Why Castelfalfi feels like owning your own castle estate in Tuscany—without the upkeep: Voted Italy’s No 1 Resort: Discover the Best Rates

There’s a certain magic to Tuscany. Florence is eternally captivating, a living museum where every corner reveals a Michelangelo or a perfect espresso. But for those who already adore Italy and crave its quiet soul, there’s a compelling case for decamping to the countryside—specifically to Castelfalfi, a restored mediaeval borgo turned luxury resort just half an hour’s drive south-west of the city, yet light-years away in pace and spirit.

Why choose Castelfalfi over the undeniable allure of a palazzo suite in Florence? Because here you trade urban buzz for something rarer: the sensation of having an entire 2,700-acre estate—vineyards, olive groves, ancient forests, even a castle—more or less to yourself. Fresh from being crowned No. 1 Resort in Italy and No. 2 in Europe in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025 (plus a gleaming No. 17 in the global Top 100 Hotels), this isn’t some contrived theme-park Tuscany; it’s the real, breathing article—a working agricultural estate where the wine and oil on your table were harvested that morning, and the air carries the scent of wild herbs rather than exhaust fumes.

For independent travellers who love Italy’s depth but prefer their sophistication served with a side of serenity, Castelfalfi delivers the countryside idyll without isolation. Mornings might begin with a gentle stroll through oak-shaded trails to a hidden lake for fishing, or a truffle hunt with an expert hunter and his eager Lagotto dog—unearthing those earthy treasures before returning triumphant for a chef to shave them over fresh tagliatelle. Afternoons could involve perfecting your swing on Tuscany’s largest golf course (currently enjoying a thoughtful redesign, ready for 2026 play), or joining a cooking class in the borgo to master wood-fired pizza or handmade pasta, ingredients plucked from the estate’s organic gardens.

Evenings? Perhaps falconry at dusk, watching a hawk soar over the hills before landing gracefully on your gloved arm, or a Jeep night safari spotting deer and wild boar under starlit skies. The RAKxa spa—a serene Thai-inspired sanctuary with indoor-outdoor pools overlooking the valleys—offers treatments that blend Tuscan botanicals with Eastern wisdom, perfect for unwinding after a day of gentle exploration. And when you fancy a dose of culture, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra are all within easy reach for day trips—eturn to the quiet embrace of Castelfalfi as the sun dips behind cypress-topped ridges.

Accommodation spans contemporary rooms in the main hotel (many with sweeping terrace views), traditional suites in the restored tobacco warehouse, private farmhouses, or ultra-luxe villas with heated pools—ideal for families or groups seeking space without sacrificing service.

Dining ranges from the intimate, castle-perched La Rocca (panoramic fine dining) to casual trattoria pizzas and poolside salads, all showcasing the estate’s own wines and oils.

In short, Castelfalfi offers the Tuscany of your imaginings—rolling hills, mediaeval charm, exceptional food and wine—but experienced at your own rhythm, with the luxury of space, privacy and genuine immersion. Florence will always dazzle, and is there waiting to be explored. Castelfalfi whispers something deeper: the quiet joy of feeling, for a week or two, that this timeless corner of Italy is yours alone.

CountryClubuk Members, of course, enjoy privileged rates, complimentary upgrades where available, and those thoughtful extras that elevate every stay. If this sounds like your kind of Tuscan escape, do enquire—the best rooms (and truffle seasons) book swiftly.

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