Castel Monastero – hotel tip for Tuscany

They almost didn’t take us to paradise. The appointed taxi driver skilfully ignores us at the agreed pick-up point. Maybe it’s because we’re dressed pretty casually and don’t look too fresh after a hectic day (remember: I rushed through Florence to buy panini). After an unsuccessful first tentative attempt on my part, I was able to convince him at the second attempt that we had ordered it. But why taxi drivers at all? Our destination, Castel Monastero, is only 23 kilometers from Siena. Unfortunately, there is no bus there and so we let ourselves be chauffeured.

Come to stay

Castel Monastero is located far away from the hustle and bustle in the middle of the romantic hilly landscape of the Chianti region. In the middle of postcard Tuscany, so to speak. The hotel is located in a former monastery and village known as Monastero d’Ombrone. The oldest buildings in the complex date back to the 11th century. About five years ago, all the buildings were beautifully renovated and now house one of the most exclusive hotels in Tuscany.

I’m already blown away after a few minutes. Anyone who passes through the gate to the hotel is greeted by an authentic Tuscan flair. There is no kitsch here. Despite the size of the resort (a total of 74 rooms and suites are spread over different buildings), you also feel safe. This is perhaps due to the fact that the buildings, including the church, are grouped around the piazza, thus conveying a sense of community.

For the two days, we enjoy an executive suite with a view of the piazza on one side and a view of the vineyards on the other. The furnishing style of the rooms is extremely tasteful. For now, I’m lounging on the leather sofa and hoping that this weekend the clocks will miraculously tick slower.

Golden Evening Moments

The view from the room is too tempting to waste time on the sofa. The evening sun lures us into the vineyards and olive groves that surround the hotel. Even after sunset, Castel Monastero forms an immaculate backdrop.

In Bacchus’ World

Not only do we walk through the vineyards, but we also taste them in liquid form. Of course, the wines from the surrounding vineyards are also on the resort’s wine list. In fact, they are so good that they turn me – a convinced white wine drinker – into a red wine lover. Hats off. In addition to wine, there is also a lot of passion dedicated to Tuscan cuisine. There are two restaurants for guests to choose from. The menu at the gourmet restaurant La Contrada was curated by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey. Here, classic Tuscan dishes are interpreted in a modern way. We feast our way through a fantastic menu that tantalizes our taste buds from A to Z.

The Tuscan speciality restaurant La Cantina is located in a medieval wine cellar and offers a magical ambience for a relaxing evening. The dishes are less elaborate than at La Contrada, but here you have the opportunity to penetrate the Italian spheres of pleasure with pici and vin’santo (sweet wine as a dessert – be sure to try it!).

Doing nothing perfected

The next morning we start in the sunshine on the piazza. We have a hearty breakfast, read the newspaper and discuss the day’s plans. The first thing I do is fill my plate with fruit and mini bomboloni and I’m completely happy. I was already in Verona looking for Bomboloni (a kind of “Italian Berliner”) and was just looked at there uncomprehendingly. The day’s goal has thus been reached. The rest of the breakfast buffet isn’t particularly outstanding. Nothing is missing, but with the exception of the bomboloni, few regional specialties are served.

Our daily schedules are also highly unspectacular. We just want to do nothing. This includes relaxing your muscles with a massage and then curling up on one of the deck chairs and diving back into the realm of dreams with a mixture of birdsong, brook murmurs and rustling leaves. Just like that in broad daylight. Pure luxury!

Quenching the spirit of discovery

In the afternoon, we are still gripped by the spirit of discovery. We hop on two bicycles that Castel Monastero makes available to its guests. Within a radius of a few kilometres there are some worthwhile excursion destinations. We first drive to Castello di Montalto and then past vineyards, cypresses and chestnut forests across the countryside. In between, we hear the sounds of wild boars in the distance and suddenly a deer is standing right in front of us.

However, driving on the mostly gravel side road is also nerve-wracking. Many roads end up as dead ends in the middle of nowhere. Others split unexpectedly and you don’t understand which direction leads to the goal. For this very reason, we catch a glimpse of the Abbadia d’Ombrone from afar, but fail to choose the right road to the old monastery. Well, the beautiful landscape compensates for the exertions and back at Castel Monastero we treat ourselves to a delicious club sandwich. I could get used to days like that.

If you just want to relax for a few days in a sun-drenched area, Castel Monastero is the perfect place for you. I would have easily stayed here for a few more days.

Information and tips about Castel Monastero, the hotel in Tuscany

• Plan a trip to Siena (only 30 minutes away by car)
• Cycling in the Chianti area
• Make a detour to Florence during the week (1 hour drive)
• Explore the diversity of Tuscany by rental car (e.g. day trip to the Mediterranean)

Note: Castel Monastero invited me to this stay. Thank you very much for this! As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.