Aerial view of Castelfalfi resort in Tuscany.
Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Hotel of the Week: This Tuscan Retreat Unveils Long-Awaited Revival
The newly reimagined Castelfalfi resort marries centuries of architectural and agricultural splendor with artful contemporary design
Olivina bar at Castelfalfi in Tuscany. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Located equidistant from Italy’s art hubs of Florence and Pisa, the Tuscan resort Castelfalfi has awakened from its dormancy with a transformative renewal that revitalizes a formerly noble hamlet. This reinvigorated 2,700-acre estate seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern-day renaissance spearheaded by its new steward, Indian-Indonesian magnate Sri Prakash Lohia, who assumed control in 2021.
The revival has injected fresh vigor into the landscape’s undulating vineyards, age-old olive groves, and a sprawling 27-hole golf course, all converging around a medieval borgo and its venerable castle.
Under the auspices of several design firms, the accommodations have significantly evolved. Italian design firm Caberlon Caroppi reimagined the 146 rooms and suites, including 31 within the La Tabaccaia annex, a former tobacco warehouse where cigars were once meticulously hand-rolled. Paris-based studio Affine Design crafted the four Castelfalfi Signature Suites; guest quarters now bask in a color palette drawn from Tuscan seasons—think deep earthy tones as well as the zesty yellows of canary blooms. The aesthetic is mirrored in the newly minted Olivina restaurant, dreamt up by the visionary artist and designer Henry Chebaane.
Aerial view of this historic borgo surrounding Castelfalfi resort in Tuscany. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
The estate also boasts a collection of villas nestled within the historic borgo, including Casa Medici, an 18th-century villa restored by Beirut-based Raed Abillama Architects. Fronting the lush Medicean Park and woven into the fabric of the village, Casa Medici pays homage to both past and present. “The villa’s profound history really drew me in,” says Raed Abillama, the studio’s founder. “This is what guided our design philosophy—to honor its legacy while infusing it with contemporary elegance.”
Casa Medici at Castelfalfi in Tuscany. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Casa Medici at Castelfalfi in Tuscany. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
“While the interiors boast a modern flair, they are deeply rooted in the traditions and natural beauty that surround them”
Raed Abillama
On the main floor, an inviting social hub features an elegant oval marble dining table and a kitchen adorned with caned webbing, the textural embellishment beautifully complementing the rustic charm of exposed brick arches and vaulted ceilings. The baths offer a sanctuary of spa-like tranquility, merging high-end fittings with locally-sourced stone. “While the interiors boast a modern flair, they are deeply rooted in the traditions and natural beauty that surround them,” notes Abillama. “Our approach was to create a harmonious blend of colors and textures, providing each space its unique character while ensuring a cohesive experience throughout the villa.”
RAKxa Wellness Spa, Castelfalfi in Montaione, Italy. Photo: Castelfalfi
Both visually astounding and exceptional in its offerings, the RAKxa Wellness Spa at Castelfalfi marked the European debut of the renowned Bangkok-based integrative wellness brand. Spanning over 16,000 square feet, this sanctuary boasts seven treatment rooms, two saunas, a steam room, a relaxation area, a salon, and a granite-lined indoor/outdoor heated infinity pool offering mesmerizing hillside views.
So while guests may arrive at Castelfalfi with a restless spirit, eager for Tuscan adventures, the resort’s expertly curated facets ensure that their grandest journey might just be the one where they find themselves blissfully anchored, indulging in the art of staying delightfully still.
See more images below:
Junior suite at Castelfalfi. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Castelfalfi Suite. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
La Tabaccaia suite at Castelfalfi in Tuscany. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Sprawling golf course at Castelfalfi. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Pool at Castelfalfi. Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
Cover: Aerial view of Castelfalfi resort in Tuscany.
Photo: Courtesy of Castelfalfi
