Aia Mattonata Relais

It doesn't get much more idyllic than the Tuscan countryside: rolling green hills, medieval villages in the distance, and tufts of colorful flowers dotting the landscape. Add to a quaint and rustic family farmhouse with refined style and it's no wonder why the sublime Aia Mattonata Relais is one of the most popular hotels in Siena. Surrounded by beautiful spacious country landscaping and rustic brick, guests can sink into the secluded setting and truly escape. Greeted off the road by a red brick and black iron gate, guests enter the grounds on a gravel path. Out back, there’s a lounge area overlooking the hills and town of Siena. Well-manicured lawns of green grass, stone paths, flowering bushes, and tall cypress trees surround the property's two buildings -- an old farmhouse and stables. The main hotel and rooms are located inside the farmhouse while the wellness center is in the old stables.

Aia Mattonata Relais' infinity pool is small, but is surrounded by a lovely garden and comes with a view over the hills. Inside, floors are either hardwood or bricked, and exposed wood beams stretch across some of the sloped ceilings. The color palette is delicate, in warm colors, and most of the furniture is wooden with classic style. The owners live next door and are frequently at the B&B to give their service to the guests.

Set among the rolling green hills of Tuscany, Aia Mattonata Relais has a sprawling view across Siena and the Tuscan countryside. Off of a quiet, almost traffic-less road, the hotel is just over a 10-minute drive from the city center. The property also offers access to medieval towns such as San Gimignano and Pienza, though the drive generally requires 45 minutes to an hour’s worth of driving time. However, the largest event in the area -- the traditions and horseback races of Il Palio -- takes place twice a year during the summer, right in Siena. Florence, having an airport and being the closest big city, is about an hour’s drive north.

All five spacious rooms have individual character and thoughtful details like in-room kettles, four-poster beds, or hand-painted wall murals. With the exception of one room, all units are located on the second floor (called the first floor in Italy). The spaces have antique-style decor, country patterned fabrics, and hardwood floors in both the main areas and bathrooms, and skeleton keys are used for room entry. Bathrooms are contemporary and have windows overlooking the countryside. While the style is simple, the in-room amenities are plentiful and include things like bathrobes and slippers, air-conditioning, iPod docks, towel warmers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Depending on the time of year, rooms may also be privy to the sound of birds in the morning.

Equipped with the deluxe features of a high category hotel, guests of the smaller sized Aia Mattonata Relais have access to many tools to aid their relaxation. While not a full-fledged spa, the wellness center, located in the old stables, has a whirlpool, Turkish bath, and a small area with a handful of exercise machines. Upon requests guests can receive body treatments and massages. There’s also an outdoor saltwater infinity pool overlooking the Tuscan hills, with accompanying seating arrangements where guests can either sunbathe or enjoy breakfast with a view.

While there is a typical Tuscan kitchen on-site, it's not for guest use. But the hotel does serve a free homemade country breakfast each morning in the breakfast lounge (filled with pastries, eggs, fruit, coffee, tea, and meats), and snacks are generally available throughout the day. The hotel can also arrange for cooking classes with a trained chef and, via a booking agency, local excursions and activities like wine tours. Parking is located directly on the property and is free. Wi-Fi is free as well.