The Italian Job




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    EDEN Luxury Travel, The Steamill, Steamill Street, Chester, Cheshire CH3 5AN

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    27 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6DW

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    Visit us in-person Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30am to 5:00pm.
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    The Italian Job

     

    EDEN Travel Director Jo Gallimore recounts her recent trip to Tuscany... "I don't think there are more picture-perfect landscapes than those of Tuscany, where iconic views of rolling hills and tall cypresses are found around almost every corner... But despite an hour driving through this oh-so-stunning scenery from Florence, Belmond Castello di Casole still took my breath away.

    Eden original

    Words by Jo Gallimore

    TUSCANY

    “A stay in Tuscany is a rejuvenating journey through history, where you can experience the Renaissance art of Florence and the Gothic architecture of Siena, as well as an array of sunlit hilltop villages, refreshing coastal beaches, quaint museums, medieval towers, artisanal crafts and a culture rich in food and viticulture.

    BELMOND CASTELLO DI CASOLE

    THE REVIEW

    This 10th-century hillside castle stands majestically, lord of all it surveys – in this case, its own 4200-acre private estate. Fittingly, inside is equally regal. Antiques galore, sumptuous furnishings, faultless service (as you’d expect from Belmond)… grand yes, but very quiet and private, a charming rural hideaway. I loved that every room and suite in the main building had its own unique style and feel – terracotta tones and original tiled floors giving a real sense of place. And my spacious Deluxe Junior Suite couldn’t have felt more authentically Italian if it tried. But, whether you choose something in the historic main building, or the contemporary Oliveto or Limonia Suites dotted around the grounds, the bathrooms here are sure to make your jaw fall to the floor!

     

    So, what to do in this remote part of the Tuscan hills?

    Well, you’re perfectly placed to explore the region, but there’s also plenty to do at the hotel when you’re not lounging by the heated pool  and admiring the view.

    The spa and gym are impressive, with treatment and relaxation areas in the castle’s original wine cellar and yoga classes on the lawns. And I had a brilliant time learning to make bath salts and body scrubs at one of the Spa Workshops.

    But that’s just a taster… there are many other activities to choose from, like truffle-hunting, ceramic classes and a Cooking Academy in the ancient kitchen (go on, ask me how to make proper pasta!).

    Of course, any Italian holiday revolves around food and the hotel boasts two top-notch restaurants – or you can take the free shuttle to Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence for dinner… coincidentally, my next port of call!

    BELMOND VILLA SAN MICHELE

    THE REVIEW

    Now I’m no stranger to this Belmond classic – for me it’s the only place to watch a Florentine sunset – but I’ve not been for some time. It’s as beautiful as ever though, its Michelangelo-designed façade (you literally stay in a work of art!) now complemented by modern art throughout the hotel. Still elegant, but with a younger vibe. One noticeable difference was the wagga-licious welcome from Africa, the adorable black Lab who loves a siesta under the Concierge desk!

     

    My room though, was all-new: a lovely, spacious Garden Suite with its own gated entrance, garden and – get this! – rooftop terrace with amazing view. I didn’t want to leave! The other rooms around the hotel remain individual and quirky, oozing history and are, quite simply, gorgeous.

    Come breakfast or dinner, I never tire of the view from the hotel’s Loggia restaurant. And, like the Castello, the list of things to do here and around the city is endless – enjoy the fantastic cookery school, wine-tasting, tours and more, or take the free shuttle into Florence. My personal favourites? Creating your own perfume with one of Florence’s Master Perfumers; and the Art Experience, meeting one of the artists whose work now adorns the Villa – both encapsulating the true spirit of Tuscany!”

    EXPLORE MORE BELMOND HOTELS

    Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys.

    Start planning your EDEN Luxury Holiday by getting in touch with one of our Travel Directors.

    Start planning your EDEN Luxury Holiday by getting in touch with one of our Travel Directors.

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    01244 567000

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