The Lowdown: In the heart of the countryside near Siena, but totally secluded within its own 300 acres of countryside, lies family-owned Borgo Santo Pietro. Danish couple Claus and Jeanette Thottrup came across the property in 2001 and have created one of the most magical places in Tuscany. Best described as a collection of chic lifestyle brands, the borgo is home to a 13th-century villa, two restaurants, a cooking school, vineyards, a vast working organic farm, a yacht and a natural skincare brand. The vibe here is very much private residence rather than hotel and the feeling of home pervades throughout the estate, with a story to tell in every corner.
Where You’ll Sleep: Today, Borgo Santo Pietro is home to a collection of 22 uniquely designed suites, each its own personal sanctuary of comfort and style, with lavish furnishings, sumptuous linens, elegant chandeliers, antiques, artworks and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Choose from a classic room or suite in the main 13th-century villa, a suite with its own garden, or a secluded villa with pool. We love Santo Pietro Grand Suite which presides over the full south wing of the villa with uninterrupted views over the fields and vineyards of Valle Serena – the living area has high-beamed cathedral ceilings and is furnished with antiques, chandeliers and rich upholstered drapes; up the stone carved stairs is a mezzanine equipped with massage facilities where guests can enjoy spa treatments; the bedroom has a huge four-poster bed, open fireplace and French doors leading onto the terrace. If, however, you want to get away from it all and surrender to total privacy in the height of luxury, opt for one of the three sumptuous pool villas – you’ll never want to leave.
For Foodies: Borgo Santo Pietro is a haven for epicureans and makes full use of the region’s finest ingredients. The estate raises its own sheep, chickens, pigs and bees, and produces artisan cheese, free-range eggs, cured pork products and raw honey. The menus in the two restaurants are committed to a farm-to-table ethos. Michelin-starred Saporium’s tasting menus showcase everything the property has to offer as well as seafood from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea – think snails with nettles; Borgo lamb with artichoke, baked ricotta and green sauce; red mullet, green asparagus and clams; sea bass ravioli with zolfino beans and lemon grass. Trattoria Sull’Albero is more laid back with rustic interiors designed around a large oak tree – here, the menu includes the best pizzas we’ve tasted.
Beyond the restaurants, the state-of-the-art cookery school will teach you how to make ravioli with the help of a local nonna and how to master the finesse of crafting and baking the perfect pizza in a traditional wood-burning oven. Borgo Santo Pietro also has its own wine label that is grown and produced within the estate. You can also book in for wine tastings with the hotel’s expert sommelier – these are available year-round, but October is the best time to visit when you get the added experience of the estate’s wine harvest where the owners host a grape picking session followed by lunch. This is also a good time to go truffle hunting with the estate’s expert and dog.
What Else? The fabulous spa uses the herbal Seed-to-Skin products made on the estate, so be sure to book in for a treatment. In the warmer months, there’s a gorgeous infinity pool or you can go for a dip in the nearby river. In addition to cooking classes, there are flower arranging and art classes, demos of cheese-making and beekeeping, and miles of hiking trails to burn off those extra calories.
To Book: Rates start from €875, including breakfast. For more details, visit BorgoSantoPietro.com