Reviewed by
Charlotte Sinclair
After lengthy renovation and entangling Italian red tape, what was originally meant as a family escape for Claus and Jeanette Thottrup quickly became a hotel project - and Borgo Santo Pietro was born. We should be glad. A restored 13th-century Tuscan villa, this boutique hideaway stands in quiet isolation within a 300-acre estate just outside the village of Palazzetto, and all around are views over the Serena valley.
It’s an elegant building with stone walls, sweeping staircases, high ceilings and cosy nooks. Deep velvet sofas, swagged silk curtains, hand-painted frescoes and 18th-century portraits (cleverly hiding flat-screen TVs) give the place a Medici-worthy decadence. Everything is tailored towards complete relaxation and romance, from the his and hers iPads to the huge antique beds. Add extraordinary food, a well-stocked wine cellar, tennis courts, a lawn-embedded trampoline, an infinity pool and an outdoor cocktail bar, and there’s little incentive to ever leave.
It’s an elegant building with stone walls, sweeping staircases, high ceilings and cosy nooks. Deep velvet sofas, swagged silk curtains, hand-painted frescoes and 18th-century portraits (cleverly hiding flat-screen TVs) give the place a Medici-worthy decadence. Everything is tailored towards complete relaxation and romance, from the his and hers iPads to the huge antique beds. Add extraordinary food, a well-stocked wine cellar, tennis courts, a lawn-embedded trampoline, an infinity pool and an outdoor cocktail bar, and there’s little incentive to ever leave.
Highs
- Extensive, beautifully landscaped grounds that are both peaceful and secluded – cypress-shaded lanes, rose gardens, herb gardens, wild flower fields, fruit orchards and an onsite florist
- Sumptuous, antique-filled interiors – some of the most romantic suites we've seen
- Claus and Jeanette’s personalities set the tone: fun, sociable, informal; staff are wonderfully warm and the concierge will go above and beyond for you
- A great spa, tucked away amidst the healing herb gardens and flower meadows
- The romance: it’s as if you’re a character in a Petrarch sonnet
Lows
- Some of the passageways in the house are quite dark, as you’d expect from an old building
- Quiet and romantic – welcoming to families but best for couples and honeymooners
- Occasional jets overhead from the nearby airbase
- Prices are steep but this is reflected in the service, luxury and “can do” attitude of the team
- We haven't seen some of the latest additions in person but they look fabulous
Best time to go
The hotel is closed from November to Easter. High summer (July/August) is great for lazing by the pool and taking alfresco meals, but remember Italy shuts down in August so some restaurants and attractions will be closed. Spring brings wild flowers and green landscapes; autumn is lovely for cosying up by open fires in your room and taking frosty walks through the countryside.
Our top tips
What should you pack? The vibe is relaxed yet romantic, but perhaps bring something a little special to wear over a candlelit dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant. The 8-course tasting menu is a memorable treat. In fact, this hotel is so special that you might even feel compelled to propose...