A Once-in-a-Lifetime Stay at Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Why This Tuscan Castle Is One of My Favorite Hotels in the World
Location & Setting
Originally dating back nearly 1,000 years, Castello di Casole was once a historic castle and aristocratic estate, and the setting is absolutely breathtaking. Set high on a hill in the Tuscan countryside outside Siena, the property sits within more than 3,200 acres of privately owned land filled with vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees, forests, and rolling hills stretching endlessly in every direction.
The best hotels understand how important the arrival experience is, and Castello di Casole absolutely delivers from the very beginning. As you drive through the winding Tuscan roads toward the estate, the castle slowly appears above the landscape in the distance. Even before arriving, the views alone are stunning and create an incredibly memorable first impression.
The beauty of the grounds themselves is equally unforgettable. Belmond properties are known for their gardens, but Castello di Casole’s are genuinely among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Near the main entrance and check-in area, stunning rose gardens overflow with color and fragrance, while the rest of the estate is filled with perfectly maintained flowers, lush greenery, and towering trees. It’s the kind of natural beauty that feels almost impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world and truly feels unique to Tuscany.
Despite the scale of the estate, what stood out to me most was the sense of peace and quiet throughout the property. For example, at night, the silence is almost surreal, and with so little around the estate, you can clearly see the stars. At the same time, the communal areas still felt lively and full of energy, creating a really nice balance between atmosphere and calm.
Accommodations
As you would expect from a luxury hotel of this caliber, the accommodations at Castello di Casole are incredibly pampering, with top-of-the-line everything. Oversized king beds are dressed in exceptionally soft linens, the bathrooms feature expansive walk-in showers with dual shower heads, and amenities such as Acqua di Parma toiletries and Dyson hair dryers are found throughout the rooms.
One thing I really loved is that the rooms don’t feel like traditional Tuscan hotel rooms. Many properties in the region lean heavily into rustic décor and darker interiors, but the rooms here feel fresher and more Italian chic. Velvet sofas, colorful furnishings, and contemporary details make the spaces feel bright and current without feeling disconnected from their surroundings.
The rooms are also filled with personal touches that give them real character. Assouline and Taschen books on Italy and Tuscany are placed throughout the accommodations, and espresso is served in beautiful Ginori 1735 porcelain cups — one of Italy’s most historic luxury porcelain houses, founded in Florence. It’s these details that make the rooms feel personal rather than simply luxurious.
And regardless of where you stay, the views are a highlight. At many luxury hotels, only a portion of the rooms enjoy exceptional views. At Castello di Casole, Tuscany is right outside of every window.
Dining
Breakfast is one of my favorite parts of staying at a luxury hotel, and Castello di Casole absolutely delivers.
Served either inside the elegant dining room or outside in the courtyard, breakfast is the kind of experience you’ll want to enjoy slowly. The Italian coffee is excellent, but it was the smaller touches that stood out to me: a fresh juice station where juices are made to order, aged Parmesan on the breakfast spread, and even bottles of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for those wanting to start the day with a glass of bubbly.
For lunch, Emporio del Castello is the place to be. The menu focuses on Italian classics done very well, including wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seasonal dishes, all paired with an excellent selection of Italian wines and Champagnes.
As good as the food is, the real highlight is the setting. The Emporio terrace is one of the most beautiful lunch spots I’ve ever experienced, with sweeping views across the Tuscan countryside. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth stopping by for lunch.
A very nice touch is that the hotel has its own vegetable and herb gardens, and many of the herbs used throughout the restaurants are grown on-site.
For aperitivo, Bar Visconti is a must. Many of the cocktails are made with herbs picked from the estate’s gardens. You can enjoy your cocktails either inside the elegant bar or on the outdoor terrace.
Aperitivo here was one of my favorite moments of the stay. Watching the sunset over the landscape was so, so beautiful.
For dinner, guests can choose between Emporio del Castello‘s evening menu or Tosca, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Daniele Sera, Tosca showcases refined Tuscan cuisine built around seasonal ingredients and local producers.
Facilities & Experiences
One of the biggest surprises about Castello di Casole is just how much there is to do on the property. While Tuscany is filled with beautiful towns, wineries, and villages worth exploring, the hotel offers enough activities that you could easily spend several days on the estate without ever feeling the need to leave.
The centerpiece of the property is the pool, and it’s one of the most breathtaking hotel pools I’ve ever experienced — you can easily spend the entire day here. Depending on where you’re sitting, you’ll find yourself looking out over vineyards, rolling hills, forests, and even a traditional Tuscan village sitting on a nearby hill. Every angle offers a different view of the surrounding landscape, making it difficult to stop staring out at the scenery.
For those looking to unwind further, the Essere Spa provides a peaceful retreat within the estate. The spa features treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, relaxation areas, and a menu of treatments inspired by Tuscany’s natural ingredients and wellness traditions.
Beyond the facilities, there are countless experiences available to guests. From wine tastings and pizza dough classes to hiking and biking, there is more than enough to fill several days without ever leaving the estate.
One experience that food lovers shouldn’t miss is truffle hunting. Guests can join expert guides and trained dogs to search for truffles in the surrounding countryside, allowing guests to experience one of Tuscany’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
I was traveling with young children, so it wasn’t practical for us this time around, but it’s absolutely something I would have booked otherwise. Best of all, the hotel can arrange everything for you.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Castello di Casole is ideal for travelers who enjoy destination hotels, places where the hotel itself becomes the trip. Beautiful Tuscan towns and wineries are nearby, but this is one of those rare hotels where you could easily spend several days on the estate without feeling the need to leave.
It’s also an ideal hotel for couples, honeymooners, and anyone celebrating something special. The setting is incredibly romantic, from long breakfasts to aperitivo at sunset and quiet evenings under the stars.
At the same time, it also works very well for families. The estate is enormous, there’s plenty of space for children to move around, and there are enough activities, from the pool and gardens to cooking experiences and outdoor activities throughout the estate, that you don’t feel confined to one place.
Families also feel very welcomed here. When we arrived, the hotel had prepared a brand-new box of baby toiletries in the room, along with stuffed animals and even a little bandana for our baby. I’ve stayed at many high-end hotels with children before, and this was by far the most pampering and the most gifts I’ve ever seen a hotel prepare for a baby. It made the experience feel personal rather than simply family-friendly.
