What it is

An 11th century fortress atop a Tuscan hill, with a 16,000 square foot spa, its own thermal spring, five restaurants, and its own wine and olive oil production.

What it isn't

The usual. Experiences on offer for guests here include Ferrari rentals, hot air balloon rides, truffle hunting, and blindfolded olive oil and wine tastings.

What we think

Every once in a while, we all want to feel like royalty. Castello Di Velona is the spot. Each guest room here overlooks the UNESCO heritage landscape, but interiors are every bit as pampering, with their exposed beams overhead, abundant draperies, Tuscan stucco, and marble-lined bathrooms. (They’re large, too: the starting room option is 430 square feet, and many have fireplaces). But if you’re not in Tuscany as often as you should be, book the Suite with Panoramic Terrace and Private Thermal Pool. It’s a 1,614 square foot wonderland of Italian elegance, from the private thermal pool on your terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards to the barrel vaulted brick ceilings and terracotta floor tiles made in Florence. Royal-worthy, indeed.

You're here because

The spa is what you dream about when you’re mired in work deadlines, with its Turkish baths, ice fountain, ginormous sauna, and only-in-Tuscany treatments like lavender oil and Tuscan herb massages.

The Moment

You’ve treated yourself to plenty of poolside meals, but none were like this. At Dolce Vita Pool Restaurant, from your table overlooking the pool’s waterfalls, every bite is a revelation—from the blue lobster linguine to the artisanal sorbeti. La dolce vita, indeed.

Restaurants & Bars

Settimo Senso- Traditional Italian and Tuscan cuisine

Il Brunello- Traditional Tuscan cuisine

Dolce Vita Pool Restaurant- Light snacks and typical Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine

Il SIlene- Historical and traditional Tuscan cuisine

Walter Redaelli- Italian regional cuisine

Location

Cresting a hill amid endless vineyards, less than two hour’s drive from Amerigo Vespucci Airport.