Castelletto di Montebenichi

The Castelletto di Montebenichi is an enchanting small castle in a tiny, storybook-perfect, medieval village perched on a hilltop in Tuscany, romantically facing a miniature plaza enclosed by a circle of homes built into the old tower walls. This is a sturdy, stone building with a crenellated roof, arched windows, and a row of colorful coats of armor stretching across the top. Inside, it seems as if you are truly stepping back in time—the renovation has been so carefully accomplished that you don’t realize any changes have been made (until you see the modern bathrooms). All the fabulous murals have been restored and the floors and beamed ceilings reflect the rich patina of age. The furnishings, too, reflect another era with rich fabrics, beautiful light fixtures, lovely oil paintings, and many fine antiques. Your exceptionally personable hosts, Marco Gasparini and Arnaldo Soriani, want their guests to feel like friends. Everything possible is done to create this ambiance, including an open bar where guests can fix themselves refreshment whenever they want. Breakfast is served in a charming, sunny room with arched windows on three sides. There are also cozy lounges, a stunning library, a swimming pool, a gym with indoor Jacuzzi, and a sauna. This is a non-smoking hotel. No children under 14.