The largest region in central Italy, Tuscany is a popular year-round destination. With bustling cities and charming small towns alike—along with an extensive network of world-famous vineyards, expansive rolling hills, and majestic castles, the region merits more than a day trip. If you’re dreaming of visiting this rural corner of Italy, we have a few suggestions for unforgettable 5-star hotels in Tuscany that are perfect for a luxury Italian vacation.
Top 10: The Best 5-Star Hotels in Tuscany
Below, we break down the 10 most magnificent ultraluxe hotels and resorts in restored historic buildings and castles dotting the countryside, all of which offer a peek into the great beauty of Tuscany. Whether your tastes run vintage or fashion-forward, you’ll find your dream room waiting in one of these 5-star hotels in Tuscany.
At Nancy Aiello Tours we believe firsthand experience is the best way to be versed in what works best for our curious and enthusiastic travelers. With this in mind, find out which of our vetted 5-star hotels in Tuscany are right for your tailor-made vacation. All of the locations in the top 10 are priced at over €1000 per night and offer their own unique amenities and experiences you probably wouldn’t get on any normal vacation.
1 Adler Spa Resort Thermae
The thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, a wonderful spa resort just south of Siena, have been famous since Etruscan times, even before the ancient Romans arrived. This resort hotel, however, sparked a resurgence in hot thermal treatments when its luxurious spa opened in 2004, offering massages, beauty treatments, and gallons of hot water from a natural spring. Other places to get wet include an indoor thermal pool, a kids' thermal "fun pool," and a cooler sport pool for those who want to swim without breaking a sweat. Children are well catered for (there's a Kids Club for ages four and above), while adults will enjoy three steam rooms (one built in a stone grotto), an olive-wood sauna over a lake, and sumptuous relaxation areas with views across to the castle of Rocca d'Orcia. Even the gym has a thermal spring running through it. Further enticements include 87 spacious bedrooms, many with terraces, and a glass-roofed restaurant flooded with natural light.
2 Borgo Santo Pietro
The Sienese monks who stopped at the Borgo Santo Pietro more than 800 years ago wouldn't recognize this 5-star boutique hotel and estate today. With a 13th century villa at its heart, the hotel is a haven rich in history where people can come to celebrate a special occasion such as a honeymoon or a wedding, to relax with bespoke spa treatments or to simply enjoy a romantic taste of heaven. Rose-lined pathways lead to secluded benches, a lovely farm that provides the resort restaurants with its greens, cheeses, and fruits. An outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and an outdoor tennis court are some of the other highlights at this luxurious hotel.
3 COMO Castello del Nero
COMO Castello del Nero is a top-end hotel set amidst the vineyards of Chianti. Though there are plenty of other castles and villas in the area this was one of the first to offer luxury facilities and customer service—at prices to match. If you can't do without 24-hour room service, a huge heated outdoor pool, an ESPA holistic spa, cashmere blankets, and an evening turndown service, then COMO Castello del Nero is pretty much obligatory. With its 700 acres of centuries-old cypress trees and impressive gardens, COMO Castello del Nero feels much like the fiefdom of a Tuscan lord—and in fact, the original structure has belonged to various noble families since 1300. The 12th-century castle and adjoining buildings were converted into 50 rooms and suites, some of them adorned with restored floor-to-ceiling frescoes. A standout feature is an outdoor vitality pool in the shelter of a long arcade. The Michelin- Starred La Torre restaurant is in the hands of the executive Chef Giovanni Luca di Pirro, who uses vegetables and herbs grown on the estate in his light and healthy take on the Tuscan tradition. Florence and Siena are about a 40-minute drive away and the property offers a scheduled shuttle service.
4 Castello di Vicarello
Near the village of Sasso d'Ombrone, 40 minutes' drive northeast of Grosseto, Vicarello is a 12th-century feudal castle perched on a rocky spur with views west to the sea. The atmosphere is that of a discreet house party, presided over by charming hosts Neri and Brando the sons of Aurora and Carlo Baccheschi Berti. There are 9 unique suites, 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool, with sun loungers and pool umbrellas —which means that much of the time guests have one to themselves. Lavender, rosemary, and a whole bank of ground roses cover the slopes just below the castle, with terraces of olives and vines down below. Suites have real working fireplaces (it can get quite chilly here out of season), and breakfast—much of it based on produce made, grown, and/or baked by the hosts—is served in a huge country kitchen.
5 Castel Monastero
Castel Monastero is a restored fortified abbey turned wine estate in Tuscany's Ombrone Valley. This luxury hotel serves up a perfectly curated version of the Tuscan lifestyle, right down to its stylish but contemporary-country interior design. Those who know and love the real Tuscany might find the 76-room village-hotel a little airbrushed, but there's no denying that the setting—in the wild Ombrone valley on the edge of the Chianti Classico wine zone—is spectacular, and the restoration of this fortified abbey turned wine estate can hardly be faulted. The views back across to the village-hotel from the terraced infinity pools are sublime, and the spa offers an impressive range of beauty and revitalizing treatments. Other resort's highlights include 2 indoor pools and a seasonal outdoor pool as well as 2 gourmet restaurants led by executive chef Davide Canella.
6 Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
In the heart of Brunello wine country, the nearly 4,500-acre Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is one of Tuscany's most impressive luxury retreats. There is plenty to attract in this medieval borgo, or hamlet, which includes 11 villa and 42 suites. The accommodations have huge living rooms and massive showers and are done in a refined country style with leather chairs and heavy draperies. A former priest's house now holds the two restaurants: the Osteria La Canonica and the Ristorante Campo Del Drago. Other resort's highlights include the spa, a golf course, an equestrian center, two outdoor pools, a rooftop terrace, and a winery. With many cozy spaces in which to enjoy a glass of wine, and a fleet of discreet staff to cater to your whims, you'll feel like the master of your own estate.
7 Il Borro
Centered around its very own medieval hamlet, this 1,700-acre property in the wilds of the Arezzo region is owned by Ferruccio Ferragamo—son of Salvatore, founder of the famous Florentine fashion dynasty. Sip and savor at this exceptional retreat which boasts a tasting room and a vineyard. The estate includes 58 lavishly decorated rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, spa services, 9 holes of golf, and a poolside bar. Two restaurants serving traditional local dishes in the hamlet completes this idyllic Tuscan retreat.
8 Il Falconiere
A delightful 17th-century villa surrounded by cypresses, olive orchards, and vineyards, this Relais & Châteaux property is located in the outskirts of Cortona. The 34 individually furnished spacious rooms, some with modern frescoes and four-poster beds, have original cotto tile floors and are elegantly furnished with antiques and tapestries, yet the atmosphere is unpretentious, relaxed, and sunny. The Michelin-starred restaurant in the former limonaia (a greenhouse for young lemon trees) is one of the few chic eateries in the area, with elegant table settings and polished service. The outdoor terrace has a stunning view of Cortona and the valley. In addition to the rooftop terrace, guests can enjoy 2 outdoor pools and 18 holes of golf.
9 Il Pellicano
It's hard to find a reason to leave this sumptuous 47-room resort with its heated pool, private pebbly beach on the Cala dei Santi, and 2 superb restaurants. Other hotel's highlights include a wellness center, a spa and a seaside lounge bar. Set in a natural amphitheater on the rocky Argentario coast, this exclusive resort's accommodations are discreetly spread out in villas nestled among pine trees and cypresses. Rooms are spacious and light-filled and decorated with comfortable luxury in mind; most have terraces overlooking the sea. The privacy factor draws aristocrats and muckety-mucks from the fields of entertainment, the arts, and banking. A staff of more than a hundred is on hand to cater to their every whim. From June to September, lunchtime here is served on the stunning seaside terrace overlooking Porto Ercole, with an array of exquisitely fresh fish and meats; make your choice, and it will be custom barbecued for you. The wine list offers more than a thousand labels.
10 Belmond Villa San Michele
One of Tuscany's most exclusive hotels Belmond Villa San Michele is nestled in the fabled hill town of Fiesole. Dating from the 15th century, the Villa’s facade is attributed to Michelangelo. Step inside and you experience the ethereal beauty and solitude of a Renaissance monastery that is as much a part of Italy's culture as the country’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Enjoy a luxurious stay in this wonderful villa with the view of Florence. From the hotel’s wide terrace you can indulge in a cocktail or a great meal as you contemplate the beauty of the Florentine cityscape, with the Duomo at its center. Florence’s historic center is just 20-25 minutes away by car.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Trip To Tuscany?
Daydreaming about planning a trip to Tuscany one day (hopefully) soon? Discover the Best of Tuscany in a Week Tour. A seven-day trip itinerary that'll take you through the lush green hills, charm, history, and gastronomy of Tuscany like a local.
When you say green rolling hills, one word comes to mind: Tuscany. It offers a stunning array of natural splendor to help you embrace the countryside by hiking, wine tasting, and cooking like a local. From Renaissance Florence to country resorts and charming castle hotels, Tuscany is full of character, a rich history, and friendly, outgoing locals sure to win you over.
During this seven-day adventure, you'll start in the capital city of Florence before making your way down south to the Chianti Hills. You'll pop into the country's best wineries, venture off the beaten path to small towns and historic castles, and even embark on a private truffle hunting tour.
A little more of this and less of that? Interested in spending more time exploring Florence, or the Tuscan countryside? Want to go up to Northern Italy to stay in Venice? Interested in enjoying the lakes of Northern Italy? What about the Lake Como or Lake Iseo? If you need help deciding on where to go and how long to spend in each place Nancy Aiello Tours's got you covered with a custom-built itinerary tailored to your unique tastes, preferences, and priorities.
Hire an Italy expert to plan your custom dream trip. We make suggestions for unique experiences & arrange the flawless logistics to get you there.