Introduction
Perched high on the brow of a hill in the Chianti countryside, approximately 30 minutes from the ancient town of Siena, Hotel Le Fontanelle is a serene and elegant retreat that is imbued with the essence of Tuscan countryside tradition. As you leave the main road and ascend the hotel’s driveway, passing through the iron gate, it’s clear you’ve reached a very special place. The grounds are impressively manicured, flanked with those elegant cypress and olive trees and with vineyards rolling out down the undulating hills in every direction.
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Quintessential Tuscan lifestyle
At the centre of Le Fontanelle is a fourteenth century heritage farmhouse. It is typical of the Tuscan style, constructed of locally sourced stone with climbing vines on the walls and characteristic terracotta roof tiles. One of the distinctive thing about European hotels is that every room is different and it’s almost part of the fun to see which unique corner of the building you are assigned to when you check in!
Indoor and outdoor pools
The hotel has both (warmer) indoor and (cooler) outdoor pools, both with majestic views of the rolling hills of Chianti. The feeling of taking a refreshing dip in the invigorating water before reclining on your sun lounger to meditate to the serenity of the surrounding countryside is sublime. With the European summer sun not setting until late in the evening, your poolside lazing can stretch late into the evening – that is, if the wafting aromas of La Colonna restaurant don’t tempt you away before then.
The grounds - olive groves, cypress trees and elegant gardens
The olive groves and rows of cypress trees that dot the Le Fontanelle’s landscaped gardens are iconic elements of the Tuscan landscape and hold cultural, historical and symbolic significance in the region. The silvery green olive trees symbolise peace, abundance and longevity and have been cultivated in Tuscany (for that delicious olive oil!) for centuries, since Etruscan and Roman times. The elegant Cypress trees which are characteristically planted in rows (a natural windbreaker) symbolise eternity and are often planted near homes to provide shade and a sense of permanence.
The perfume of the evergreen roses fills the cool shade of the courtyard.
Strolling through the olive groves, centuries’ worth of Mediterranean heritage saturates the air.
Exquisite Italian dining
La Colonna, which is Le Fontanelle’s primary restaurant, is the epitome of sophistication. Perched gracefully upon the hill, the restaurant capitalised on its elevated location, offering guests sweeping vistas of the gently undulating surrounding hills. An air of tranquility pervades this elevated sanctuary, where the only audible companions are the whispering leaves, the gentle hum of industrious insects, and subdued conversations. The service, marked by a polished blend of formality and attentiveness, imparts a refined touch, conjuring the ambiance of an esteemed Italian countryside retreat.
Whether in the gentle glow of morning light or the serene hues of sunset, the natural inclination here is for meals at La Colonna to unfold in the most leisurely way possible, allowing you time to fully appreciate every bite of the locally sourced produce and every moment of the timeless tranquility.
Italian food is known for its respect for fresh, seasonal produce and a desire to highlight the inherent goodness of each simple ingredient. The emphasis is on allowing the natural flavours of high quality ingredients to shine through rather than relying on complex preparations. This is exemplified by this classic dish, Pappa al Pomodoro, a hearty and flavourful soup made primarily with tomatoes and bread.
No expense is spared by the La Colonna kitchen in sourcing the best quality local produce: from artisan breads, cheeses and cured meats to perfectly succulent berries and farmhouse fresh eggs.
Old world charm
The interior design of Le Fontanelle embodies the charming Tuscan farmhouse spirit, with its exposed wooden beams, stone walls, tile floors and simple but functional furnishings. Luxury here comes not from extravagance but from the simple yet perfect expressions of Tuscan tradition. What could be more perfect than a strategically placed window capturing the scenic view of the surrounding countryside? The grounds are lovingly tended, as if your favourite grandma had made it her mission to nurture the flowers to bloom to their full potential and prune the hedges into perfect shape.
Despite its rustic aesthetics, the soft furnishings here are undeniably luxurious. From Frette linens on the bed to Bvlgari amenities in the bathroom, this is not your ordinary farmhouse.
The perfect Tuscany view from our room.
It may not market itself as a wellness retreat, but Le Fontanelle is every bit as peaceful and rejuvenating as one of the best of them. Here, the culinary, scenic and aesthetic pleasures of traditional Tuscany are distilled into one perfect package that lifts the soul. Even if you never ventured outside the grounds of the hotel during your holiday here, you would leave feeling like you’ve taken a piece of Tuscany home with you.