Luxury Tuscan Escape - Hotel Le Fontanelle a relaxing getaway in the heart of Chianti
- Rebecca Knubley
- Feb 3
- 7 min read
For my 30th birthday, I wanted to treat myself to something truly special. After a lot of planning, I found exactly what I was looking for at Hotel Le Fontanelle, a stunning luxury retreat nestled in the heart of Chianti. Whether you're looking for a wellness escape, a romantic getaway, or a peaceful family retreat, this award-winning hotel offers something for everyone. And the best part? It’s only about 20 minutes from Siena, making it the perfect base to explore the Tuscan countryside.
"Tuscany is the ultimate canvas, painted with the hues of history and culture."
Location: Chianti, Pianella SI, Italy
Cost: Cheapest room - 367 euro's per night
First Impressions
First Impressions: Stepping Back in Time
As I reflect on my experience, I can’t help but go back to the first moment we arrived, it was pure magic. I had already fallen in love with the idea of a Tuscan escape, but when we pulled up to the hotel's private driveway, I was absolutely speechless. The scenic drive from Florence to Chianti set the tone for what was to come.
I highly recommend taking this drive, it’s about a 3-hour journey through Greve in Chianti, with plenty of opportunities to stop at local wineries and charming villages along the way. The views were nothing short of breathtaking.
When we finally arrived at Hotel Le Fontanelle, we were greeted with valet parking and escorted to reception. The staff made us feel immediately at home, and before we knew it, our bags were whisked away to our room. As we stepped outside, I was stunned by the panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards that stretched out before us. The landscape looked like something straight out of a postcard, and I instantly felt enveloped in the tranquility and luxury of this place.
Our Stay
We were lucky enough to stay in a classic room, which had two large windows framing the most stunning views of the rolling Tuscan hills. Every time I looked out, I felt like I was in the middle of a painting.
The room itself was everything you could want in a luxury hotel. The terracotta floors were a beautiful touch, adding warmth and charm to the space. There was a lovely complimentary bottle of wine from the hotel's vineyard waiting for us when we arrived, The room came with all the little luxuries you'd expect, plush robes, slippers, and every amenity needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Once we settled in, we decided to take our time and explore the hotel grounds. Hotel Le Fontanelle is surrounded by lush landscapes, with hidden pathways and peaceful corners that invite you to wander and relax. It truly feels like a sanctuary. The grounds are immaculately maintained, with vibrant gardens, olive groves, and panoramic views at every turn. We spent a blissful afternoon in the wellness area, which was exactly what we needed to unwind.
After our afternoon of relaxation, we made our way to the pool bar for a refreshing cocktail. The pool itself is gorgeous, with stunning views over the hills, and the vibe was incredibly laid-back. We sipped on our drinks, enjoying the calm and beauty of the surroundings. As the evening approached, we got ready for dinner. My parents joined us in the hotel's restaurant, which has an atmosphere that perfectly complements the rest of the property, elegant, yet warm and welcoming. The menu is a celebration of local Tuscan ingredients, and every dish was a work of art. From the first bite to the last, we were treated to an unforgettable dining experience. We shared laughter, enjoyed exceptional wine, and savoured every moment.
Facilities
The wellness area at Hotel Le Fontanelle is a true sanctuary, designed to restore both body and mind. It’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate, With a range of top-tier facilities, the Health Club here makes it easy to slip into a state of pure relaxation.
Here’s a quick look at the facilities available at Hotel Le Fontanelle’s Health Club:
Jacuzzi
Sauna
Steam Room
Heated Pool
Gym
While the facilities at Le Fontanelle were absolutely perfect for a day of relaxation, I was also drawn to the treatments offered at The Hotel Club House, its sister property. Although it’s a more recent addition and a bit pricier, it offers a wide range of wellness services that are truly inspiring. This hotel focuses heavily on holistic treatments, yoga, Pilates, sound healing, and much more. The wellness sanctuary at The Hotel Club House is sensational it’s one of those places you could easily spend an entire day exploring and indulging in everything they offer.
What I loved about the experience was that you can seamlessly travel between the two hotels. With a private car transfer, it’s only an 8-minute drive between the two properties, so it’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. The service was incredibly convenient, and the transfer felt smooth and effortless.
While both hotels are incredible, I opted to stay at Hotel Le Fontanelle for its rich history and stunning surroundings. The 13th-century charm of the property gave me a unique sense of tranquility, with the option to visit The Hotel Club House for a more immersive wellness experience whenever I wanted.
The Hotel Club House truly stands out for its world-class wellness offerings. Here are the facilities that made it such a memorable visit:
Holistic Spa Treatments
Yoga Studio
Pilates Studio
Sound Healing Room
Thermal Pools
Meditation Garden
Fitness Center
Finnish Sauna
Ice Falls
Hydrotherapy Pools
Emotional Shower
Spa Treatment Experience
During my visit, I decided to indulge in a treatment at The Hotel Club House. I booked the Signature Revival, which began with a soothing Tuscan Body Wrap, followed by an amazing full-body massage. My therapist was incredibly in tune with my energy, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere that helped me completely relax. The treatment lasted 100 minutes and cost €260, but I would definitely say it was worth every penny. The best part? The use of the wellness facilities was included, so I got to make the most of the serene environment before and after my treatment.
The Food Experience
La colonna
A Culinary Journey: Dining at La Colonna Restaurant -
When it comes to food, Hotel Le Fontanelle truly excels. The dining experience at La Colonna Restaurant is nothing short of exceptional. The restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine that beautifully honours the rich culinary heritage of Italy. From the moment we sat down, we were transported into a world of flavour, texture, and elegance. Every dish we tasted felt like a celebration of Tuscany itself, fresh, and bold.
We had breakfast at La Colonna every morning, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our stay. The buffet was filled with everything you could want, freshly baked pastries, rich coffee, local cheeses, fruits, and more. The staff go out of their way to make every meal feel special. Each morning, we were greeted with warmth.
As for our dinner, it was truly a memorable experience. Dining with my parents and partner in such a beautiful setting felt incredibly intimate and romantic. The views from the restaurant are simply stunning, with panoramic vistas of the hills and vineyards.
The food itself was divine. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the best local ingredients with fresh, bold flavours. We enjoyed exquisite wine pairings that complemented the dishes beautifully.
What truly made the evening unforgettable was the combination of all these elements, the outstanding food, the incredible service, the breathtaking views, and the warm, romantic atmosphere. I honestly have no bad words to say about the experience. It was everything I hoped for and more.
Final verdict - *****
I think it’s pretty clear by now that Hotel Le Fontanelle gets a solid 10/10 from me. 5 stars!!! I can't recommend this place enough, though part of me would love to keep it as my little secret. But seriously, if you decide to visit this incredible property, please do let me know about your experiences—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
One of the best parts of staying here is all the activities the hotel offers, which they’re happy to organise for you. We did a Vespa tour with lunch one day, and I have to say, it was hands down the highlight of our trip. It was such a fun, memorable way to experience the Tuscan countryside.
When it comes to service, it’s worth noting that while it might feel a bit old-school and hesitant to some, it’s all part of the charm. The staff are incredibly professional, with a deep sense of respect for guests, and it’s clear that they truly love working at Hotel Le Fontanelle. Their friendly, attentive service only enhances the whole experience, making you feel like you’re in the best hands from start to finish.
The value for money here is also one of the best in the area. Since the hotel allows you to specify your room preferences, it’s ideal for both couples and families. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat or a family getaway, Hotel Le Fontanelle offers an authentic Tuscan experience with charming interiors and top-notch service that you’d expect from a five-star Italian hotel.
All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone seeking a true taste of Tuscany, both in terms of natural beauty and the warmth of Italian hospitality. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling completely restored, refreshed, and with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. All information shared is based on personal experiences and insights. The author is not sponsored or paid by the hotel to review, The author holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.
Thank you for your understanding.
Rating System
0 Stars:
• Experience: Extremely poor, unacceptable service, or severe hygiene issues.
• Service Quality: Rude or unprofessional staff, treatments not as advertised.
• Facility: Dirty, unkempt, or unsafe environment.
1 Star:
• Experience: Poor experience, major issues but not severe.
• Service Quality: Unfriendly or indifferent staff, poor treatment quality.
• Facility: Below average cleanliness, outdated or poorly maintained facilities.
2 Stars:
• Experience: Mediocre experience, several issues affecting the overall visit.
• Service Quality: Inconsistent service, treatments not up to standard.
• Facility: Clean but needs improvement, minor maintenance issues.
3 Stars:
• Experience: Average experience, met basic expectations.
• Service Quality: Polite staff, acceptable treatment quality.
• Facility: Clean and functional, minor improvements needed.
4 Stars:
• Experience: Good experience, a few minor issues.
• Service Quality: Friendly and professional staff, good treatment quality.
• Facility: Clean, well-maintained, pleasant ambiance.
5 Stars:
• Experience: Excellent experience, memorable visit.
• Service Quality: Highly professional and friendly staff, exceptional treatment quality.
• Facility: Immaculate, luxurious, and well-equipped facilities.
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