The Borgo Santa Pietro is a privately owned hotel in the heart of Tuscany. It has been showered with awards over the past few years, including featuring as one of the top ten boutique hotels in the world, and one of the top hundred hotels in the world. So we arrived in great anticipation of a fantastic visit, and let us say right now, we were absolutely not disappointed.
On a misty morning, the gleaming villa rises from green and lush gardens. The gravel crunched on the drive as drew to a halt, and a smiling staff member greeted us and whisked our luggage away in the manner of a good butler.
“Staying here feels as if you’re living in a dream”
In the entrance hall, a black and white cat lounged in front of a welcome open fire. We were immediately enchanted. Our room, in the main building of the villa, was a dream. Cream walls reflected the sunshine of the garden, elegant period style furniture sat alongside modern day comforts, and the fire was lit in the fireplace, welcome in the slightly chill early summer air.
The light wood smoke and fresh flower perfumes mingled, making us feel instantly at home. My companion confirmed that the bathroom “smellies” were of the best quality, as were the ample towels and robes and fine Egyptian cotton bed linens.
Later that day the mist cleared and the sun blazed out. We strolled the gardens, venturing down to the vegetable growing area, where we admired the most beautiful beans, lettuce, onions - heading for the kitchens. It was warm enough to tempt us to a dip in the outside pool, a natural horizon pool complete with rocks.
We decided the next day to take advantage of the Vespas which the hotel hires to guests, and off we sailed to explore the local countryside, with a delicious picnic prepared by the kitchen stowed on board. We felt like characters form La Dolce Vita!
That evening we dined at the fabulous restaurant, La Valle Serena. The next day, my partner decided to take advantage of a casual art lesson with the artist in residence, and came back filled with determination to take up her pastels again in earnest.
Altogether the Borgo Santo Pietra is our favourite boutique hotel in Tuscany – and the competition is very stiff. It combines beauty and elegance with a family feel, and we can only give it the highest recommendation.
The Bill: £390 per night
