Villa la Borghetta Spa Resort

Views of the Tuscan countryside are breathtaking from the terraces of the Villa la Borghetta, a resort that opened in 1999. This former 14th-century watchtower became a summer home for the Piccolomini family during the Renaissance period. The original grandeur of the villa has been well-maintained. Mediterranean plants line the resort’s entrance, and gardens with pebble pathways, benches, and fountains offer quiet areas to take in the views. Designs are bold and grand in the lobby, which features a staircase with an ornate banister, red checkered marble floors, and statues. Whereas most other Tuscan competitors offer farm settings, this property is an upscale resort providing on-site spa services. Overall, the property most appeals to couples seeking a romantic and peaceful escape. 

This Tuscan countryside location is on the outskirts of Figline Valdarno on a paved road bordered by greenery that (with a GPS) can easily be found on a hillside. Without a car it’s difficult to explore the area since public transportation isn’t convenient and cabs can be expensive. Smart Gallery, with popular outlet shopping, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Florence takes two hours by public transportation or an hour by car. Driving to Siena’s Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral takes one hour and 20 minutes. Wine tasting tours in the Chianti area can be reached by car in 30 minutes. The drive to the walled city of San Gimignano 1300 takes one hour and 15 minutes by car. It’s a 45-minute drive to the Florence Airport. Parking at the hotel is free and easy. 

There are three types of rooms: Charme Rooms are the most basic option and definitely on the smaller side; Privilege Rooms have additional lounge areas; and Suites come with sitting areas and whirlpool tubs. The style in each of the rooms is a mixture of classic and modern decor with individual designs that lend a romantic air. Spread out over three floors, rooms feature a variation of antique-inspired fixtures, canopy beds, stained-glass, wooden floors, and painted or coffered ceilings with chandeliers. Some rooms have panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and direct garden access from furnished terraces. Elegantly designed bathrooms provide hairdryers, heated towel racks, bidets, and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos; some have whirlpool tubs. Flip-flops in toiletry baskets are a nice touch. Every room includes a desk, minibar, flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, safe, bathrobes, and slippers. In-room Wi-Fi is an additional fee (though it's free in common spaces). Three nearby villas are also available for rent. These include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchens, private pools, fireplaces in living rooms, and terraces.

With an infinity edge that drops into the countryside, the outdoor pool is stylish and surrounded by lounge chairs on the grass. Above the pool is a large window that looks into the spa’s hot tub, featuring a ceiling that lights up like the sky at night. The hot tub can get crowded with guests vying for a hot soak. The spa is small with limited staff, but there’s a nice hammam, a lounge, and treatment rooms. The staircase in the lobby leads upstairs to the restaurant that serves everything from risotto to tiramisu in an elegantly designed dining room. A free breakfast is served here, though it's quite basic with cold cuts and cakes. Candlelight dinners on the terrace can be arranged. Cooking classes led by the restaurant’s chef are also available. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas, but it's spotty. Bikes are available for rent.