Castello di Casole reviews — The most romantic hotel in Europe

Vineyards, olive gardens, and barrel-vaulted ceilings: your favorite love film scene pales in comparison to this hotel.

Walking hand in hand through a light-dappled grove of olive trees before a picnic in a vineyard seems like something out of a romantic book. It is, however, a reality for visitors to Castello di Casole, which was named the Most Romantic Hotel in Europe in our annual World’s Best ranking.

Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort, after all, stands on 4,200 acres of wine vineyards, olive trees, and a game reserve on a property that dates back to the 10th century. One look at the lush Sienese valleys reveals why Italian director Luchino Vistonti chose the area home in the 1960s.

Courtesy of Castello di Casole A Timbers Resort

Guests are welcome to spend their days exploring the Tuscan hills or relaxing in the heated outdoor pool carved into the hillside. The wine cellar has been turned into a spa for maximum relaxation, with treatments utilizing olive oil, grape seeds, and fresh rosemary gathered from the pristine countryside.

While visitors may not want to leave the grounds, the hotel does arrange day trips for wine tastings, vineyard tours, and visits to the medieval hill villages that dot the region (Siena’s renowned black-and-white church is a must-see).

The hotel also provides language and arts lessons, and when your studies get you hungry, head to the hotel’s on-site pizzeria, where guests can learn to make their own dough—or simply order a delicious pizza margherita from the kitchen. Sip wine at the Bar Visconti, order in to your wonderfully furnished room, or, for a more romantic supper, choose the exquisite Ristorante Tosca, which has a culinary menu as sustainable as your love (and maybe more so).

At the end of the day, retire to your terra cotta-lined bedroom and drift off to sleep under a barrel-vaulted ceiling and dream of doing it all again the next day.

Castello di Casole, set in the Tuscan countryside, with an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center, and two restaurants. This old castle offers beautiful rooms and is located 30 kilometers from Siena. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the hotel.

The Castello di Casole’s suites all have a minibar, satellite TV, and air conditioning. The spacious bathroom has Italian style freestanding bathtubs, Carrara marble or mosaic floors, and antique mirrors.

A sweet and savoury continental breakfast is served daily. Guests can try traditional Tuscan food at one of the property’s 2 restaurants. A bar is also available.

Guests can relax by the pool, work out in the gym, or enjoy a massage in the wellness centre. The large garden and terrace are equipped with chairs and tables.

The property is well placed for cycling activities in the local countryside, and bikes can be rented on site. Casole d’Elsa is 9 km, while Florence can be reached by car in 1 hour.