The journey to Castel Monastero will take you through one of Italy's most beautiful stretches of countryside. Drive by corn fields, Chianti vines and long rows of cypress trees to the medieval village called 'Monastero d'Ombrone', surviving from the 11th Century. Castel Monastero has been painstakingly restored to emerge as a spectacular 75 room Country House Resort, retaining the rustic elegance of the ancient walls whilst adding elements of modernism and contemporary design.
Castel Monastero is set on 4 acres and is surrounded by green rolling hills and boasts mesmerising views of the vineyards, gardens and the Piazza. Each of the rooms are unique in design and vary in size and shape, offering rustic Tuscan tradition with modern contemporary designs. Luxurious Italian linens and sofas and Volcanic stone bathrooms are features of all of Castel Monastero's rooms, many rooms also feature rustic wooden beamed ceilings and terracotta tiled floors.
The spectacular Spa at Castel Monastero is housed in two beautiful buildings, an illustration of traditional Tuscan architecture and covers a thousand square metres. A range of treatments at the spa have been exclusively designed by Urban Retreats, acknowledged as the leaders in luxury hair design and beauty and boasting Europes largest Spa, located in Harrods of London. The Spa features an indoor wet area with complimentary use of the Finnish sauna, Hammam, sensory showers, Kneipp hydrotherapy and two pools, one featuring high saline concentration with revitalise and muscle relaxant properties. Dr Mosaraf Ali in collaboration with Castel Monastero has designed and created exclusive detox, weight loss and revitalizing programs. Dr Ali is the personal doctor to Prince Charles along with many other famous personalities such as Claudia Schiffer, Richard Branson and the Sultan of Oman.
The culinary delights of rustic Tuscan cuisine have been bought to Castel Monastero's two restaurants, with a menu especially created by Gordon Ramsay alongside the Resident Chef of the resort. Contrada is Castel Monastero's gourmet restaurant, looking out over the Piazza, this charming and elegant restaurant serves classic Tuscan dishes with a modern twist. La Cantina is situated in the original medieval wine cellars, featuring high vaulted ceilings and stone walls, this evocative setting creates a unique romantic ambiance. Local products are the key ingredients at both restaurants and are selected daily by Castel Monastero's chefs.
If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful setting and magical charm of Castel Monastero, the stunning Tuscan countryside is on your doorstep to explore. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the vineyards and local farm villages, horseback riding is a delight in this area or take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the beautiful region of Chianti. From mid September, take one of Castel Monastero's fascinating mushroom walks, searching the nearby areas for truffles and porcini mushrooms which is followed by a refined tasting menu lunch. Learn how to recreate classic Tuscan dishes including mushroom based favourites at one of the many cookery courses at Castel Monastero.
Castel Monastero is a unique piece of history tucked away in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Located only one hour fifteen minutes from Florence and two hours from Pisa, this delightful Country House Resort is the perfect base to explore the food, wines, history and spectacular scenery of this magical corner of the world.
Please note: This hotel does not open until 21 March 2013.
Transfers
From Florence airport, 2 hrs from Pisa