Hamzeh Alfarahneh

Castelfalfi

  • Where:
  • Why:A Tuscan getaway
  • When:July 2022
  • Who:My boo and I

"The Best That Tuscany Has On Offer "

AT A GLANCE: Nested on the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany amidst acres of protected terrain replete with vineyards, olive groves, lakes, and a wildlife reserve. Castelfali combines country hotel charm with gastronomy, class, and many activities to keep everyone busy and contented, making it the perfect location for tying the knot or a family vacation — pets included. Enjoy the extensive and delicious breakfast spread.

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Castelfalfi Oh Hello! I just arrived to Castelfalfi, a magical town in the heart of Tuscany

Oh Hello! I just arrived to Castelfalfi, a magical town in the heart of Tuscany

Castelfalfi Delicious welcome treat greats us in our suite; they went down extremely fast, especially those candied ginger

Delicious welcome treat greats us in our suite; they went down extremely fast, especially those candied ginger

Castelfalfi If the bed looks so small it is just because the suite is enormous, with a walk-in closet, spacious bathroom, a sitting room, and a gorgeous terrace

If the bed looks so small it is just because the suite is enormous, with a walk-in closet, spacious bathroom, a sitting room, and a gorgeous terrace

Castelfalfi Ah, I love a walk-in wardrobe

Ah, I love a walk-in wardrobe

Castelfalfi After settling in, we checked out Ecrù bar for sundowners, where we had a G&T made with Castelfalfi's gin — from wild juniper berries harvested from the forest nearby

After settling in, we checked out Ecrù bar for sundowners, where we had a G&T made with Castelfalfi's gin — from wild juniper berries harvested from the forest nearby

Castelfalfi This sunset!

This sunset!

Castelfalfi All lubricated, we decided to stroll through the village on our way to Il Rosmarino for dinner

All lubricated, we decided to stroll through the village on our way to Il Rosmarino for dinner

Castelfalfi Dinner was a success!

Dinner was a success!

Castelfalfi The early bird catches the worm, and I love an early morning coffee in our suite. This is the sitting room

The early bird catches the worm, and I love an early morning coffee in our suite. This is the sitting room

Castelfalfi Ah, breakfast is a feast for the mind, body, and soul. Castelfalfi excels with their spreads and service

Ah, breakfast is a feast for the mind, body, and soul. Castelfalfi excels with their spreads and service

Castelfalfi The postcard Tuscan view of rolling hills and stunning vistas. This was our breakfast view

The postcard Tuscan view of rolling hills and stunning vistas. This was our breakfast view

Castelfalfi  And this is the view from our suite

And this is the view from our suite

Castelfalfi You can chill by the pool if you are exhausted from the stunning vistas. Castelfalfi has three pools

You can chill by the pool if you are exhausted from the stunning vistas. Castelfalfi has three pools

Castelfalfi After catching the sun and enjoying the surroundings, I've changed into my farmer outfit for a special tour of the grounds, vineyards, and cellar

After catching the sun and enjoying the surroundings, I've changed into my farmer outfit for a special tour of the grounds, vineyards, and cellar

Castelfalfi But first, stopped by the local church, which is under the custodianship of the Castelfalfi estate. The church is old, and the resort is in the process of restoring and preserving the ancient frescos that grace the walls

But first, stopped by the local church, which is under the custodianship of the Castelfalfi estate. The church is old, and the resort is in the process of restoring and preserving the ancient frescos that grace the walls

Castelfalfi Castelfalfi grounds comprise a golf course, forest, vineyards, and olive orchards. The estate adopted a regenerative approach that maintains traditional farming practices

Castelfalfi grounds comprise a golf course, forest, vineyards, and olive orchards. The estate adopted a regenerative approach that maintains traditional farming practices

Castelfalfi In the cellars where Castelfalfi wines mature, those barrels hold the

In the cellars where Castelfalfi wines mature, those barrels hold the "Poggio Alla Fame," a smooth Tuscan red wine, one of Castelfalfi's most recognized wines

Castelfalfi You can't be in a cellar without sampling the

You can't be in a cellar without sampling the "goods" we had the pleasure of trying out all six of Castelfalfi's wines. All produced inhouse

Castelfalfi The spa pool

The spa pool

Castelfalfi In partnership with Alberto Bartalini, Castelfalfi converted the old cellar into an art gallery. This season's show is titled

In partnership with Alberto Bartalini, Castelfalfi converted the old cellar into an art gallery. This season's show is titled "La Scuderia," which means workshop in Italian

Castelfalfi I had a chance to check out another guest room. Which have the upgraded design that Castelfalfi is in the process of rolling out to all of its rooms and suites

I had a chance to check out another guest room. Which have the upgraded design that Castelfalfi is in the process of rolling out to all of its rooms and suites

Castelfalfi Another magnificent view

Another magnificent view

Castelfalfi Ending an adventureful day at La Rocca for dinner

Ending an adventureful day at La Rocca for dinner

Castelfalfi Ah, it can't get better than this, kids

Ah, it can't get better than this, kids

Highs & Lows

  • Where do I begin? Castelfalfi is an ecology of its own. The estate offers travelers bountiful choices and options, from accommodation — you can choose to stay in the hotel, rent a villa, or even buy an apartment, to food and experiences

  • The setting is magical and exceeds expectations, from rolling hills to undisturbed vineyards and forests

  • The property offers a multitude of activities to keep visitors stimulated and involved. You can play at the biggest golf course in Tuscany, go on a truffle foraging adventure, or sample the estate's wine and olive oil. You can book these activities and more through the Castelfalfi app

  • I was surprised by the agricultural output of Castelfalfi and the team's commitment to regenerative practices and community involvement. For instance, the estate owns an olive press that the local community can use — without any cost — to produce their olive oil

  • The gastronomical offering is enormous. With seven restaurants dotted across the estate and village, there is something for everyone. The restaurants range from casual dining to formal, and all restaurants rely on locally grown and sourced ingredients

  • It is heartwarming to learn about Castelfalfi's initiatives toward sustainability and self-sufficiency. The estate waters its fields and golf course from artificial lakes that collect rainwater and roll out alternatives to reduce single-use plastic usage across the property

  • In my future visits to Castelfalfi I would like to check on the progress in eliminating plastic usage, from removing plastic wrapping in cotton pads to rethinking more eco-friendly packaging of mini-bar items and coffee capsules

  • The in-room amenities lacked a particular va-va-voom that a property such as Castelfalfi deserves. It would be interesting to see collaborations with future-forward brands to zhoosh up the toiletries and mini bar offering

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 48/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Rural Retreat

  • Vibe

    Tuscan lux at its finest

  • Location

    Hilltop village of Castelfalfi, established in 700AD. The town was abandoned after the war and then bought and developed into a high-end resort

  • Rooms

    151 guestrooms and suites of various sizes, and three villas

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    Booking was straightforward, and arrival was very welcoming and smooth

  • Future Forward

    The estate waters its fields and golf course from artificial lakes that collect rainwater, introducing alternatives to reduce single-use plastic usage across the property. Biomass provides thermic energy for cooling and heating. This said, I would love to check on the progress in further eliminating plastic usage

  • Music

    Live ambient music every night, primarily old jazz standards

  • Year Opened

    2017

  • Designed By

    Redesigned in 2022 by Milanese firm Caberlon Caroppi

  • Health & Wellness

    Castelfalfi hosts a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, saunas, relaxation rooms, and gym facilities

  • Food

    Plenty of choices, with seven restaurants dotted across the estate and village. The restaurants range from casual dining to formal

  • Bar, Events & Nightlife

    Ecrù bar on the main terrace is a vibe, with live music and stunning views. Order the G&T made from Castelfalfi's gin for sundowners and the estate's grappa for a night cap

  • Minibar & Retail

    The mini bar has all the usual suspects, and the village features a curated selection of boutiques and an art gallery if you fancy buying some of the art

  • Accessibility

    Some areas are more accessible than others. Rooms for the differently able are also available

  • Pet Friendly

    Dogs up to 10kg welcome. A charge per dog per night applies

  • Children

    Very much welcomed

  • Price

    Value for money

  • Tel.

    +39 0571 892000

  • Website

    Visit website

Castelfalfi

Castelfalfi

50050 Castelfalfi, Montaione Metropolitan City of Florence, Italia

La Rocca

La Rocca

50050 Castelfalfi, Montaione Metropolitan City of Florence, Italia

Hike and lunch at the Country Clubhouse

Hike and lunch at the Country Clubhouse

Golf Club Castelfalfi, 50050 Castelfalfi, Montaione Metropolitan City of Florence, Italia

La Scuderia

La Scuderia

50050 Castelfalfi, Montaione Metropolitan City of Florence, Italia

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