News from Italy
Best hotel in the world: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
by Andira Vitale
Tuscany, in the province of Siena, has a large rural area to the north and east of Mount Amiata, close to the Umbrian border. This wonderland is called Val d’Orcia. The Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco hotel, located in its heart, is also its pearl…
Medieval castles, rolling hills, old villages, beautiful farmhouses, cypress-lined boulevards, magnificent vineyards, olive groves and golden wheat fields: these are just some of the elements that make up the fantastic and harmonious landscapes of Val d’Orcia. This magnificent region in the south of Tuscany, where the Orcia river runs through, from which the valley is named, stretches along the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. The entire area is now a protected park and has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2004. The main actor of Val d’Orcia is its unpolluted nature, which still preserves its natural beauty and turns into a different color every season.
Located in this magical environment, the Castiglion del Bosco Hotel was chosen as the “best hotel” of 2022. In the annual ranking of the 100 best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine, Castiglion del Bosco, located in idyllic Tuscany in the heart of Val d’Orcia, took first place. Located among the vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino, the property won the first place at the World’s Best Awards 2022, held annually, with the titles of “best hotel”, “Europe’s best resort” and “Italy’s best resort”.
Located at the crossing of the Orcia river in the eponymous centre, this hotel offers lovely views. Two of them are surrounded by medieval settlements known as Pienza and Montalcino. Cypress, the characteristic tree of the region, typical foods and wines, smoked meats, Pecorino di Pienza, Brunello di Montalcino and DOC Orcia wine… It’s all here…
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is home to Il Borgo, a rare historical village with the remains of an ancient castle dating back to 1100 AD, a medieval church, 42 Suites, 11 Villas all with private pools, an organic garden, cooking school, wine cellars. Surrounded by 62 hectares of vineyards where all its excellent wines are produced, and Castiglion del Bosco Golf Club spread over 210 hectares of very gentle hills.
A winter tale
This perfect holiday resort has started to serve in the winter. It’s located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, in Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO cultural site, with the warmth of the stone house, the burning fireplaces, the crackling of the flames, the red and green checkered Christmas tableware, the smell of the earth, the damp leaves, the vast vineyards and forests where deer live. it gives its visitors a winter tale.
But above all, in this pristine property with timeless charm, guests discover the “feeling of home.” Thanks to the faultless work and experience of local artisans and restorers, warmth, hospitality, comfort are blended with elegance and perfection. The taste of living in perfect harmony between simplicity, taste and elegance, Added to indelible memories…
Special activities for Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
The opportunity to witness traditional medieval costumes, fierce rivalries and stamped hooves with Il Palio di Siena, the largest horse race in the world. Perhaps Rosewood guests will have the opportunity to watch the race from a historic palace above Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo.
With its lush green hills, hilltop medieval villages and breathtaking scenery, Val d’Orcia is the destination of choice for many film directors. On the newly launched Val d’Orcia Film Tour, Rosewood guests explore famous film locations with an expert guide in and around local towns such as Montalcino, Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia. During the tour, moviegoers discover filming locations for a number of award-winning films, including Ridley Scott’s award-winning The Gladiator.
Wine lovers can fly to the skies with the Fly Brunello experience. Flying by helicopter and enjoying bird’s-eye views of the picturesque villages of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, this extraordinary experience includes a private visit to two Brunello wineries as well as a gourmet lunch at Michelin-starred restaurant Il Silene.
A weekly tour of the food market inside the renaissance castle of Siena’s imposing Medici family, as well as a Florence Street and Food Photography experience tours that will show visitors where to eat the best Florentine street food around Florence’s most iconic spots
Tuscany has been a land of leather and shoemaking for centuries. Guests are invited to reveal their interior designers and learn how to make their own sandals in a three-hour workshop.
