Tuscany Travel Guide: The top three luxury hotels perfect for a last-minute getaway

Few places compare to the unique natural beauty, renowned architecture and beautiful cuisine found in one of Italy’s most revered regions: Tuscany. Located on the country’s Northern coast, the area is packed full of famous landmarks, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. We’ve rounded up the best luxury hotels to visit for a last-minute summer getaway.

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi

If it’s unspoilt beauty and charm that you’re looking for, then this five-star historic hotel set in the heart of Tuscany is just the place to find it. With 2,700 acres of glorious countryside on your doorstep, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi encourages guests to immerse themselves in the untouched, picturesque landscape the region has to offer.

After undergoing extensive renovations since 2021, the estate is nearing its final stages of transformation and is now home to more than 140 modern rooms and suites, an ancient castle and church, an organic agricultural estate and the largest golf course in the whole of Tuscany.

Rooms are modern with panoramic views over the hilly landscape – a view that is also shared by the outdoor pool and restaurants. A brand-new state-of-the-art spa is opening in September this year, which will feature an indoor and outdoor infinity pool, making it the perfect setting for guests to truly relax.

There are six restaurants for guests to choose between, with a focus on sustainability and organically sourced produce throughout. However, the selection of more than 40 different experiences on offer to guests is what truly makes this hotel stand out. Whether you’re looking to stay active with tennis, cycling or archery lessons, or experience traditional Tuscan food and wine with pizza-making classes or wine tasting from the estate’s vineyards, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.

At the award-winning Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, exceptional service, a breathtaking location and delicious cuisine make this one of the most relaxing locations to spend a few days enjoying the last of the summer sun.

Adler Spa Resort Thermae

As the name suggests, this country house-style hotel is all about personal relaxation and wellness, thanks to a full-service spa that offers a wide variety of body treatments, massages and facials. On top of that, there are two outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool, hot springs and a salt grotto. The hotel prides itself on its thermal water, which is rich in minerals, sulphur compounds and volcanic substances, designed to have a healing and cleansing effect on the body.

For those guests wanting to take their health and wellbeing one step further, the hotel offers several medical services, including blood analysis, weight loss and nutrition programmes, and stress management guidance.

There are 87 rooms in total, with private balconies or patios attached to each one. Dining options include a pool bar for light lunches and snacks, as well as a main restaurant and bar in the hotel’s main building.

Located in the beautiful and charming medieval town of San Quirico d’Orcia, just south of Siena, this hotel was awarded Trip Advisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best this year, and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re looking for a holistic retreat, then a stay here ticks all the boxes.

Castello Banfi Il Borgo Hotel

This five-star luxury hotel in Montalcino feels more like your own private oasis, with just 14 rooms and suites creating a refined and exclusive atmosphere in the heart of one of Tuscany’s most beautiful and historic locations.

The ancient fortress, Castello Banfi, towers over the estate’s outbuildings, which house individual and spacious guestrooms that have been meticulously decorated by one of Italy’s most renowned architects, Federico Forquet. Meanwhile, the heated swimming pool offers vast views over the Sangiovese vineyards, which are responsible for producing the estate’s wines.

You can enjoy a seasonal menu of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sala dei Grappoli. For more relaxed dining, La Taverna is a classical Tuscan restaurant serving traditional dishes of Montalcino and Tuscany. In all, this hotel serves as a romantic retreat, allowing guests to truly switch off and fully embrace the art of slow living.

Alexandra Davis