Hotel Locanda Le Piazze (Castellina in Chianti, Italy)

Locanda Le Piazze, a former farmhouse dating from 1540, sits among the soft hills of the commune of Castellina, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and cypresses. Since acquiring the hotel in spring, 2013, the owners have set out to create an exceptional boutique hotel. The building interior and the grounds have been renovated extensively, drawing on the skills and experience of talented local artisans and technicians. The result is simple elegance, a stylish and relaxed environment to help guests break free from daily toils and pressures; a refreshing experience to be pampered in an inviting, cozy and welcoming atmosphere and indulging in the best of food and wine that Chianti offers. The relaxed environment balances tradition and modernity. The style is unique – pure, organic, and holistic “to keep the soul happy”, as one guest put it – using natural materials such as linen, drifted and reclaimed wood, European antiques and objects gathered from the owners’ cherished destinations around the world. The gardens surrounding the hotel have been re-designed and re-planted and a new terrace overlooking vineyards and has created a stylish setting for a heated swimming pool.