With so many activities on offer, there is something for everyone. And if you feel like ringing the changes, Florence makes an ideal day trip!
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Chiusdino (SI)
A romantic suite at Borgo Santo Pietro
This secluded property with just 15 rooms and suites may be one of the most peaceful hotels in Tuscany. BSP defines luxury by attention to detail, unsurpassed friendly service and tailored experiences in a comfortable and stylish setting. It truly deserves its 5-star Relais & Chateau rating. Beyond everything you’d expect from a luxury resort, you will also find: a charming on-site florist’s hut, peacocks strutting in the wild, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli
Lucca
Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli
Each room here is decorated with a peaceful landscape trompe-l’œil landscape mural, which is the most defining feature at the small Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli. Its location is also ideal to discover the charming town of Lucca: in a pedestrianized zone within the city walls, it is walking distance from the city’s cultural sites and restaurants, and from the bus stop or train station. With unfailingly friendly staff and a delicious breakfast buffet, this hotel will attract any visitor in search of a touch of quiet luxury.
Badia di Pomaio
Molinelli (AR)
Badia di Pomaio
Friendly, unpretentious and relatively inexpensive, Badia di Pomaio is a great destination for the whole family. This converted historic abbey a few kilometres outside Arezzo is in splendid isolation, with breath-taking views, historic stone vaulted ceilings and beautiful gardens. Rustic simplicity characterises the rooms’ décor and staff are attentive yet discreet. The authentic Tuscan experience at Badia di Pomaio makes it a relaxing and charming base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
Villa Medicea di Lilliano
Grassina (FI)
Villa Medicea di Lilliano
Tucked away in the hills of the Chianti Colli Fiorentini wine region, yet only 25 minutes from Florence’s city centre, the Villa Medicea di Lilliano is the best of both worlds. You can now stay in what was once the residence of Medici Grand Duke Ferdinand II, renting either a room in the villa or one of their stunning, newly renovated apartments with a lovely pool. A favourite for destination weddings, the 70 hectares of vineyards and woods provide exceptional Tuscan views and the estate’s historic winery gives you the opportunity to enjoy Chianti wine at the source.
