Castel Monastero, a 76-room rural retreat in Tuscany, opened its doors yesterday. Since visiting the Four Seasons in Florence, I'm loving luxury hotels with lots of history and this one has it in spades.
The hotel dates back to the 11th century and was once home to the noble Chigi Saracini family of Siena. The designers have kept the room design simple, with a "rustic chic" motif coming from wall frescoes of the Italian countryide, antique furniture and timber panelling.
Located in the medieval village of Monastero d'Ombrone in Chianti, the hotel is only 14 miles east of Sienna and about an hour from Florence. But, with an 11-room Urban Retreat Spa and a Gordon Ramsey fine dining restaurant on site - why would you ever leave?
