At a Glance
Set on the top of a hill in the Siena region, Castello di Velona has beautiful views of the Val d’Orcia and spectacular pools fed by hot springs.
Indagare Loves
- The natural hot springs, which feed the hotel's swimming pools and some room's bathtubs
- Bright, cheerful furnishings in the spa wing rooms
- Sprawling views from around the property due to its placement atop a prominent hill
Review
The castle portion of Castello di Velona dates from 1000 AD and the grounds were the setting for battles between the 12th-century militaries of Siena and Florence. During the Renaissance period, the property was transformed into a residential villa and later into a hotel.
Forty-six rooms are divided between the historic castle's main building and the new, modernized area in the spa wing. Suites in the castle are more traditional and tend to be somewhat dated in style, while spa wing rooms are smaller, more modern and colorful, with bright red and yellow furniture and beautiful marble bathrooms with bathtubs that can fill with water directly from the hot springs.
The four pool areas and spa are a highlight of Castello di Velona as many feature restorative hot spring waters. Spa treatments are excellent and there is a full snack bar offering drinks and lunch by the pool—a rarity in Tuscany.
Who Should Stay
Families who will appreciate the myriad pools and spa-goers.
Written by Amelia Osborne Scott