21st June 2019 – Belmond celebrates its ‘Tuscan Renaissance’ with the official unveiling of its newest hilltop retreat,
Belmond Castello di Casole and introduction of a new Town
& Country package with sister-hotel
Belmond Villa San Michele.
Along a
cypress-lined avenue that leads to the middle of ‘nowhere’, surrounded
by views of rolling Tuscan hills as far as the eye can see; the historic
10th-century hotel celebrates a
rebirth with new authentic experiences embracing the simple pleasures of Tuscan living.
Food of the land is celebrated
with exquisite al fresco dining experiences, first light encounters with
nature connect guests with the enchanted oak forest that cocoons the
property, and vintage car adventures are a thrilling
way to go deep into Tuscany’s wild and untamed countryside.
FRAMING THE VIEW
The experience at Belmond
Castello di Casole begins with the arrival – along the beautifully
manicured tree-lined avenue, archetypal Tuscan houses appear on the
horizon and a glimpse of the private estate’s 4,200 acres come
into view.
Once inside the grounds, the
impressive terrace serves as the heart of the hotel - a place to savour
the sweeping panoramic views and take a moment to appreciate the quiet
of nature. Now boasting elegant seating for all
day dining and relaxation, it is also the best spot to enjoy a long
lazy lunch or to toast the holiday with the estate’s home-grown red
wine.
The adjoining pool terrace serves
refreshing cocktails and freshly squeezed juices, from a new pool bar
that also houses a small library of classic novels to while away the
hours. The cleverly elevated infinity-edge pool
seamlessly blends with the lush rolling hillside and offers a cinematic
view at dusk.
THE GREAT OAK FOREST
The centuries-old great oak
forest that borders the estate, is home to a variety of wild animals,
native flora and fauna and is the inspiration for a number of new
experiences.
First Light in the Tuscan
Wonderland in
partnership with Leica Sport Optics, takes guests by 4X4 into the forest
to spot bird and wildlife through Leica binoculars from observation
towers dotted around the grounds. A champagne tour is
offered at sunset and there is the option to journey back on foot to
fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
encourages guests to
explore the impressive number of trekking routes that weave around the
woods. Or further afield, self-guided, guided hikes and cycling tours
can be arranged to nearby historic castles, landmarks
and pretty hamlets. Truffle Hunting with small groups of foodies
is an estate signature experience, led by expert hunter Mauro Nesi and
his stunning Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. Once the truffles are unearthed
from the forest grounds, the hotel kitchen uses
the delicacy to infuse a tasting menu of Taglierini, Tosca fillet and
Black truffle tarts.
A TASTE OF TUSCANY
Food from the land and savouring
tradition is at the heart of Belmond Castello di Casole’s revitalised
wine and dining experiences. La Tosca, serving Tuscan cuisine with a
contemporary twist, offers homemade pasta, locally-sourced
meat, garden-fresh produce and is where the estate’s own brand extra
virgin olive oil is best sampled. Traditional stone-baked ‘Pizzas on the
piazza’ are a great way to try unusual Tuscan toppings and budding
chefs can spend an afternoon with the Head Chef
to master the art of pizza making.
For a taste of Tuscan hospitality, groups can privately reserve the
Enchanted Table;
suspended from a towering oak tree, beautifully dressed with flowers
and atmospherically lit by candelabra and twinkling lights. Aperitifs
and a
merenda of sharing platters, consisting local farmhouse cheeses,
hams, wines and even homemade gelato, make for a beautiful local spread.
The introduction of CIP’s by
Cipriani, inspired by Hotel Cipriani’s famous bistro, offers classic
Venetian dishes using locally-sourced ingredients and for the first time
in the property’s history gives diners the chance
to fully enjoy the hilltop location of the terrace. Bar Visconti, with
its marble detailing and fresco-painted walls, is a typical Italian
lounge bar and the most authentic spot for tasting the hotel’s vibrant
own label ‘C’ and ‘XII’ wine blends and prestigious
local vintages.
A TUSCAN VILLAGE
Rooms and suites are spread
throughout the storied buildings of what was once a bustling Tuscan
village dating back to the year 998 - a limonaia, wine cellar and
priest's house have been transformed into 39 sumptuous bedrooms,
each bursting with rustic charm. Warm woods, Carrara marble floors and
antique mirrors define the overall aesthetic and many rooms have
spacious bathrooms with roll top baths from which to admire the picture
frame views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Essere Spa,
located in the ancient stone alcoves of a vaulted wine cellar, displays
Etruscan artefacts and offers treatments inspired by the land. Locally
harvested olive oil, orange-infused oil, honey,
rosemary and grapes are used in signature facials and massages and a
new outdoor relaxation lawn is a space to reconnect with nature over a
fresh herbal tea.
CONTEMPORARY RENAISSANCE IN FLORENCE
Less than a two-hour scenic drive away is
Belmond Villa San Michele - an icon of Florentine Renaissance famed
for its terraced gardens and proximity to the city – and the ideal
Tuscan twin-stay with Belmond Castello di Casole.
This season, the hotel extends
its celebration of contemporary renaissance with experiences connecting
gastronomy, history and art. A beautifully restored 1930s-style
Fiat 1100 Musone,
converted by Garage Italia and given its floral art makeover by
Rome-based street artist, Lucamaleonte, offers a stylish way to transfer
between the two hotels.
Art lovers can also privately
hire the car to visit the exceptional Tuscan sculpture parks, like the
Pazzagli and secluded Garden of Sounds, or take a sunset drive to local
landmarks and vineyards for a sparkling wine and
picnic pitstop.
To mark 500 years of Leonardo da
Vinci’s genius, guided dawn walks through the lush landscapes of
Montececeri hill and historic quarries of Pietra Serena, culminate at
the exact spot behind the hotel where the inventor test
drove his famous flying machine.
As a nod to Da Vinci’s
lesser-known fascination with food (inspired by his time in Milan
cooking for the ruling Sforza family in the 1480s), guests are invited
to share a traditional feast under the pergola of the hotel’s
Italian gardens just below Montececeri Park. A menu, designed by rising
culinary star and Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, uses herbs,
spices and techniques inspired by the pioneer’s foodie preferences.
Throughout the hotel and gardens,
Leonardo Da Vinci’s anniversary motivates the choice of new
installations that challenge traditional Renaissance storytelling. Local
contemporary artists showcase works that range from ironic
modern sculptures of Renaissance icons, eye-catching wooden canvases
depicting Italy to glass mirror columns that reflect nature.
BOOK NOW
The ‘Town & Country’ four-night package
(which can be booked in any combination), includes best available rooms
on B&B at Belmond Castello di Casole and Belmond Villa San Michele,
private transfer between the two hotels and starts from £2,090 /€2,360
per couple, excluding taxes.
Double rooms on
B&B at Belmond Castello di Casole start from £667 / €750 per couple
based on two people sharing and at Belmond Villa San Michele start from
£756/ €850. For bookings please visit Belmond.com
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