Castel Monastero

The hotel is set in what was once a medieval village, and has large courtyards and numerous beautiful stone buildings. The lobby has a relaxed, chic, rustic vibe. It feels like a charming living room, with comfortable leather couches, wood beamed ceilings, and contemporary art. The front desk has a contemporary look and is made up of a configuration of framed panels. The property has large expanses of grassy lawns, lush flowered bushes, and a small vineyard; it attracts couples who are looking for a luxurious, relaxing escape.  

The hotel is located in an ancient village tucked away in the serene Tuscan countryside, surrounded by vineyards and about an hour and 15 minutes from the Florence Airport. It is a bit isolated -- a 25-minute drive to Siena -- and doesn't have anything of interest within walking distance. However, there are many attractions nearby that are reachable by car:

• 13-minute drive to Berardenga Riding Centre
• 15-minute drive to Vittorio Alfieri Theater
• 23-minute drive to Piazza del Campo
• 23-minute drive to Torre del Mangia
• 23-minute drive to Torre dell'Orologio 
• 23-minute drive to the Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi
• 26-minute drive to Teatro dei Rinnovati
• 28-minute drive to Siena Basilica di San Francesco
• 33-minute drive to San Martino

All the rooms at the hotel are individually decorated, but share a sense of sophisticated, rustic luxury. High wood-beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, tufted leather couches, and large armoires fill the rooms. The windows have wooden shutters and look out onto courtyards, vineyards, and the beautiful surrounding landscape. Each of the rooms has free Wi-Fi, a safe, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and coffee and tea. The bathrooms are equally chic, with dark stone-tiled floors and walls, large tubs, glass walk-in showers, bidets, and luxury toiletries.  

The Castel Monastero features a beautiful, tranquil spa, with an indoor saltwater pool, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and various treatment rooms where guests can get massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa also runs detox, anti-aging, weight-loss, and nutrition programs. There are two additional pools outdoors, both of which are surrounded by lounge chairs. The large fitness center has modern equipment, including a couple of treadmills and free weights. The hotel's two restaurants are helmed by world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay. The formal Contrada serves gourmet Tuscan-style meals using local products, and is separated into two lounges; it is open to outside guests. The restaurant also offers cooking classes, where guests can learn to recreate the meals served at the restaurant. A more casual alternative, La Cantina is set in old wine cellars with arched ceilings and exposed brick walls. The hotel also offers truffle hunting excursions. Both breakfast and parking are free.