Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal Spa & Winery

A Culinary Experience We’ll Never Forget We had the absolute pleasure of dining with Chef Andrea Fanti during our stay, and his food was truly exceptional. Every dish reflected refined technique, creativity, and a deep passion for quality ingredients. One of the standouts was the potato ravioli topped with fresh truffle — genuinely one of the best dishes I’ve ever had in my life. The flavors were rich yet perfectly balanced, and the presentation was beautiful. What made the experience even more unforgettable was Chef Andrea Fanti’s subtle Indian-inspired twist in the first dish adding a unique layer of flavor that elevated the meal in such an elegant way. It’s rare to find a chef who can blend influences from different cuisines with such harmony and sophistication. Beyond the incredible food, Chef Andrea Fanti’s warm personality, attention to detail, and pride in his craft made every dining experience feel personal and special. We truly looked forward to each meal! If you have the chance to dine here, don’t miss it a remarkable culinary highlight of our trip and one we will be talking about for years.

My wife and I keep returning to this beautiful UNESCO property. It is uniquely perched on top of a hill overlooking the gorgeous UNESCO views of Tuscany and their vineyards. There is a pool, spa and spa treatment center and two restaurants on the property. The food in the terrace restaurant, mostly traditional Tuscan, is exceptional as is the service. A large breakfast buffet is offered daily on the terrace as well. Their omelets are exceptional. The other restaurant offers seafood and on bad weather days, rather than outside, food is served in an elegant restaurant near the main lobby. Again, the food and service is exceptional. Days consist of chilling at the pool and spa or taking trips to some of the excellent local Brunello wineries for tastings. CDV also produces Brunello and delicious Tuscan olive oil which we have been purchasing for years. The entire staff and management works hard to please and accommodate your requests. We will, as in the past, plan to return.

We had a spectacular time in this fairy-tale setting! This vistas from all sides of the Castello are simply amazing. The facility is both unique and pristine and the staff is A+. In addition to the views, the superstar of this property is also the thermal pools and the food and wine selections. We spent hours in the various pools just soaking in the relaxation and the views. It was truly remarkable. The food was outstanding although not cheap - but the room prices were very reasonable so it balanced out. We loved this spot and can’t wait to return!

This was a beautiful hotel in a picture-perfect-drop-dead-gorgeous location in Tuscany. However, not everything was perfect. Other reviews mention the high prices, for both the rooms and the food, and while I don’t know if there are any other hotel options that are different on this in the area, it is something to think about. A poolside lunch for two consisting of two waters and two pastas cost over $150. Also, there are no other options for dining, so the hotel is all you have. If prices are an issue, this is not the hotel for you. It is also significantly geared toward older couples and honeymooners, rather than families. We stayed here for a wedding, so there was no choice in hotel, but if we were to return with children, we would pick another hotel. However, it is perfect for couples. There are little to no activities for children, as the resort is focused on wine and the pool is built as part of the spa. The pool is beautiful, with stunning views of the Val d’Orcia and the Tuscan countryside. It also features water from underground aquifers, which is a cool touch! Unfortunately, this makes it so that the water is always warm, which is incredible on a cool night, but in the heat of an Italian summer, it does not serve as a refreshing dip. The spa is extensive, however, and includes many treatments and experiences. The breakfast was amazing and again, came with beautiful views. Also, very little of the staff speaks fluent English. All in all, this is a beautiful resort for a specific traveler.