It would be difficult to exaggerate the beauty of this hotel’s setting, or the allure of the property as a whole. High in the Tuscan hills, Lupaia sits in a rolling green valley that’s gently punctuated by cypress trees, ordered vineyards and the occasional farmhouse. To the south you look up to majestic Montepulciano; to the north the quiet village of Montefollonico, yet the hotel itself is wrapped in a cocoon of birdsong and peace. We visited briefly and left reluctantly, bewitched by the luscious pool and the promise of pure relaxation.
Once a medieval borgo, Lupaia's old stones, rafters, beams and tiles were renovated with consummate care. Today it is owned by a young Austrian couple and the hotel's 12 rooms and suites ooze comfort and relaxation. The overall impression is one of rustic luxury and space - a charming mix that seduces from the word go.
Highs
- Rustic yet luxurious interiors, and each room has a private outdoor space
- Decadent breakfasts, made to linger over
- Guests sing the praises of the lovely owners and delightful staff
- Only 20 minutes from the A1 autostrada that links Florence and Rome
- A glorious infinity pool and Jacuzzi with a view
Lows
- It's a drive to the nearest restaurants, a normal compromise when staying at a peaceful rural hotel
- No alcohol in minibars; drinks need to be asked for and served, though there is a pool bar in summer
- All ages are welcome but the refined atmosphere is squarely aimed at couples
Best time to go
Tuscany is a joy for much of the year, though it can be very hot in the summer, as well as busy and expensive. May is a lovely time to come, as is September, when sunny weather is still (almost) guaranteed, but you avoid the soaring temperatures.
Our top tips
Be sure to print off the PDF map of directions the hotel sends you. Sat Navs don't work well here and without it, you're in danger of circling the vicinity for hours, thus missing out on the delights of the hotel!
- Boutique Hotel
- 12 rooms
- Restaurants and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome.
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Classes
Rooms
The 6 rooms and 6 suites are spread out amongst several rambling ivy-covered stone buildings, with lots of space and privacy for all. Each has a terrace or garden with wisteria, carefully tended flowerbeds or a stretch of lawn with a view.
Inside, rooms are unique and the attention to detail is extraordinary. Luxurious fabrics and rustic touches daringly combine; stone basins and antique mirrors were rescued and restored; little lamps and pictures carefully chosen. All share beautiful original rafters and terracotta floors.
We stayed in a Deluxe Room with chunky standing beams, a gorgeous mosaicked basin and an elegant chaise longue sprinkled with silk cushions. It was cool and dark, a perfect summer respite. For the best views, book Deluxe Room Turco, Alma or Tadema, as all have frontal views of Montepulciano across the valley. Turco's bathroom also has an attached Turkish steam bath.
Of the Standard Rooms, Aurora is brighter one, with windows on 3 sides and a private garden facing Montefollonico. Bosco has a private terrace with a view towards Montepulciano and a bedroom with light green accents.
Top of the pile are the Suites: over-the-top Montepulciano is perfect for romantics with its high ceilings, large living area and far-reaching views from the terrace. On the other hand, Nido has 360-degree views, an open fireplace and a large bathroom. Lupaia is the largest, with two bedrooms and a private terrace. All very tempting.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Lupaia’s kitchen is the heart of the hotel, a warm, inviting place with copper saucepans hanging from the ceiling, rainbow pottery, and delicious smells wafting from the oven.
Dinners are served on the lovely patio (or indoors in cooler months). A typical menu spans 4 courses; perhaps crispy crostini with chicken liver, handmade fettuccine with ragu, roast pork loin with veg, cheese from the neighbouring farm, and a dolce if you still have space. Wines come primarily from the local Montepulciano and Montalcino vineyards.
Breakfasts are a delight: fresh feasts elegantly served out on the terrace. There are homemade fruit tarts, cakes and croissants. Fruits, cheeses and cold cuts are sourced locally. Cereal and fruit are on offer too, but we went all-out on sweet indulgence and savoured every mouthful.
Light lunches are available anywhere: poolside, in the restaurant, or on any of the numerous seating areas.
If you’d prefer to eat out, nearby Montefollonico (10-minute drive) has a couple of nice places. We tried Osteria La Botte Piena, a winery and deli with a bustling little restaurant upstairs, where the local pici was fantastic. Alternatively, there's no shortage of superb restaurants in nearby Montepulciano and Pienza - ask the team for their latest recommendations.
Features include:
- Bar
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
Activities
- Explore the narrow streets, ancient squares and glorious palazzi of Montepulciano (4km away), the highest of the classic Tuscan hilltowns. Don't forget to sample a glass or two of the famous red vino nobile - there are a couple of wine cantinas at the lower end of town
- Sitting just below Montepulciano is the exquisite church of San Biagio, considered one of the most significant structures of the Renaissance
- Treat yourself to Pienza (5km away), a utopian Renaissance town and World Heritage site. It's small but perfectly formed and crammed full of churches, palaces and museums honouring its founder, Pope Pius II
- If you’ve been there and done that, check out the quiet but lovely Montefollonico and Montichiello
- Borrow a mountain bike and follow quiet tracks over undulating hills
- Golf, tennis, pilates, aerobics and yoga are close by, and there's an on-site gym
- Pamper yourself - reception can arrange for a masseuse to come to the hotel
- Loll by the split-level pool, drinking in the rolling views
- Wine and pecorino tastings can be organized
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Plantlife / flora
- Tennis
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children are welcome but it's not the most child-orientated Tuscan hotel.
Family friendly accommodation:
The Deluxe Rooms and Suites can hold 1 or 2 extra beds.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Superbly positioned in southern Tuscany, midway between Siena and Perugia, about 4km from beautiful Montepulciano.
By Air
There are some flights to Florence Peretola airport (99km). However, most people fly to Pisa Galileo (179km) or Perugia Sant'Egidio (70km).
By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence and Tuscany quite easily from London. See the excellent Seat 61 for details.
From the Airport
It's a 1-hour drive from Perugia, and just over 2 hours from Pisa, but driving in Tuscany is an absolute pleasure.
By Car
Driving through Tuscany's beautiful countryside is a delight. If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Perugia Sant'Egidio 70.0 km PEG
- Florence - Peretola 99.0 km FLR
Other:
- Beach 94.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km