Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! With Labor Day weekend behind us, we’re back to work and school in full force. I’m heading to another travel conference next week this time in Los Angeles. I’ll be meeting with the LA tourism board, some of the finer hotels in the city, and also select cruise partners and tour operators from around the world. These relationships help me deliver the best experiences for my client’s vacations.
If you have a child in college or you’re looking at colleges, email or call me for hotel suggestions if you’re interested in a 4- or 5-star property. College visits can be a fantastic time to tack on a getaway, and I’m part of several elite hotel programs where my clients get valuable perks (like Hyatt, Marriott, Accor, Four Seasons, and others) when visiting many college towns and cities. Of course, college students often study abroad, and I can help you plan the ideal visit with your student anywhere in the world.
Onto the topic of today’s newsletter, Tuscany is a region in west-central Italy that includes Florence and is one of the most popular of the 20 regions of Italy. Amazing wines, incredibly fresh food, and bucolic rolling hills are hallmarks of the region.
Have you ever dreamed of waking up in a Tuscan postcard? If the answer is yes, then read on for the scoop about a special place that will whet your appetite for a vacation to Tuscany…
Best of the Best in Tuscany
One of the incredible hotel partners I met at Virtuoso Travel Week in August was Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Located in one of the largest private estates (5,000 acres) in Tuscany, the resort was founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo and found in Montalcino, Italy.
Within the UNESCO Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d’Orcia, the estate has eight centuries of history. Surrounded by rolling wooded hills, extensive vineyards, and farmland dotted with ancient farmhouses, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of this authentic corner of Tuscany.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is truly multifaceted, and the more you learn about it, the more you will love this unique estate. You’ll soon discover this is a Tuscan home away from home, offering a range of elegant, spacious suites and private villas surrounded by pristine nature and unique experiences highlighting different aspects of the region’s history, land, and culture.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re already intrigued, you can simply reply to this email or schedule a chat with me here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact.
The Estate
The Borgo is the main hub of activities at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Its historic stone buildings include the Medieval church of San Michele Arcangelo, with a spectacular 1345 altar fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti.
The Borgo includes many of the estate’s exceptional amenities, including 42 spacious suites, 3 of the estate’s 11 restored villas, and the estate’s La Canonica Cooking School.
There are two restaurants, the Osteria La Canonica, offering a regional menu of traditional Tuscan favorites, and the Ristorante Campo del Drago, the estate’s fine dining restaurant. There are two bars, the CdBar and the Pool Bar, with views over the Siena countryside while enjoying incredible Tuscan wines.
There are 11 unique luxury villas nestled in the backdrop of the Tuscan landscape. These lovingly restored private homes provide luxurious lodging and are crafted from 17th- and 18th-century Tuscan farmhouses. They feature fully equipped kitchens, heated infinity pools, terraces, and gardens with views of the beautiful landscape.
For the ultimate in relaxation, the Spa offers treatments of renowned Florentine apothecary Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for a sublime experience. You can visit this ancient apothecary on a trip to Florence; I visited it in June, and it’s a unique experience.
The estate also offers a wide range of sporting facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and bocce courts, yoga and pilates classes, two infinity pools, archery, and miles of hiking, running, and mountain bike trails.
The 5000-acre estate also embraces the historic Brunello di Montalcino winery with harvesting experiences and tours and an exclusive private members’ golf club. Kids aren’t left out with a kids’ program and cooking classes.
Hidden Gem Travel clients receive valuable perks including breakfast, room upgrade if available (not applicable to the villas), resort credit, and VIP status due to our relationship with the resort.
Bucket List Golf in the Tuscan Hills
Castiglion del Bosco is one of those golf courses every golfer dreams of playing at least once in their lifetime – bucket list check. Estate guests will benefit from privileged access to The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Italy’s only private golf club.
Ranked as the #1 course in Italy according to Leading Courses (July 2022), this is one of the finest private courses in Europe and showcases the estate’s rolling hills and valleys with panoramic views across the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO protected landscape.
Beyond the Estate
Beyond the borders of the estate, you can delve into Tuscan culture and charming towns. Winery tours, truffle hunting excursions, hiking, biking, and Vespa riding in the rolling hills, and exploring medieval towns begin the list of experiences.
Or how about landscape painting classes or attending local events such as Siena’s world-famous horse race? Cooking classes and culinary tours are also very popular and unforgettable. Head into Siena for a special food market experience.
A trip to the magical city of Florence with a customized private tour is another must-do while in the Tuscany region.
Your experience can be as active or relaxing as you desire.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Sip the estate wines under the Tuscan stars in the magical setting of the Sangiovese vineyards. With an astronomer as a guide, gaze at planets and falling stars.
Inspired? Reach out to me now for 2023 and schedule a chat here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
* Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
