Castelfalfi

A guest steps onto the terrace of their private villa at dawn, watching the morning mist lift from the rolling Tuscan hills. Cypress and olive groves mingle with fresh espresso as the medieval village of Castelfalfi awakens below, its 800-year-old castle glowing amber in the first light. This moment—where centuries of history meet modern comfort against a backdrop of pristine Italian countryside—captures what makes Castelfalfi Hotel a distinctive destination.

Castelfalfi Hotel has been honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award, distinguishing it among notable hospitality experiences. This recognition celebrates properties that have enhanced luxury through quality service, sustainability practices, and cultural authenticity. The award acknowledges Castelfalfi’s transformation from an abandoned medieval village into a well-regarded resort spanning 2,700 acres of protected Tuscan landscape, making it one of European hospitality’s most significant restoration projects.

The property’s journey began in 2007 when the nearly deserted village was acquired and carefully restored, preserving its medieval character while introducing contemporary amenities. In 2021, the S.P. Lohia family took ownership, investing in a renovation that has improved the resort. Today, Castelfalfi stands as an example of sustainable luxury, having earned the “Casa Clima—A Class” certification for its energy-efficient design and commitment to environmental practices. It simultaneously offers guests an authentic connection to Tuscan culture, cuisine, and landscape.

Heritage and Innovation: Signature Experiences

Castelfalfi’s defining advantage comes from what can be described as its “living heritage ecosystem”—integrating an 800-year-old medieval village, castle, and surrounding agricultural estate into a resort experience. Unlike properties that merely reference local culture, Castelfalfi allows guests to stay in buildings that have stood for centuries while enjoying modern comforts. The resort’s 1,100-hectare estate includes 62 acres of organic vineyards, 10,000 olive trees, and expansive forests, offering experiences that connect guests directly to Tuscan traditions and the land itself.

The property anticipates guest needs through thoughtfully designed experiences that change with the seasons. Staff members note guest preferences during pre-arrival communications, arranging personalized activities such as private truffle hunting expeditions with expert guides and trained dogs, falconry experiences at the Adventure Park, or exclusive access to the estate’s wine production facilities. The concierge team regularly provides unexpected touches, such as arranging sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Tuscan hills or preparing picnic baskets with estate-produced wines and olive oils for countryside excursions.

Castelfalfi’s partnership with RAKxa Wellness represents a notable addition to European hospitality. The RAKxa Wellness Spa at Castelfalfi opened in late 2023 and is the first European location of the Bangkok-based integrated wellness brand. This collaboration brings Thai healing traditions to Tuscany, offering treatments that blend Eastern wellness philosophies with Italian therapeutic practices. The spa features seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, indoor-outdoor heated infinity pools with panoramic views, and two gazebos for outdoor treatments amid the Tuscan landscape.

Accommodations: Tuscan Elegance Reimagined

The 146-key resort offers a range of accommodations that honor Tuscan architectural traditions while providing contemporary comfort. The property’s recent additions are its newly unveiled Signature Suites, ranging from 63 to 105 square meters, featuring panoramic countryside views. Each suite includes a king-size bed, a living room with a sofa bed, a walk-in closet, and a large bathroom with a separate bathtub and floor shower. The living rooms feature corner bars stocked with custom-ready-to-drink Castelfalfi cocktails. At the same time, private gardens with views of surrounding hills and vineyards can be enclosed with curtains for additional privacy.

Castelfalfi’s design approach respects Tuscan heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. The resort worked with Affine Design to create interiors showcasing traditional materials like wood and stone and contemporary furnishings. Colors throughout the property mirror the Tuscan landscape, with seasonal palettes ranging from terracotta and brown tones to yellows and deep greens. The historic tobacco warehouse, built in the early 1900s, has been transformed into 31 traditional rooms that preserve the building’s character while offering modern comforts.

In-room technology enhances the guest experience without overwhelming the serene atmosphere. Accommodations feature high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, and intelligent climate control systems that maintain comfort while conserving energy. The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends to its room design, with energy-efficient LED lighting, water filtration systems to recycle wastewater, and thermal insulation that minimizes heat exchange between interior and exterior spaces. For guests seeking additional privacy, suite floors are accessible only to those staying in the suites, with exclusive elevator access controlled by room keys.

Culinary Excellence: From Farm to Table

Dining at Castelfalfi is a journey through Tuscan gastronomy, with multiple venues showcasing different aspects of the region’s culinary heritage. The property’s flagship restaurant, La Rocca di Castelfalfi, is located within the medieval castle’s cellar and offers an elegant dining experience under the direction of Executive Chef Davide De Simone. Originally from Sicily, De Simone developed his skills in London’s restaurants before bringing his approach to Tuscan cuisine to Castelfalfi. His seasonal tasting menus, including “Ode to Spring” and “The Tuscan Garden,” showcase his ability to transform simple ingredients into sophisticated dishes that honor local traditions while introducing contemporary techniques.

The resort’s farm-to-table philosophy is evident throughout its culinary program. Castelfalfi produces its organic wines and olive oil on the estate, with annual yields of up to 40,000 bottles of wine and 35,000 liters of cold-pressed olive oil. These products feature prominently on the menus at all dining venues, including Olivina, the resort’s newest restaurant offering panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. La Via del Sale, located in the main building, serves authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting, with dishes like beef filet with truffles and tortelli alla carbonara that highlight regional specialties. During warmer months, guests can enjoy meals on terraces overlooking the landscape.

Culinary experiences extend beyond restaurant dining, including interactive opportunities connecting guests with Tuscan food traditions. The resort offers cooking classes where participants learn to prepare regional specialties using ingredients from Castelfalfi’s organic gardens. Wine tastings guided by the estate’s sommelier introduce guests to Tuscan varietals, including those produced on the property. For those seeking an exclusive experience, private dining can be arranged in unique locations throughout the estate, from intimate dinners in the castle to outdoor meals among the olive groves. These experiences reflect Castelfalfi’s commitment to supporting local producers and preserving traditional agricultural practices.

Wellness, Recreation, and Cultural Connection

The RAKxa Wellness Spa at Castelfalfi represents a new addition to European wellness facilities. This 1,000-square-meter sanctuary features treatment rooms with views over natural landscapes, a steam bath, a waterfall, a tea lounge, and specialized areas for energy work. Signature treatments incorporate traditional techniques using local botanicals and Sothys products, including the RAKxa Good Night Sleep therapy, which combines full-body massage, energy point scalp massage, and singing bowl sound therapy to address jet lag and promote deep rest. The spa’s holistic approach extends to multi-day wellness retreats that combine treatments, nutrition, and fitness to help guests achieve balance.

Recreation at Castelfalfi caters to diverse interests, with the centerpiece being the 27-hole golf course—the largest in Tuscany. Designed by architects Moroder and Preißmann, the course includes the challenging 18-hole Mountain Course (Par 72) with steep slopes and water hazards and the more accessible 9-hole Lake Course (Par 37). Beyond golf, the property offers a range of activities, including hiking on four miles of trails, tennis, cycling, and swimming in multiple pools. The Castelfalfi Adventure Park provides unique experiences like falconry, archery, climbing, and survival skills training. For families, the Falfy Kids Club offers Montessori-inspired activities for children ages 3-12, including cooking classes, gardening, and nature-based play.

Cultural immersion is woven throughout the Castelfalfi experience, with the medieval village and castle serving as living museums where guests can connect with Tuscan history. The property’s location between Florence, Pisa, and Siena provides easy access to the region’s cultural treasures, with the concierge team arranging excursions to nearby attractions. Guests can participate in traditional activities such as olive harvesting and wine production on the estate, depending on the season. Evening entertainment often includes performances that showcase local music and dance traditions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Tuscan culture while providing sophisticated nightlife options for guests.

Looking ahead, Castelfalfi continues to develop its offerings while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The resort’s nomination for the Travel + Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards in the Hotels (Italy, Europe) category reflects its growing recognition among discerning travelers. Plans include expanding the RAKxa Wellness program, enhancing the estate’s organic agricultural production, and developing new experiences that deepen guests’ connection to Tuscan traditions and the natural environment.

For travelers seeking an authentic luxury experience that honors history while embracing contemporary comforts, Castelfalfi Hotel offers a combination of cultural immersion, environmental responsibility, and refined hospitality. The 2025 Global Recognition Award acknowledges what guests have discovered: this property represents a quality standard in sustainable luxury, where an ancient village has been thoughtfully transformed into a well-regarded destination. Whether visitors come for championship golf, wellness retreats, culinary experiences, or to enjoy the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside, Castelfalfi provides a setting where every moment becomes a memory of Italy at its finest.