Castel Monastero Chianti

One of the most beautiful stretches of countryside in Italy, in Tuscany region, lies among Chianti Wines, corn fields, chestnut forests and long rows of Cypress trees this is the setting around Castel Monastero, a beautifully restored medieval village and monastery, just 23 km from Siena.

Within these thousand years walls is a true Tuscan retreat which exudes a feeling of simple refinement and pure elegance with its contemporary rustic chic style of the 74 rooms and suites and one villa.

In keeping with the Tuscan food and wine culture there are two restaurants: the gourmet restaurant “Contrada” where guests can have a sophisticated gastronomic experience tasting Tuscan cuisine interpreted by our Executive Chef.

“La Cantina”, in the XIII century cellar, holds the best Tuscan and Chianti wines and guests can taste the local delicacies. An iconic 1000 ms SPA with Jacuzzi, Hammam, two saunas and sensorial showers and kneipp therapy to enhance your healing experience.

The glory of the past and the exclusivity of refined and versatile surroundings these are the features that make Castel Monastero the ideal place for high profile weddings and seminars. A meeting room, able to hold 150 guests, is available in the medieval village.

THE HISTORY
The origins of Castel Monastero are lost in the history of Medieval Tuscany. The castle is mentioned for the first time, under the name of Sarna, in 1044. Afterwards, from 1050, it is cited more and more often with the name of Monastero, in connection with nearby Berardenga Abbey.

From the early years of the 12TH century to at least the beginning of the 14th, it was home to a branch of the Berardenghi family and in 1202 it belonged to the Commune of Siena administration system. It was besieged but without success by the Florentines in 1208 and conquered in 1270 by Guido di Montfort who used it as a an outpost against the city of Siena.

Bought by the noble Sienese Chigi Saracini family, it became their country house, a place designated for hunting and harvesting the fruit of the vines in the castle territories. At the end of an accurate restoration process aiming at reinstating its ancient splendour, it is today ready to welcome our guests. Almost ten centuries of history await you there.

ROOMS & SUITES
Back in the 11th century it was a monastery surrounded by the peace and quiet of the hills near Siena. It then became a castle and the country residence of the noble Chigi family, and later a romantic hamlet in the Tuscan countryside.

The glorious past of Castel Monastero, today a luxury resort just a few kilometres from Siena, can be seen all around. To see it for yourself all you have to do is pass through the walls that protect the ancient hamlet and stand in the square lined with splendid buildings.

Then step into any of the rooms or suites, or the wonderful detached villa, and revel in the charm, colours and style of real Tuscany. Experience the sophisticated style of our suites and the luxurious comfort of their exclusive rooms.

VILLA LAVANDA
Located just outside Siena and a short distance from the stunning Castel Monastero resort, the magnificent 17th-century Villa Lavanda is surrounded by sweeping grounds and a thriving Chianti vineyard. The Villa has been painstakingly restored and retains all the typical features of Tuscan country architecture:

from its elegant simplicity and harmonious proportions to the terracotta tiled floors and exposed wooden beams, and from the spacious rooms opening onto the gardens to the large patio where guests can immerse themselves in nature from dawn to dusk.

The 3-bedroom Villa Lavanda offers guests the exclusive services of Castel Monastero: two outstanding restaurants, “Contrada” and “La Cantina”. A wonderful Spa, with exclusive treatments as well as use of the hotel swimmingpools and tennis courts. Whenever they desire, guests at Villa Lavanda can count on all the services and hospitality of Castel Monastero’s staff.

Villa Lavanda is strategically located, enabling guests to discover the very finest Tuscan art, architecture and cuisineevery day at their own leisure. The Villa is just 1km from the Siena Bettolle motorway exit, 20km from Siena, 70km from Florence, 55km from Montepulciano and Lake Trasimeno and 45km from Arezzo.

With direct access from the garden, the ground floor offers a spacious, airy living area with large windows looking out onto the stunning vineyards. The furnishings are a homage to the warmth of the Tuscan tradition, to the history of Castel Monastero, once the domain of the aristocratic Chigi Saracini family, and to cutting-edge technology.

Adjacent to the living area there is a kitchenette not suitable for cooking. Also on the ground floor is a spacious bedroom, decorated in truly romantic colours, materials and stunning fabrics. Next to the bedroom there is an elegant bathroom, complete with bathtub and separate shower, double washbasin and black marble finishes.

An internal staircase, decorated with fine frescoes depicting the Chigi Saracini coat of arms, leads up to the first floor. This floor can also be accessed from its own private entrance via the garden and a second patio. Filled with natural light and colours, the second floor boasts two wonderful bedrooms.

They feature antique furniture, decorative frescoes and the very latest technology. The comfortable setting is completed with a handy closet and an elegant bathroom with double washbasin, bathtub and separate shower.

ROYAL SUITE
A small haven, in complete harmony with the beauty of Castel Monastero. The suite is regal in size, measuring 74-79 square metres, and is divided into bedrooms and a lounge, all bathed in a distinguished atmosphere.

The elegance of the furnishings and materials highlights the history and taste of Tuscan tradition. The bathroom has a separate shower and bathtub. A view of the countryside surrounding the hotel and its ancient piazza completes these wonderful suites. Every room comes with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen LCD television and a mini-bar.

EXECUTIVE SUITE
A magnificent 57-78 square metre apartment divided into bedroom and a large lounge. The most refined materials, textiles and details decorate every area with their rustic Tuscan charm. The bathroom has a separate shower and bathtub.

The bedrooms may be adjoining or connecting. Some suites may accommodate up to four people (with sofa-bed). Like in a historic fresco, a magnificent view of the fields, vineyards and piazza di Castel Monastero can be enjoyed from the windows. The suites come with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen LCD television and a mini-bar.

DELUXE ROOM
For a charming, relaxing stay in 32-45 square metres. The Deluxe Room is ideal for a couple and includes the possibility of adding a cot. The furnishings and materials create a warm atmosphere with their simple Tuscan brightness. Many of the bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and shower. Some bedrooms may be connecting.

The beauty of the countryside and of the piazza di Castel Monastero can be admired from the windows, like in an ancient castle. The bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen LCD television and a mini-bar.

DINING
Culture, emotion, memory: these are all found in fine Tuscan cuisine and its wines. They are also found in Castel Monastero and its gourmet restaurants, “Contrada” and “La Cantina”. Working alongside him the executive chef of Castel Monastero Enrico Marmo.

Completing the pleasure of a day at Castel Monastero is the tearoom at our spa with its infusions of aromatic herbs grown on our estate, and a wine bar in which the best aperitifs and the most famous labels of Tuscan wines may be sampled.

CONTRADA RESTAURANT
Facing the piazza, true to the most authentic Italian tradition, “Contrada” is Castel Monastero’s gourmet restaurant. The charming, elegant establishment is divided into two lounges, also available for private dinners.

On the menu are classic flavours of Tuscan cuisine, re-worked in a modern key. Maximum attention is paid to local products, which are selected directly by our chefs. A delightful tasting of typical wines, oils and cheeses is an opportunity not to be missed.

LA CANTINA RESTAURANT
An evocative setting with a relaxed atmosphere. In the medieval wine cellars of Castel Monastero, where our estate’s Chianti has rested for centuries, a delightful restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine has been opened.

The architecture, with its high vaulted ceilings and visible stone walls, will take you back in time. The dishes are eternal masterpieces of unique Italian tradition: from “pici” pasta with bread and tomato sauce, to Chianina meat. The wine list is extraordinary. Ideal for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner.

COOKING CLASS
Pici cacio & pepe, Tuscan crostini, panzanella, pappardelle with wild boar ragu, Chianina tartare, Guancia al Chianti, cantuccini: in our cooking classes we offer a journey through the most tasty and authentic dishes of traditional Tuscan and Italian cooking.

Designed for small groups up to six people, our cooking classes take place inside Castel Monastero under the supervision and control of our Chef and his staff. They are conceived as real tasting routes, from careful selection of ingredients to dish preparation, with assisted lessons of one-hour and half finishing with an inviting three-course dinner.

WELLNESS RESORT IN TUSCANY
You are in the land of the Renaissance where proportion and balance are everything. Could there be a more beautiful and harmonious place to get back in shape, detox your body and rejuvenate yourself?

The splendid spa at the luxury hotel Castel Monastero in Tuscany is the perfect place. In our two traditional old elegant Tuscan villas, just a stone’s throw from the hamlet, you can try out the extraordinary Slimming, Detox and Anti Age treatments. Complementing these treatments and enhancing their effect is the amazing “Aquae Monasteri” course with its high saline density sea oil pool.

But that’s not all. In the healthy, peaceful setting of hills of the Chianti region, the extremely discreet Castel Monastero spa has been chosen by internationally recognised medical centres providing plastic and aesthetic surgery, for post-op convalescence after reshaping and rejuvenating operations, for both men and women.

If you’re looking for inner harmony, just close your eyes and inhale the warmth of the nature all around you. In the woods, the countryside and the wonderful garden around Castel Monastero and its spa, you can try some intensely energising yoga sessions, led by internationally renowned qualified instructors.

WEIGHT-LOSS (7 DAYS)
The weight-loss programme features:

• Nutritional assessment with a bioelectric impedance test to determine body adiposity, lean body mass, fat mass, and the intracellular and extracellular body-water compartment (over the 6 days, total of 3 sessions);
• Personalised nutritional path;
• Daily walks: rediscover the joy of movement and filling your lungs amid a pristine natural environment;
• Daily therapeutic yoga sessions to balance all physical activities, such as work, sport and eating, and mental activity, such as emotional control;

DETOX
Purify your body and lose some weight. Carefully devised to free your body of the toxins that accumulate through frenetic, imbalanced lifestyles and inadequate diet. Our nutritional detox programme alleviates indigestion, bloating, water retention, and feelings of “heaviness”.

MASSAGES & TREATMENTS
The Castel Monastero spa is a place of refuge where you won’t be overcrowded by events. A place to listen to the messages that our bodies send us and be amazed by the renewal of energy and vitality.

A space to breathe in the deep sensation of wellness in an environment in which attention to detail and the professionalism of staff creates a unique and unrivalled harmony, immersed in the unspoilt nature of the Tuscan countryside.

This is the starting point for wellness and the foundation of our Wellness philosophy. Come and discover the massages and treatments that the Castel Monastero SPA team have prepared especially for you.

BERBER RITUAL FOR COUPLES
Losing yourself completely in the Oriental world, a world made of ancient spices’ scents, fragrant essences, vibrant colors, melodious sounds and music. Water, air, ground and fire in special alternation and combination, are given following the rituals of an ancient culture.

Taking care of yourself has a specific meaning in the Oriental culture: it fortifies body and soul, brings luck and true love, and strengthens relationships…Like it was in the past, the Berber Massage is still a purification ritual, part of the thermal rituals of the hammam; this ceremony was offered to the bride by her mother and to the couple before their marriage.

Pumper yourself with the experience of an immersive and sensual couple ritual in our SPA suite, surrounded by the atmosphere of a candle light and the inebriating perfumes of the Oriental world.

DIAMOND ROSE COUPLE RITUAL
Enchanting couple sensory experience to dive yourself in a wonderful universe of beauty and totally transform your skin with the power of innovative active principals. The heady aroma of Damask Rose and diamond dust, magic ingredient of Natura Bissé products, mixed in a fragrant and intense blend.

A gentle exfoliation with Damascus rose scrub, makes your skin renewed and moisturized; the embracing massage cherish the couple in a romantic ritual. Rose petals, private Hammam and hydro massage complete the treatment making your dream a reality.

WINE COUPLE RITUAL
Aromatic body exfoliation, followed by antioxidant oil wrap and facial treatment with Hyaluronic Acid and Active from Red Grapes. Relaxing and nourishing massage with wine aromas at the end of this fantastic olfactory experience.

GYM & SWIMMING POOL 
Castel Monastero takes care of both your body and your soul also thanks to a gym equipped with the last wellness design of Techogym as well as the three elegant swimming pools close to the Spa.

Request a session with Personal Trainer, follower of the innovative GYM system (Grow your motion) which has revolutionised traditional training methods and includes functional, aerobic, metabolic, core strength, kinesthetic and postural training.

WEDDINGS IN TUSCANY
Make your wedding an unforgettable event for you and your guests. This is what getting married in our wonderful resort and in the most romantic and charming setting in Tuscany means. This is what letting our team help you organise the happiest day of your life means.

It is the first ceremony that a couple is involved in together. It is a new, enchanting, exciting way to say “we are together”. This is why every little detail has to be about you. This is why the best Italian and international wedding planners recommend Castel Monastero to their most important clients.

WHY CASTEL MONASTERO?
Because it is unique and exclusive. Castel Monastero is an enchanting 11th century hamlet that offers only the most sophisticated Italian hospitality. In the centre of the hamlet there is a square surrounded by splendid Medieval and Renaissance buildings, and a delightful little church dedicated to Saint Jacob and Saint Christopher. A cosy setting soon to be filled with your immense love for each other.

Because we can organise a magnificent reception in our restaurants, or turn the square into the perfect open air reception area, or welcome guests under the shelter of the most spectacular marquee.

Because we will celebrate your happy day with a fantastic firework display, because we have already prepared the most wonderful suite for you, because your family and dearest guests, can be with you before and after the ceremony, and because our splendid spa is all ready to offer you the best massage you’ve ever had. What more could you need?  The first to kiss the bride will be the beauty of Tuscany.

CHURCH WEDDING
Enclosed within the walls of Castel Monastero there is a little church dedicated to Saint Jacob and Saint Christopher that has been here since the 11th century. The rustic stone architecture is typical of local country parish churches.

The interiors were thoughtfully and carefully restored in the 18th century and make a charming contrast with the monastic simplicity of the exterior. This cosy and elegant church can hold a maximum of fifty guests. If you have more guests, we recommend the magnificent Romanesque church of Badia Monastero, just 2 km from Castel Monastero.

CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONY
For civil wedding ceremonies we recommend the splendid 18th century chamber in the town hall of Castelnuovo Berardenga in Chianti, just 7 km from our resort. This elegant, welcoming setting is decorated in the classic shade of ivory with exquisite gold friezes.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to celebrate in a 19th century villa with large rooms and a lawn in an old park? We can reserve the splendid neoclassical Villa Chigi Saracini on the outskirts of Castelnuovo Berardenga.

EVENTS
Thanks to its magnificent setting, the Castel Monastero resort is the ideal location for events and meetings in Tuscany. The village’s location in the heart of the countryside near Siena, and its architectural structure, mean that the resort can provide solutions of great impact and originality.

Furthermore, the cuisine in the two first-class restaurants, the presence of a magnificent Spa and a series of enjoyable open-air activities all contribute towards the success of every event.

TEAM BUILDING
During every season of the year, Castel Monastero offers a series of extraordinary open air activities, from excursions to the countryside, on horseback, by bicycle or on quad bikes, to itineraries on the back of a Vespa, in a vintage car or a Ferrari. Then there are guided visits to artistic destinations and a magical hot air balloon flight over breathtaking Tuscany.

Need another idea? Why not take part in one of our highly refined cooking and wine-tasting courses, or participate in our grape harvest and maybe go in search of truffles and porcini mushrooms? Imagine the pleasure of discussing your adventures in the evening by an open fire, together with your friends and colleagues.

ACTIVITIES
This is the time you never have when you’re at home, about town or at work, busy with the many things you have to do every day. Free time a time when you are free from stress is the most wonderful gift that Castel Monastero, the luxury hotel and spa in Tuscany, can give you. How about starting with a soothing massage in our spa and a swim in our spectacular black basalt pool?

Or a tennis match? Or the unique experience of truffle hunting in the woods and countryside around our resort, followed by a truffle dinner in our restaurants, washed down with some extraordinary Tuscan wine?

You can take to the skies too in a fantastic balloon, flying over the spectacular Chianti hills and its splendid historical towns. And when your feet touch the ground again you can play a round of golf at the superb 18-hole Ugolino Golf Club, just an hour’s drive from our hotel. Or perhaps you prefer polo? In just a few minutes from your room you can be at the beautiful Villa Sesta Polo Club.

And you’ve come to the right place if your passion is Italian haute cuisine. Anything else? Would you believe it if we told you we even have a telescope ready for you so you can explore the heavens? This time it’s the sky’s turn to reflect the beauty of the Earth.

VISITING TUSCANY
Tuscany is a wealth of landscape beauties and artistic treasures which has no equal in the world: discovering it means venturing on a pleasant tour among history, art, nature and good food. Each stage is unique and special, with an extraordinary story to tell.

CHIANTI
Green hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, suggestive views, among rural churches and old farmsteads: the Chianti region is an astonishing territory because of its wine, known all over the world, but also for its small charming villages, like Castellina, Radda, Greve and Gaiole.

SAN GIMIGNANO
Placed on a high hill in the Val d’Elsa, San Gimignano preserves intact its historic center, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooked by its famous towers and enriched by palaces and religious sites, San Gimignano is a must-see place during a tour of Tuscany.

SIENA
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance relive in Siena, where everything is art and tradition: Piazza del Campo with the Torre del Mangia, the Town Hall, the Cathedral and the folklore of the Palio, a tradition since 1656 which takes place still nowadays every 2 July and 16 August.

A race lasting just a few minutes to recount a thousand years of life in Siena and its contrade. A few minutes to feel the intensity and strength of an ancient bond between man and horse. A few minutes to exult and weep.

A few minutes and the Palio will remain one of the most thrilling memories of your life. A year of alliances and vendettas. And then, on 2 July and 16 August, the Palio decides the city’s fate.

MONTERIGGIONI
A medieval village that preserves untouched all its history and beauty: Monteriggioni and its XIII century castle, at the gates of Chianti, are an unparalleled location in Tuscany. Unmissable is a walk along its mighty walls with a view on the surrounding hills.

AREZZO
The city of Petrarca and Vasari, Arezzo is an extraordinary historical and artistic jewel: its churches enshrine frescoes by Piero della Francesca and Cimabue, every year Piazza Grande hosts the Giostra del Saracino and on every first weekend of the month the Antiques Fair.

MONTALCINO & PIENZA
A nature, art and culture park acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Val D’Orcia fascinates with its pastoral landscape and suggestive old villages, like Montalcino, medieval village well-known for the wine-making of Brunello, and Pienza, a Renaissance gem shaped by Pope Pius II.

MONTEPULCIANO
Located on top of a hillside between Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia, Montepulciano is renowned for the richness of its vineyards producing the excellent Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and for its center rich in churches, elegant Renaissance palaces and the wonderful Piazza Grande.

CORTONA & VOLTERRA
Among the main centers of Etruscan culture, lied on hills offering extraordinary panoramic views, Cortona and Volterra preserve an untouched historical center, full of churches and palaces, rural churches, monasteries and valuable archaeological evidence of Roman and Etruscan age.

GUIDED TOURS OF TUSCANY
Thanks to the professionalism of our guides, we are able to offer a series of magnificent guided tours of Tuscany and Chianti. This authentic experience will allow you to discover the treasures of this wonderful land.

WINE TASTING
A stay at Castello Monastero can be a good opportunity to get to know and closely appreciate high-end labels and the wine-making excellences of Tuscany, from Chianti to Val D’Orcia as well as of the Colline Senesi.

Through our reception you can book wine and oil tasting at eminent wineries, but also private visits, tailored to your wishes, at small family-run firms that produce valuable niche wines respecting ancient techniques.

Among the wineries we collaborate with: in the Chianti Antinori, Castello di Brolio, Castello di Ama, Fèlsina, Tenuta Arceno, Fattoria Montemaggio, Fattoria Nittardi, Rocca delle Macie and Montefioralle Winery; in Montalcino Castello di Banfi, Poggio Antico, Altesino, Poggio di Sotto, Castello Tricerchi, Azienda Agricola Casanova di Neri, Fattoria dei Barbi, Ciacci Piccolomini; in Montepulciano Avignonesi, Cantina Dei, Bindella, Poliziano, Cantina Gattavecchi, Cantina Ercolani, De Ricci, Contucci.

BY BICYCLE
Castel Monastero is the ideal starting point for a variety of excursions by bicycle, which can be personalised by our guide according to the time you have available and your level of fitness.

For example, an easy, relaxing half-day excursion that we can offer is a 25 km itinerary leaving from Castel Monastero and taking in the evocative locations of Rapale, Podere Marocco and Castelnuovo Berardenga, before returning to our resort. Other destinations include excursions to Val d’Orcia and the Via Francigena. For further information, just ask our concierge!

VESPA PIAGGIO RENTAL
Ask the reception for a Vespa rental to experience the Tuscan countryside with its old villages, vineyards and white roads.

HOT AIR BALLOON IN TUSCANY
This unique experience will enable you to see the Tuscan landscape from a different perspective! You will rise gently from the ground, and carried by a gentle breeze you’ll get a bird’s eye view of historical towns and splendid vineyards which have, created the legend of this breathtaking terrain.

This is where power of imagination can come true! You can fly like the wind with the romanticism and adventure which make the art of flying such a unique experience.

SHOPPING IN TUSCANY
At Castel Monastero Tuscany also means the best of Italian fashion, in the famous boutiques of Florence just an hour’s drive away and in Siena’s most exclusive addresses, just a few minutes from your suite.

But how about if we offer you a day of first class cut price shopping in Tuscany’s most famous outlets, together with a car, private driver and the best personal shopper of course? Take a look at these names and start rethinking your wardrobe. Leave the rest to us.

Rooms: 74

Price: from 358 EUR per night

Source: www.castelmonastero.com