Discover Tuscan Luxury & Tranquility at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
With a stunning surrounding landscape, centuries of history, a Michelin-starred executive chef, and Italy’s only private golf club, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is one of the best hotels in Tuscany, Italy.
A friend of mine stayed at this 5-star resort with her family, and I had the opportunity to visit one day. And wow. I didn’t want to leave.
Part of the esteemed Rosewood chain, Castiglion del Bosco sits within one of the oldest estates in Tuscany with 900 years of history. It’s part of Val d’Orcia, a rural agricultural landscape protected by UNESCO. The hotel offers 42 stellar suites, 11 luxury villas in Tuscany with private pools, 2 incredible restaurants, a golf course, a kids club, a fantastic cooking school, and The Spa, where you can truly unwind. It really has something for everyone.
My friend even said it was one of the best luxury hotels in Tuscany for families. Her husband could golf while she enjoyed some time at the spa and the kids went to the kids’ club.
Luxury and comfort come together in this beautiful location. It truly is the perfect place for a dream vacation. This article will get into the details of why as we go over the estate’s history and all that it has to offer, including the restaurants, winery, golf course, and more.
A Journey Through Time
Ancestral Roots and Renaissance Heritage
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco’s story begins centuries ago, rooted in the ancient soil of Tuscany. Archeological finds show that back in about 600 B.C., the Etruscans appreciated its location on a hill. The property is also near the ancient route of Via Francigena, which merchants and pilgrims used to travel from Canterbury to Rome.
The estate’s origins trace back to the 12th century when it served as a fortified castle guarding the Val d’Orcia region. During the Italian Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, the estate flourished under the Medici family.
Renowned patrons of art and culture, the Medici family influenced everything from the medieval church to the imposing castle. The estate became a hub of intellectual exchange, where poets, philosophers, and artists gathered to discuss life, love, and the pursuit of beauty.
Brunello di Montalcino: A Wine Legacy
Fast forward to the 21st century, the estate faced a new chapter. Neglected and weathered, it waited for a visionary who could breathe life back into its ancient walls. And the unsuspecting Massimo Ferragamo, scion of the famed Italian fashion house, was the man for the job.
In 2003, he was looking to purchase a vineyard, but when he visited Castiglion, he fell in love with the dilapidated feudal town and bought the whole thing. His passion for wine led to the revival of the estate’s vineyards, particularly the Brunello di Montalcino vineyard—a name synonymous with excellence. Under Ferragamo’s stewardship, the vineyards flourished, producing wines that echoed centuries of tradition and celebrated the very essence of Tuscany’s terroir. The Brunello di Montalcino became not just a wine but a testament to the estate’s enduring legacy. 🍇🍷
A Symphony of Restoration
But Ferragamo didn’t just restore the vineyards. He and his wife, Chiara Ferragamo, set out to restore the entire village. The restoration of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco was indeed a labor of love—an intricate dance between the past and the present that resulted in one of the best hotels in the Tuscany countryside.
The Ferragamos were involved in all the details of the restoration, and all the materials came from the region. Skilled artisans meticulously restored houses and walls, according to Ferragamo’s vision. He wanted to renovate it without destroying it. Each color painstakingly revived brought life back into the old walls. Centuries-old woodwork, once creaking with age, found a new purpose. The floors, once trodden by Renaissance poets and Medici scholars, regained their warmth under the careful touch of those trying to preserve their history.
But it wasn’t just about preservation; it was about transformation. The result? A harmonious symphony of timeless elegance and modern comfort. The grandeur of yesteryears met with the sensibilities of today’s discerning traveler.
As you step across the threshold, you feel it—the heartbeat of history, the pulse of luxury. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco isn’t merely a hotel; it’s a living canvas where the past whispers and the present embraces.
One guest said, “From the moment you drive through the tree lined road, and the warm Tuscan sunlight filters through the rolling hills you begin to leave the stresses of everyday life behind. The Ferragamo’s attention to detail has restored the original borgo into a beautiful functioning village complete with the original ruin of [12th] century castle, a frescoed church, organic gardens, vineyards’ spa, pools, and restaurants.”
Michelin-Starred Dining and Culinary Adventures
With two fantastic restaurants, a lobby bar, a cooking school, a pool bar, and in-villa dining, your taste buds will never be left wanting at this boutique hotel in Tuscany.
Osteria La Canonica
The intimate Osteria La Canonica whispers poetry to your taste buds. This casual restaurant has the feeling of an authentic Tuscan trattoria. You can dine on its shaded open veranda, look out at the surrounding greenery, and taste the combination of ingredients from the organic kitchen garden and local farms.
Here, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Matteo Temperini crafts dishes that celebrate Tuscany’s traditional fare. Temperini honors Tuscany’s deep connection between food, land, and community in his passion for culinary invention.
“We ate at the Osteria Canonica twice and the service and food were fantastic,” one guest said.
Ristorante Campo del Drago
In this refined restaurant, you’ll find a balance of tradition and innovation. Every evening, Ristorante Campo del Drago offers guests the chance to go on a culinary journey with fresh locally sourced produce. Temperini and Maître D’ Maikol Calosci ensure each dish is crafted to perfection.
Along with wine, Tuscany is famous for its truffles. The truffle hunt is a ritual, an art form. The trained dogs, with their keen noses, find these morsels in the dew-kissed earth. The prized white truffles, elusive and intoxicating, are unearthed. Their aroma infuses risottos, pastas, and sauces, elevating each dish to a masterpiece of flavors.
One guest said, “We enjoyed the dinner immensely. Pleasant atmosphere, great quality service, but most importantly – the food was delicious! Especially the tiramisu – if you haven’t tried it here, you don’t know what a real tiramisu should taste like!”
The Art of Living: Experiences Beyond Luxury
Castiglion’s culinary palette extends beyond its restaurants: truffle hunting with local experts, sunset picnics overlooking the vineyards, wine tastings at the wineries, and private cooking classes where you knead dough alongside a nonna who’s been perfecting her pasta for decades. Here, luxury isn’t just about marble bathrooms and thread counts; it’s about living artfully.
The Club: Where Golf Legends Tee Off
Castiglion del Bosco isn’t just a luxury hotel; it’s a sanctuary for golf aficionados. Tucked within the rolling Tuscan hills, the hotel boasts Italy’s only private club, The Club. The 18-hole course is a masterpiece dreamily designed by golf pro Tom Weiskopf.
A European Gem
Weiskopf’s Tuscan creation weaves seamlessly into the soft rise and fall of the estate’s rolling hills, making it one of the best private courses in Europe. As you tee off, panoramic views across the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-protected landscape, unfold. You’ll be amazed by the rich green of the course and the surrounding forest.
The exclusive gathering house at The Club hosts more than golf swings. The Clubhouse is a gorgeous venue for meetings and events, wonderful for sophisticated dinner parties and intimate business meetings.
Guests have said, “The golf course is beautiful and well maintained,” and, “Having a world class golf course attached also allows you to stay active while enjoying the food, hospitality and endless landscapes of this special place.”
Unlock the Club Experience
When you stay in one of the luxury villas in Tuscany, Italy, or one of the suites Castiglion has to offer, you’ll be among the few who have exclusive access to The Club. Only members and guests can tee off here.
The reserved tee times (18 holes only) are subject to availability, and a golf handicap certificate is mandatory. But whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious novice, this is the ultimate place to play the sport.
The Explorers Kids’ Club
At the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, my friend shared that the Explorers Kids’ Club captivated her children, aged 3 to 11, with an array of activities. She mentioned that the dedicated staff ensured a delightful and entertaining experience for all. Upon request, a special snack menu, curated by the chef for young palates, is available. Here are some highlights from her children’s adventures:
- Biscuit Workshop: Her kids couldn’t stop talking about the fun they had deciding whether to bake or taste their scrumptious creations.
- Treasure Hunt: She recounted how her children were thrilled to explore the estate’s historical village, each clue leading them closer to hidden treasures.
- Pizza-Making Lesson: Her little ones learned the art of authentic Italian pizza-making, a hands-on experience they found both educational and delicious.
- Painting Class: Following the legacy of Italy’s artistic masters, her children painted their visions onto canvas, a memory she cherished from their stay.
- Pasta-Making: The kids had the opportunity to make pasta from scratch, shaping it into various forms, which she said was a highlight of their culinary exploration.
- Kitchen Garden Discovery: They learned about the seasons and the soil in the estate’s organic kitchen garden, an enriching experience that connected them with nature.
What Awaits You
Staying here is an experience like none other. Just picture the sun setting over the Val d’Orcia, the estate enveloping you in a symphony: the rustling of cypress leaves, the distant call of a nightingale, and the soft clink of wine glasses all harmonizing to create a timeless melody.
Whether you’re sipping Brunello on the terrace of one of the villas in Tuscany, Italy, exploring the famous vineyards, or simply looking out at the rolling hills, you’ll find a slice of paradise at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco.
Indulge in Tuscan Luxury
- Sophisticated Suites & Villas: Retreat to exquisite suites and villas, offering unparalleled comfort and privacy. Each accommodation is a sanctuary of Tuscan elegance, with breathtaking views and sumptuous amenities.
- Culinary Mastery: Join their cooking classes at the renowned La Canonica Cooking School and unlock the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine.
- Family Fun: Delight in family-friendly adventures with the engaging Kids’ Club, where little ones can explore and learn in a world of fun.
- Golf & Relaxation: Challenge yourself at Italy’s only private golf club or unwind in the tranquil spa, nestled amidst the rolling Tuscan hills.
If you want to experience the ultimate in relaxation and refinement, book your escape to a world of elegance and serenity at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco now!