Escape to Northern Tuscany with Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa
Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa - Hotel Review
Location: Northern Tuscany
Price: ££
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Perfect for: Exploring Tuscany, couples luxury retreat
Covid-19 Safety Measure:
Temperature check at the door every time guests and staff enter the hotel
All staff and guests wear masks indoors
Hand sanitiser available in communal areas
Controlled access to buffet breakfast with social distancing
Tuscany has been at the top of my travel bucket list for a few years now and I was so pleased when I got the chance to explore the picturesque region. We stayed at the beautiful Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco which is located on top of a winding, cypress tree lined road and certainly makes a stunning impression as you slowly drive up to it.
Location:
Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco overlooks the surrounding Tuscan villages and hills and offers guests beautiful panoramic views which take your breath away every time you look out.
The hotel is driving distance from both Pisa and Florence airport and the journey took us less than 2 hours from Pisa airport. It was always quite a straightforward drive and once we were out of the main city the roads opened up to beautiful views of the Northern Tuscan landscape.
The Accommodation:
The rooms at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco all have a luxurious feel to them, with contemporary amenities, marble bathrooms and the comfiest linens!
Our double bed room had a balcony looking out onto gorgeous panoramic views of the Tuscan hillside, and it was magical to see the clouds move through the valleys and seeing the twinkling lights from the surrounding villages in the evening.
The bed in our room was honestly one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. The in-room heating also kept us warm during the nights as in Autumn it can get chilly in the evenings.
The bathroom was a large space with marble tops and a powerful rainforest shower. Our room also had a small seating area inside along with seats out on the balcony to admire the views.
Dinner:
Dining at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco’s in house restaurant ‘La Veranda’, was my first experience of traditional Northern Tuscan food and I absolutely loved it!
For dinner, we tried traditional and seasonal dishes including Papa al Pomodoro, a hearty Tuscan tomato soup served with bread, as well as crispy deep fried sage leaves (my husband’s favourite!) and a creamy Courgette Flower. We also got the chance to try a delicious ravioli served with bolognese sauce and mushroom and pan-fried beef fillet wrapped with lardo. The ingredients are as fresh as they come and speak for themselves.
For dessert we were spoilt with a platter of traditional Italian desserts including a gorgeous tiramisu which had a lovely and surprising crunchy base.
Breakfast:
Breakfast was served buffet style and due to Covid-19 safety measures, there was a one way system in place with a staff member serving guests their choices. There was a good selection of meats, cheeses and pastries and hot dishes including plump Tuscan sausages, streaky bacon and scrambled eggs. I love the coffee in Italy, as many do, and made sure to start my day with a delicious frothy cappuccino.
Activities:
There are plenty of activities to keep guests busy during the stay, though of course my favourite activity was just sitting by the pool and admiring the views! As well as the outdoor pool the hotel also has a spa which can be booked in advance by guests.
During our stay we took part in a fantastic Italian cooking class with the head chef of the restaurant, where we learnt to cook a three course meal, and then enjoyed it for dinner later that evening. This was a great experience and I’ll certainly be using the tips I learnt in my own kitchen!
For the more adventurous, the Agriturismo Pian di Fume is only a 20 minute drive away, and offers a host of activities including rafting and trekking. We took part in an informative trek through five medieval hamlets with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide, which ended with a delicious locally-sourced lunch. Be sure to pack a good pair of hiking boots if you decide on the trek as it can get steep and muddy.
There is also the option to explore a local vineyard and we headed to Podere Concori vineyards, which is just a short 4 min drive away from the hotel. Here I got the opportunity to make wine with the traditional methods of wine-treading! Something I’ve always wanted to do! We were then offered a scrumptious traditional lunch which was paired with their delicious wines.
Overall:
I absolutely loved my stay at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa and still cannot get over the stunning views it commands. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating and the restaurant served fantastic food. I’m normally not a fan of staying in resorts but this hotel felt familial with a boutique feel helped by the warm and friendly staff. It’s also very close to local towns and the area offers a host of activities for guests, which meant we didn’t get bored and could enjoy the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. I highly recommend Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa as the perfect destination for when things start to get back to normal. I may very well go back myself!
Additional Facilities:
Free Parking
Free wifi
Pool & Spa
In house restaurant and bar
Activities available to be booked in advance
COVID Note: Please make sure to check and abide by government travel guidelines. Please also respect the rules and regulations of the hotel to keep you and other guests safe. Thanks!
Book your stay at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa
Address: Via Giovanni Pascoli, 55051 Castelvecchio Pascoli LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 7691
My stay and experiences were organised by Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco, all opinions are my own.
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