BENLEE

Recently, I tried the Kempinski Berchtesgaden resort which is nested among the Bavarian Alps and really love it. It's located about 2 hours drive from Munich, have great F&B and surrounded by lots of natural scenery and soaring mountain views, and also hiking trails to explore, along with beautiful mountains and lakes not too far from the resort. It's truly rejuvenating and relaxing.

I will like some recommendations of similar resorts if they exist in Tuscany ( in my impression, is the most beautiful part of Italy, could be wrong ), or other parts of Italy. I am looking for

1) Great view, among mountains or lakes with plenty of fresh air
2) Lots of interesting places like forrest hiking trails, small villages or towns to explore by foot nearby
3) Excellent on-site F&B
4) Room doesn't need to be top of the line luxury but comfortable with modern conveniences
5) Should not be too remote, preferably within 2+ hours drive or by train from a major Italian city but also should not be swarming with tourists
6) Lots of on-site facilities like restaurants, gyms etc

Thanks in advance!

Valveking

We just had a fantastic stay at the Castello di Casole in Tuscany. It is 30 minutes from Siena and 60 minutes from Florence. It had excellent on site food and wonderful Tuscan views from all over the property. The rooms were lovely and spacious and the service was very good. I would highly recommend it.

vuittonsofstyle

I totally agree with you - I love this hotel. Much friendier and relaxed, too, than Castiglion del Bosco, although that, too, is not to be sniffed at.

BENLEE

Thanks ValveKing and VuittonofStyle. Will check out Castello Di Casole.

Anyone with any other recommendations?

Nizar

I haven't actually been there so can't recommend personally so maybe others can confirm if this meets your requirements - but would Villa Feltrinelli fit the bill ?

Been on my list for a while

Musken

Independent of your hotel choice: If you want Tuscany without the hordes of tourists, you should avoid (at least) July and August. The tiny beautiful villages tend to be jammed with pedestrians.

FlyingDoctorwu

We stayed there a couple years back. Here's a link to my review.. while we loved it (absolutely loved it) I would caution that the service seems to be slanted more towards American tastes (which isn't necessarily a bad thing)... just so you're forewarned that it's not the most authentically Italian place... Infinity pool was great, nice countryside views (but not that wide open mountain or lake view open air feeling) and I really enjoyed the couple meals we had on site... Hard product was top notch; except for an awkwardly designed bath tub... definitely a nice place to spend some time....

FDW

livefromtuscany

My wife and I own/manage a country inn called Lupaia, located in Southern Tuscany close to Montepulciano and Pienza. It's rustic luxury in a farmhouse dating back to 1622, 11 rooms and suites, a restaurant with a great chef (not me), infinity pool and gorgeous views.

We bought it in 2015 as a change-of-lifestyle decision, trading city buzz to country life. It's not 5* polished luxury, but we've traveled a lot and try to do a lot of things differently than the traditional Italian luxury hotels. So your criteria 1) through 5) are met, for 6), well, restaurant and pool, and mountain bikes. Still debating whether or not to add a gym.

ABG

Unless something changed, I usually give the edge to Castiglion del Bosco as they have many rooms/suites with a proper terrace or balcony. At Castillo Di Casole the rooms in the main building do not have any.

Kagehitokiri

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ry-hotels.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...o-preview.html

Groombridge mentioned room quality, IIRC even better in villas

vienna-resident, wow, hope things are going well !

(as it is american real estate development)

vuittonsofstyle

Castello di Casole is American-owned (Timbers), but staff is 100% Italian, so I would not say that service was Americanised at all.

vuittonsofstyle

I would not stay in the main building - the low-rise wings in the 'village' have some good suite options, but best of all are the Villas in the grounds, which are superb.

However, I would agree that Castiglion del Bosco has more of a high quality feel to its suites - the finish is very fine indeed. Given that both hotels are in very different regions of Tuscany, I think that combining the two works very well. They both have a lot to offer.

Ericka

Looks beautiful, Vienna-Resident!

FlyerEC

Well , having met Vienna-Resident & wife many times , even before they were married at various Amans , etc .. we are not surprised that their property is meticulously planned & service to surpass that experienced at Amans . Lupaia is also their well loved home and am sure those who enjoy comfort luxury in the countryside
( including Amanjunkies ) will appreciate staying .
Those at the first mini Amanjunkies FT Do at Puri enjoyed their hospitality at SSYN

kajonesbu

Couldn't agree more. My wife and I stayed there last summer and can't wait to return. The food and beverage options are great. There's 3 restaurants on-site (formal sit down, a bar/patio restaurant, and a pizzeria). The pool has great views of the Tuscan countryside and the service is attentive but not overbearing. There's an on-site vineyard as well as a few other vineyards within a hours drive (I recommend checking out Badia di Passignano and doing the pairing at their Michelin star restaurant).