Belmond Castello di Casole. Essence of Tuscany, luxury way. Believe me, this is not just cliche phrase to start article. If you close your eyes and think of sun-kissed Tuscan rolling hills of your dream, you will imagine exactly what you would see from the terraces of Castello di Casole.
The property is picture perfect in any angle, and I truly enjoyed walking around with my Canon camera, catching ever changing light and adorable details.
The location of Belmond Castello di Casole is truly Tuscan, no doubts. It is one hour drive from Florence, 40 min drive from Siena, and all you have around is just rural Tuscany, untouched by modern world.
The heart of the hotel was once a medieval castle, built in 998 to capitalise on the location’s sprawling views. The aristocratic Bargagli family cultivated the site further during the 1800s, and families of nobility carried through the 20th century, issuing a call to the world’s international elite.
This was when the Visconti family stepped into the scene, with filmmaker Luchino Visconti’s legendary parties adding a splash of Hollywood grandeur that still resonates today.
But the feeling of the place is a peacefulness. Something which is so much requested our days. At the morning, when fogs were still covering the valley, I was walking around barefoot amazed by the romance of the scenery. No single soul around, just butterflies, bees, and little group enjoying pilates on one of the terraces.
Food and beverage at Belmond Castello di Casole is what you expect: local, sourced from zero km, fruit and vegetables from hotels’ gardens. As organic and healthy as you can dream. My little group was treated with exquisite lunch in orto (vegetable garden). I’m not vegetarian, but Italian way of serving vegetarian food may make me rethink it. Not really (I love my meats), but this is an option.
Well, other night we had pizza making class. It was not exactly vegetarian, but delicious, and oh so much fun! You should accept that in Italy, pizza is not a fast-food. It is an art and deli. And good pizzaiolo is an artist. He is.
As friend of mine, the owner of legendary hotel Il San Pietro di Positano, told me ones, “I bike because I like my pasta”. I also bike daily bases when weather in my home town allows, and I do it when I travel as well when opportunity arises.
Not that I had much of experience with e-bike (had some), so my first few minutes dealing with e-bike was a bit of fight. Then we found agreement, me and bike, and the journey was rather pleasant, even Tuscany is quite a bit of apps and downs. When you go up, even e-bike is a bit of challenge. But scenery pays the effort. Also I’m sure you are way better biker than I’m. (On the group picture I’m the one in Volkswagen t-shirt).
Long story short, Belmond Castello di Casole is a beautiful property through and through, with benefit of Belmond standard of service if you can afford it. Higly recommended.
I’m part of Bellini Club, preferred partner of Belmond. If you book with me, you enjoy:
– Welcome or farewell treats with a local taste
– Welcome letter from the General Manager
– A US$500 gift voucher when you book US$10,000* or more holiday with Belmond
– Breakfast for 2 daily
– Complimentary upgrade based on availability at time of check in
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Hotel Belmond Castello di Casole official site Other Tuscan hotels in this blog Other inspiring articles about Italy in this blog More Belmond hotels in this blog
