As soon as upon a time, amid the rolling Tuscan hills of the Chianti area, a tiny hamlet, or borgo, known as San Felice stood. The medieval village charmed with its stone buildings, chapel, city sq. and limitless vineyards. Quick ahead to at present, and little has modified over time—these buildings stay and people olive groves nonetheless flourish—however a brand new story is unfolding. This chapter of Borgo San Felice is one which brings previous and current collectively for locals and vacationers alike, in probably the most significant means.
The transformation to transform Borgo San Felice from an eighth-century village into considered one of Italy’s most original properties was a fragile execution. Turning a complete city right into a lavish resort included the cautious refurbishment of the village’s centuries-old buildings, stone properties and chapel. The outcome nonetheless is nothing wanting spectacular, with 29 visitor rooms and 31 suites whimsically linked by the winding streets and alleyways of the village. The eye to element in each nook of Borgo San Felice creates a magical ambiance of days previous, as if time has stood nonetheless—simply ask our staff right here at Kiwi Assortment.
Beneath the Tuscan Solar
With the everchanging hills of Siena as its backdrop, Borgo San Felice is Tuscany at its most charming. Its location provides a peaceable escape from the bustle of Italian metropolis life, whereas being shut sufficient to benefit from the many cities of Tuscany—Siena is only a 20-minute drive away and Florence may be reached in below an hour.
However ask any company who go to this lavish hideaway they usually’ll say it’s simple to spend a number of days on the property wandering the blooming gardens, lounging by the open-air swimming pool, mountaineering the hills or just enjoyable on the spa hid throughout the previous olive mill.
Suite Temptation
Making certain that company really feel as in the event that they’re residing in a village-like ambiance, rooms and suites at Borgo San Felice are scattered all through the historic buildings. With stone partitions and terracotta roofs, the superbly transformed visitor rooms supply each fashionable consolation. The historic nature of the buildings implies that no two rooms are the identical, however all are spacious and adorned in a basic modern model with Tuscan particulars. Uncovered beams, travertine, oak flooring and ceramic paintings made by native artisans can all be discovered inside. Simply exterior the home windows, pink geraniums spill out of flower bins, whereas hanging jasmine delicately scents the air.
If you happen to want to carry the entire household or just need extra privateness, the resort provides two villas: Cassanova and Colonna, each simply steps from the village. Geared up with personal gardens, full kitchens and swimming pools, these villas can help you expertise Tuscany like a neighborhood, with the entire facilities of a luxurious resort at your fingertips. In Spring 2023, the property is about to unveil the renovations of 4 grasp suites, all impressed by the standard magnificence of the area.
The Blissful Backyard
L’Orto Felice, which interprets to “the completely happy backyard,” is the beating coronary heart of Borgo San Felice. Past the fruits, herbs and greens that develop right here, this agricultural undertaking promoted by the UMANA MENTE Basis of the Allianz Group is essential to the sustainable and social improvement of the village. L’Orto Felice will not be solely a social farming undertaking, it’s a haven for native youngsters with disabilities. With the assistance of native elders, the undertaking goals to rehabilitate and move down the agricultural traditions which were the glue of the group to the youthful technology.
The cooks of Borgo San Felice will typically go to the backyard to buy natural substances to be served of their eating places, a mirrored image that the spirit of this backyard is rooted in sharing.
Michelin Star Farm-to-Desk
Whether or not it’s conventional Italian you’re craving or fashionable Tuscan, Borgo San Felice is a culinary vacation spot. Oenophiles could acknowledge the title as it’s residence to San Felice Vineyard’s main wine property. Of its greater than 700 hectares, 188 are vineyards within the three most prestigious manufacturing areas of Tuscany. Right here, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri and different very good blends are produced on-site. Foodies however could also be touring to the resort for Michelin Star eating. Awarded one Michelin star and a Michelin Inexperienced Star, Poggio Rosso is farm-to-table eating at its best, with a give attention to natural substances. For one thing a bit extra informal, there’s Osteria del Grigi.
However past the property’s beautiful eating places and wines, the essence of Tuscany’s genuine delicacies may be skilled with a hands-on cooking class. Study conventional strategies from expert cooks and grasp the artwork of creating scrumptious selfmade recent pasta and Florentine-style bread, the proper bites to accompany the bottle of wine you picked out from the resort’s personal wine cellar.
Sights Set on a Felicitous Future
At its core, Borgo San Felice is dedicated to preserving the planet. Its sustainability roadmap for a brighter future options three key pillars: environmental conservation, societal empowerment and sustainable delicacies. Zero Waste Lodge certification, 100% renewable power and a carbon-neutral laundry service are just some of the sustainable practices adopted on the borgo, but a few of its most particular commitments occur within the kitchen.
Chef Juan Camilo Quintero and his staff at Poggio Rosso obtained a Michelin Inexperienced Star, as talked about, which is awarded to these within the culinary arts dedicated to gastronomy and sustainability. By sourcing produce from L’Orto Felice and embracing sustainable farming strategies, the restaurant has been applauded for its use of “zero miles” substances.
Upon medieval remnants, Borgo San Felice builds one thing much more enduring. In weaving collectively previous, current and future, the borgo writes a brand new chapter with every visitor who walks its storied paths.
