Via Giovanni Pascoli, Barga, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy | (618) 248-8274
In a large, secluded North Tuscan hills estate
Some rooms have panoramic views of Serchio Valley mountains and forests
Heated indoor pool and outdoor pool with valley views
Three on-site restaurants serving Tuscan specialties
Cooking classes and prepared picnics available
Fitness center on-site; many sporting activities nearby
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Remote location
Some rooms are small
Pool and spa close early
The Renaissance is a large resort complex overlooking some of the most picturesque landscape that you'll find in Tuscany, if not all of Italy. Despite being less than 90 minutes by car from Pisa Airport, the location feels remote and timeless, and is a great setting to really unwind. Rooms are elegantly finished and some have stunning views. Rooms without views may not be worth the price, but the rates are reasonable for this caliber of hotel.
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Scene
Traditionally styled resort overlooking picturesque Tuscan countryside
The Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is a remote and self-contained resort complex built in the traditional Tuscan style on around 1500 acres. It's reached via winding country roads that cut through dense forests. Guests pass stunning mountain vistas before driving through an arched stone entrance and into the piazza of what resembles a charming Italian village. Inside, the design blends more modern elements, with sleek, shimmering reception desks and cool contemporary furnishings. Clientele tends toward couples eager to really get away from it all and experience the calm of a secluded, peaceful Tuscan retreat. The resort also attracts the occasional conference.
Location
Remote Tuscan hilltop setting, a 45-minute drive from Lucca
The hotel is part of an isolated Tuscan resort set in the Serchio Valley overlooking the Apuan Alps, a 45-minute or so drive north of Lucca and two hours from Florence. The complex is surrounded by beautiful scenery and medieval villages, the nearest of which are Barga and Castelvecchio Pascoli, both about a 15-minute drive away. The nearest airport is Pisa International, about an hour and a half away by car.
Rooms
Elegantly finished rooms, all with marble bathrooms
The resort has 180 rooms spread across two buildings and seven floors. All are elegantly finished with a blend of traditional Tuscan styling and contemporary touches. Expect wall-to-wall carpeting with a stylish, understated pattern; fresh white bedding; color travel photographs of Italy in black frames; and brown woods. Standard amenities include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable, and minibars. The bathrooms are dominated by marble and have bidets and walk-in showers. Many rooms feature balconies with particularly picturesque valley views; those without good views feel like they're lacking something. Wi-Fi is free and available in all rooms.
Features
Outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and valley views
The hotel has three restaurants: Le Salette, serving typical Tuscan dishes, La Veranda, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner overlooking the valley, and Nour Lounge, which focuses on evening drinks. There are two swimming pools onsite—an indoor heated pool and outdoor seasonal pool with panoramic views—but both close a bit early. A range of sport options can be found nearby, such as horseback-riding, fishing, and cycling.
