A Luxurious Escape to Belmond Castello di Casole in the Heart of Tuscany

Belmond Castello di Casole is more than just a place to stay — it’s a journey back in time with all the perks of modern luxury. The hotel, a restored medieval castle, blends authentic history with chic elegance, and we were immediately swept off our feet by the warm welcome from the staff. When we checked in, we were greeted with a glass of champagne and led to the beautiful courtyard where we received an overview of the hotel’s history and offerings. As an extra-special touch, the staff took a Polaroid picture of us, which we were delighted to receive when we checked out — an unforgettable memento of our stay.

Hotel Courtyard; Appertivo

Our home for the stay? The Etruria Suite, located just a short stroll from the main castle in the cozy Oliveto building. This suite feels like a private Italian apartment, combining rustic Tuscan charm with a stylish modern flair. The best part? The stunning views of the Tuscan valley from both the living room and bedroom, plus a rare 30m private terrace where we could kick back, sip wine and just take it all in. It doesn’t get any more “Tuscan dream” than this!

Inside, the suite is full of character. From the travertine flooring to the original artwork, it oozes Italian style. The living room is spacious with a large sofa, while the bedroom offers a king-sized bed, dressed in luxurious linens and plush duvets. The bathroom? A masterpiece, featuring Carrara marble, Acqua di Parma toiletries and an indulgent walk-in shower with double showerheads. And don’t get me started on the deep-soak free-standing bathtub — it was practically calling my name the moment we stepped foot in the suite.

Beyond the stunning suites, the hotel has so much to offer. We spent a fun-filled morning zipping around the estate on a guided e-bike tour, followed by a seriously relaxing afternoon at the Essere Spa. The spa, complete with steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas (that you can use whether you have a spa treatment booked or not), is the perfect escape. If you book a treatment, don’t miss the olive oil-infused massage — it was pure bliss. To cool off, the infinity pool with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside was the ultimate way to unwind.

If you're looking for something truly special, the hotel offers curated experiences like private wine tastings in the cellar, truffle hunting and cooking classes with local chefs. Every little detail of our stay was designed to help us experience Tuscany at its best — whether it was through the food, the wine or the unbeatable views.

• Best time to visit: Spring and early fall are perfect for mild weather and fewer crowds. We visited in mid-June, right before it got very busy for the summer season.

• Perfect for: Honeymooners, couples or anyone looking for the ultimate countryside escape.

• Dining reservations: You’ll want to book Ristorante Tosca in advance, especially during peak season.

• Don’t miss: A sunset aperitivo on the terrace. Trust us — it’s pure magic.

• Spa bookings: Plan, as treatments book up fast!

• Tip: Pack allergy medicine! My husband, who’s never had allergies before, quickly became a local expert on the matter thanks to the Tuscan hills. Thankfully, the wonderful staff went out of their way to pick up some over-the-counter allergy medicine for him in the nearby town, saving our trip in the nick of time!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Tuscany page.