Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

The 39 rooms and suites at Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany each imbue the same sense of history, authenticity and elegance that you would hope for from the rest of the estate. The doors are dark wood and heavy, beams exposed, sofas soft and furnishings look antique, while views invariably capture the gardens and surrounding hills. A king-size or two double beds, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and a DVD player, designer toiletries and a standalone bathtub are among the automatically included amenities at Belmond, though certain suites also include a lounge area and for some, a furnished terrace too.

Deluxe Guestroom

Ranging between 398-474sq ft depending on their exact position in the castle, Deluxe Guestrooms are a super space of subtle design features, original elements such as exposed beams and more modern creature comforts, mainly found in the luxe bathroom.

Junior Suite

Coming in either Classic, Deluxe or Executive category, the main difference between all of the sumptuous Junior Suites is their size, with floorplans starting at 484sq ft and scaling up to 700sq ft. All enjoy a lounge area, again of varying size, plus a range of views and interesting artworks on the walls too.

Suite

Providing significantly more space at 753-969sq ft, depending on their position in the property and exact layout, Suites at Belmond Castello di Casole are truly the cream of the crop. All come with a separate lounge area and mix of either courtyard or countryside views, some also featuring an outdoor terrace or private garden patio.

If nothing else, it is worth booking a room at Belmond Castello di Casole for the onsite Essere Spa alone. Housed in the property’s former wine cellar, this den of stone-clad decadence is one of the most atmospheric and authentic parts of the original building, made all the better by the therapies to be enjoyed here; just wait until you see the underground bubble pool too. A heated outdoor swimming pool and sun patio are just as impressive with their hilltop views – there’s also a gym, olives groves and grape vines that service both the restaurant and boutique outlet near the lobby, along with other local crafts, artwork and souvenirs from your time in Tuscany.

Where better to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine with an expert chef than here in Tuscany? You can take a cookery class to get the insider tips and tricks at Castello di Casole, or yoga and watercolour painting if you prefer – truffle hunting and simple scenic walks through the estate are also popular pastimes during those laidback afternoons. Olive oil and wine tasting tours then come highly recommended here, plus day trips to the walled fortress of Monteriggioni, Sienna and Florence further afield. For something a little more active, cycling the countryside or exploring on horseback just can’t be beaten, and there are also several golf courses nearby too.

With a dedicated ‘Pizza Academy’ on-site, it’s safe to say that Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel takes Italy’s culinary legacy seriously. Master the art of pasta rolling and dough twirling at the Emporio alfresco restaurant, which also sells the estate’s own produce – wine, honey, and olive oil.

Head out on a truffle hunting expedition led by an expert guide and dogs before returning to indulge in the day’s harvest with a four-course truffle dinner. Or join husband and wife cheese afficionados, Giovanni and Giovanna, and try the rare Pecorino Marzolino di Lucardo, which is made to the original recipe dating back to the 14th century.

Watch the sun set over the undulating hills of Tuscany with a romantic Enchanted Table experience, where you’ll enjoy a selection of delicate canapes on a floating table in the estate’s secluded woodland.