The carefully manicured opulence of this restored 13th-century Tuscan villa may seem better suited to hand-holding romance and honeymooners, but don’t be fooled by appearances. Along with decadent antique-filled rooms, you’ll find relaxed and hospitable staff plus a host of kid-friendly activities and facilities.
Within the 13 acres of grounds are a playground (out of earshot of other guests), a trampoline, a spring-fed infinity pool and tennis courts. You’ll even be equipped with an iPad when you check in, and families and children will find themselves looked after at every turn.
Rooms: The rooms are decadent and luxurious – expect polished floorboards, cavernous stone fireplaces and luscious fabrics. Despite the grown-up decoration, many are perfect for families: the Rinaldo Pievano di Sorciano Suite is on the ground floor away from any others, and any of the 7 Garden Suites (little cottages with private terraces and gardens) are also ideal. Two of them interconnect if you’re travelling with extended family or friends.
Food: Luckily for guests, owners Claus and Jeanette are real foodies. This translates into 2 fantastic restaurant options. Valle Serena Restaurant offers imaginative fine dining, while the more relaxed Treehouse Bar and Brasserie serves delicious home-style Tuscan food. Wednesday evening, when Borgo’s farmers’ market arrives, is a particular treat – choose from meats, seasonal vegetables and fresh fish, which are cooked for you on the spot with the sound of live music in the background. Salute!
Breakfast is a relaxed affair, laid out in the open-plan kitchen and taken outside or at the long kitchen table. The chef will cook you scrambled eggs, pancakes and omelettes – anything that takes your fancy.
Kids’ activities: The gardens provide ample space for running around. Or you can strike out on the hotel’s bikes to visit the neighbouring countryside or swim in the nearby river (ask for directions) . Inside are DVD players, iPads, and a piano room for the musically inclined. Right now there’s a fantastic 3-night Easter Package including Easter Egg hunts and pizza making for the kids, as well as meals and massages for the parents!
Baby equipment: Cots (note there is a small nightly charge).
Customer reviews: “Borgo Santo Pietro was an amazing place to stay and we really loved it there. We would definitely recommend it for a special holiday as nothing was too much trouble for them and you were made to feel very special. The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful and the food and staff were wonderful.”
Joanna, United Kingdom (13.09.14)