Hotel Relais La Corte Dei Papi

Having traveled extensively as a marketing executive in the fashion world for close to 20 years I was given the opportunity to stay in 5 star hotels across the Unites States, the Caribbean and in Europe. However, I had never had an experience quite like the one I had in Tuscany at the Relais La Corte Dei Papi. Not really knowing what to expect of an 8 room Relais nestled in the hills of Cortona Italy, I entered with an open mind having no expectations. The best way I can explain my stay I and this hotel is “magical”. From the moment you turn into the cypress tree lined drive you feel a certain sense of excitement looking forward to what awaits you at the end. It is there the ever present and handsome owner David Papi is waiting to great you at the cobble stone walk, much like Mr. Rourke welcoming you to Fantasy Island. Anticipating your next thought, your luggage is whisked out of your hands and David escorts you to your room after a long exhausting journey. The hotel, its garden, and the pool area are so breathtakingly beautiful I found myself wanting to get out and explore, leaving my charming, comfortable room overlooking the Tuscan hills. As I walked around the impeccably manicured grounds one could not help but notice constant happy chirping of the birds in the trees. I was expecting them to come out any moment with blue ribbons in their mouths ready to sew me a dress to wear to the ball like Cinderella. It was at this point that I had to pinch myself and ask “is this place for real or am I in the middle of a Disney movie?” Keeping with the standard of the hotel, the food at the restaurant was creative, authentic, and delicious. Every night dinner started with an imaginative aperitif, or as we liked to call it “the surprise “. There were a wide array of flavors packaged beautifully in the amuse bouche set before us every evening. The entrees were a mix of the region’s typical Tuscan fare fused together in an innovative way served with a magnificent presentation. One of my favorite deserts was the “Dissembled Tiramisu”. Brilliant and inventive are the words I would use to describe this gastronomic masterpiece. The Chef took all the components of the traditional desert and placed them on the dish in individual pieces. When taking a spoon full of each in one bite you had the flavor of an authentic tiramisu served in a new and artistic way. Breakfast each morning was another activity that I would look forward to daily. The splendid presentation and smell of homemade bread, pecorino cheese, salami, ham, cereals, cakes, fruit and pastries would leave you standing there indecisive as to which item you should put on your plate first. My personal favorites were the crème filled croissants. The best way I can explain these delights would be “heaven in a puff pastry”. The level of customer service given by David, his mother Gabriella and their staff was bar none. No request was out of reach and they couldn’t do enough to make sure you were always happy and comfortable. I think what makes this hotel so special is the personal touch of the owners and how they treat each client as they were a guest in their own home. When our stay was over it was like leaving your new found home and family members. Relais La Corte Dei Papi is a little slice of heaven tucked away in the Tuscan hills. For anyone looking for a hidden gem to stay while in Tuscany, look no further.