You know that feeling when you drive into a place and the air just... changes? That's the vibe when you hit the gates of Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Tuscany. It isn't just another fancy hotel in a field. Honestly, it’s an entire medieval village that’s been meticulously brought back from the brink of decay.
Imagine 2,700 acres. That is a massive amount of land. To put that in perspective, it's bigger than some actual towns in the US. For decades, Castelfalfi was basically a ghost town. The inhabitants had left for the cities during the industrial boom of the 1960s, leaving behind a crumbling castle, a church, and a bunch of tobacco warehouses. Then, the TUI Group saw the potential, poured in millions, and more recently, the ownership shifted to the Indonesian tycoon Sri Prakash Lohia. The result? A weirdly perfect blend of 800-year-old history and high-end sustainability.
What Actually Happens at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Tuscany?
Most people think "Tuscany" and imagine sitting under a cypress tree with a glass of Chianti. Sure, you can do that here. But what makes Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Tuscany different is the sheer scale of the activities. It’s a playground.
The golf course is usually the first thing people talk about. It’s the largest in Tuscany, featuring 27 holes split between the Mountain Course and the Lake Course. If you’re a golfer, the Mountain Course is a beast—steep drops, tight fairways, and views that make it hard to focus on your swing. If you aren't into golf, you’re probably looking at the spa. The Rakkan Spa is massive, utilizing products from brands like Maria Galland Paris and Elemis. It doesn't feel clinical; it feels like you're hiding out in a very expensive, very quiet stone cellar.
But here’s the thing people get wrong: they think it’s just for couples. It’s surprisingly good for families. There’s a Falesia (a climbing wall), archery, and even a survival course for kids. You can spend a morning hunting for truffles with a local Lagotto Romagnolo dog and an afternoon learning how to press olives.
👉 See also: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
The Agriculture is the Real Star
Castelfalfi isn't just a resort; it's a working farm. They produce their own organic olive oil and wine. We’re talking about 25 hectares of vineyards and 10,000 olive trees. If you visit during the harvest season in the fall, the smell of fermenting grapes is everywhere.
The wine list isn't just a collection of expensive bottles from elsewhere. They serve their own Poggio i Soli and Cerchiaia. It’s authentic. When you eat at La Rocca—the fine-dining restaurant located inside the actual medieval castle—the ingredients are often coming from the gardens you passed on your way to dinner.
Staying There: The Hotel vs. The Village
You’ve got options. This is where it gets slightly confusing for first-timers.
- Il Castelfalfi: This is the big, five-star hotel. It’s modern, sleek, and has that "new luxury" feel with floor-to-ceiling windows.
- La Tabaccaia: This is a four-star boutique hotel located in what used to be a tobacco factory. It has more of an industrial-chic vibe—think wood beams and terracotta tiles.
- Private Villas: If you have a group or just want to pretend you own a piece of Italy, you can rent restored farmhouses spread across the estate.
The five-star wing is where you’ll find the infinity pool that everyone posts on Instagram. It overlooks the valley, and when the mist rolls in during the morning, it looks like a Renaissance painting. Seriously.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
Sustainability Isn't Just a Buzzword Here
In the travel industry, "eco-friendly" usually just means they don't wash your towels every day. Castelfalfi actually tries. They have their own water treatment plant that recycles water for the golf course. They use a biomass plant for heating.
Because the resort is so spread out, they encourage the use of electric golf carts and bikes. It keeps the noise down. You can actually hear the cicadas. It’s quiet. Sometimes, it’s so quiet it’s almost unsettling if you’re coming from a city like London or New York.
The Food Situation
Let's talk about the food because, honestly, that's why we go to Italy.
- La Rocca: This is the fancy one. Michelin-star aspirations. It’s inside the castle. Very romantic.
- Il Rosmarino: This is the trattoria. It’s where you go for pizza and simpler pasta dishes. The wild boar ragu is legendary.
- Country Clubhouse: Located at the golf course, it’s great for a quick lunch, but the view is the real draw.
A lot of guests make the mistake of only eating on-site. Don't do that. While the resort food is incredible, you’re only a short drive from San Gimignano and Volterra. Go explore. Get a gelato in the Piazza della Cisterna. Then come back to the resort when the crowds get too annoying.
🔗 Read more: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
The Practical Realities
Getting to Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Tuscany takes some planning. It’s about an hour from both Pisa and Florence. You absolutely need a car. Don't try to rely on taxis or public transport; you’ll feel trapped. Driving in Tuscany is part of the experience anyway—winding roads, sunflowers, and the occasional confused pheasant.
Is it expensive? Yes. It’s a luxury resort. But compared to the prices in the heart of Florence or the ultra-hyped spots in Positano, you actually get a lot of space and peace for your money.
The best time to go is May/June or September/October. July and August are hot. Like, melt-your-shoes hot. Plus, that’s when the "Overtourism" in Italy reaches its peak. In the shoulder seasons, the light is better for photos, and the temperature is perfect for hiking the trails that crisscross the estate.
Final Thoughts for Your Trip
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a Disney version of Italy, this isn't it. It feels lived-in. There are still locals who live in the apartments within the borgo (the village center). There’s a working post office.
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Tuscany manages to walk the line between being a high-end destination and a preserved piece of history. It’s for the traveler who wants to do more than just sit by a pool—though the pools are, admittedly, spectacular.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book your dinner at La Rocca at least two weeks in advance. It fills up, especially on weekends when locals come from the surrounding cities.
- Rent an e-bike. The hills are no joke. Even if you think you’re fit, the Tuscan terrain will humble you quickly.
- Check the lunar calendar. Because there is very little light pollution on the estate, stargazing here is world-class. If you can time your visit with a new moon, the Milky Way is clearly visible.
- Pack for "Smart Casual." You don't need a tuxedo, but you’ll feel out of place in flip-flops at dinner. Think linen shirts and loafers.
- Visit the shop in the Borgo. They sell the olive oil produced on-site. It’s heavy to carry home, but it tastes better than anything you’ll find in a supermarket.