Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
Set in the heart of Chianti Classico country, this albergo diffuso has brought new life to a quintessential Tuscan hamlet.
What to expect
If you dream of laid-back luxury in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Borgo San Felice is the place for you. It’s spread out over a series of centuries-old stone buildings surrounded by cypress and olive trees, with casual and gourmet restaurants, two tennis courts, an outdoor pool, a gym, a spa, a vegetable garden, and 685 hectares of vineyards. Last year, the property completed a renovation project that included the creation of two new signature suites and the renovation of one of its villas.
Background
The earliest written records of the Borgo date back to 714 CE. From 1700 to 1978, it was owned by the noble Grisaldi del Taja family, whose members include one of the founders of the Consorzio del Chianto Classico (the governing body for the iconic wines). It opened as a hotel in 1991 and has undergone various updates and refurbishings since.
Location, location, location
The rural setting in Chianti Classico is within easy reach of the region’s vineyards and charming villages. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Gaiole in Chianti, a half-hour to Siena and an hour-and-a-half to Florence. Just be sure to rent a car — you’ll need one to get around here.
Where you’ll sleep
The 59 rooms and suites and two villas are dispersed around the borgo and done up in classic Tuscan style, with oak floors, plush furnishings in colors inspired by the surrounding area, antique prints and travertine bathrooms. Suites have a private garden or terrace and the villas are great for large groups. Villa Casanova was recently renovated and now has three fully equipped apartments that can be booked separately or together for exclusive use accommodating up to 18 people.
Dining & drinks
Both of the restaurants — Poggio Rosso and Osteria Il Grigio — are headed up by lauded chef Enrico Bartolini, while Juan Quintero looks over the kitchens on-site. Poggio Rosso has a Michelin star and a Green Star for sustainability, with elegant tasting menus made using fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden. I also loved the convivial atmosphere at the osteria, which serves Tuscan classics like pappa al pomodoro, homemade pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina. The outdoor bar is the perfect setting to unwind with an aperitivo before dinner.
Service notes
Staff are efficient and cordial, always trying to make guests feel at home.
Spa time
The spa is located in the borgo’s former olive press. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to use it, but it has a wet zone with a sauna, steam bath and kneipp pools as well as wine treatments, massages, facials and beauty treatments.
Family perks
The resort is family-friendly and has connecting rooms for parents and kids as well as a children’s menu at Osteria Del Grigio. They also provide pet beds and bowls for furry family members, which are allowed everywhere except the restaurant and the swimming pool.
You should know...
Lots of properties like to talk about sustainability, but Borgo San Felice walks the walk. The hotel runs on 100% renewable energy and is certified as a Zero Waste Hotel. The Orto Felice and Aia Felice operate as a community welfare project that trains young people with disabilities to tend the vegetable garden and take care of the chickens.
Accessibility
- The hotel has a ADA friendly rooms and bathrooms.
Features & amenities
- Countryside setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Fitness room
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Borgo San Felice Resort
Località San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardegna
Tel. +39 05773964
Website
