Il Borro Relais & Châteaux

Il Borro Relais & Châteaux Overview

You know what struck me first about Il Borro? It’s not just another fancy hotel dropped into the Tuscan countryside – this place actually feels like someone’s incredibly elegant home that happens to welcome guests. I mean, it literally was someone’s home – the Ferragamo family’s estate – and honestly, that makes all the difference. The moment you wind up that cypress-lined drive from the village of San Giustino Valdarno, you’re not just arriving at a hotel, you’re entering this perfectly preserved medieval borgo that somehow manages to feel both ancient and timelessly luxurious.

The whole property sits on this ridge overlooking the Arno Valley, and I’ve got to say, the views are the kind that make you stop mid-conversation. What really gets me though is how they’ve maintained the authenticity of the original village while creating something that feels effortlessly refined. The rooms are spread across these restored stone buildings – some in the actual castle, others in what used to be the village houses – and each one feels completely different. My room had these incredible frescoed ceilings and windows that opened right onto the vineyards, but my friend stayed in one of the tower suites and swore the panoramic views were even better. The furnishings are this perfect mix of antiques and contemporary pieces that actually work together, not the forced “rustic luxury” you see everywhere else.

But here’s what really sold me on this place – it’s the details that show they actually understand hospitality. The staff knows your name by the second day (without being creepy about it), and they’ll happily arrange a private wine tasting in the estate’s cellars or point you toward the best hiking trails through the Chianti hills. The restaurant sources everything from their own gardens and local farms, and while it’s definitely fine dining, it doesn’t feel stuffy or pretentious. I had this incredible wild boar ragu that the chef told me was made from a recipe they found in the estate’s archives. The spa – well, it’s built into the medieval walls, so you’re getting a massage while looking out at olive groves that have been there for centuries. Even the pool area manages to feel both luxurious and natural, tucked into the hillside like it’s always been there. If you’re looking for that perfect Tuscan escape that doesn’t feel like a theme park version of Italy, this is it. Just book well ahead – word’s definitely gotten out about this place, and with only 38 rooms, it fills up fast, especially during harvest season in the fall.

Il Borro Relais & Châteaux Accommodations

Reviews of Il Borro Relais & Châteaux

• We loved the nature, the ability to run and cycle, the safety on the estate, the kind staff and the wonderful restaurant – Louise from South Africa – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  The space, the farm, the authenticity of the estate.
  
  What could be improved: Loved everything

• Pleasant stay in stunning surroundings – John from United States – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  The staff was phenomenally helpful and friendly.
  
  What could be improved: They need to figure out passage to the old village as quiet carts would be much more preferable to the constant of staff driven cars and small trucks for workers. Creates noise that just isn’t needed in those settings and takes away from the wonderful foot journey from main facility to village when one has to dodge or feel pushed by vehicles.

• Nice experience – Yu from China – 30 May 2025 (8/10)

  The room design was gorgeous and view was great
  
  What could be improved: Parking is quite far from the room building and the service is not at “luxury “ level to me

• True tuscan country side experience, fresh food, surrounded by nature and warm italian culture! – Mariam from United Arab Emirates – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything! The experience was dreamy, the staff were amazing, the property is beautiful, luscious and cozy. It is definitely a special experience and would revisit in the future!
  We tried the cooking with Chef Nikola & Chef Lizabette, it was like cooking with a friend! We booked horse riding with Coach Lina, she was the best, very patient, friendly and we enjoyed our time! Liana at the reception was the best host, and the team are just amazing from the buggy drivers (Thomaso, John Carlo), to the handwritten notes from the resident manager! Thank you for making our experience special.

• The best time I have had during a holiday in Italy! – Stela from Netherlands – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  I literally had tears in my eyes leaving this place! The service, the attention to detail, the history, the combination of luxury, nature, wine, food and even a little bit of fashion is exceptional. I can not recommend more!
  
  What could be improved: We went during the third week of April which could be a little rainy, so unfortunately we didn't get the chance to go horseback riding. That is of course up to nature and to be honest there are PLENTY of other activities you can do to compensate.

• Paradise in Tuscany – Ramy from Australia – 11 April 2025 (10/10)

  One of the most beautiful properties I have ever stayed in. The refurbishment to restore the area to its old heritage was beyond words.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. There was no area we could fault

• Will travel to this location again! – Patrick from United States – 5 April 2025 (10/10)

  Property was beautiful, clean, staff was generous

• Magical – Rob from Ireland – 18 December 2024 (10/10)

  Very high standards – a little bubble of paradise!

• One of the best hotels in Tuscany – Romana from Ukraine – 27 November 2024 (10/10)

  An amazing experience staying in this historic hotel! Everything was amazing starting from the staff and ending with facilities!

• Exceptional – Geoff from Canada – 18 October 2024 (10/10)

  Idyllic location with wonderful staff
  
  What could be improved: Confusion where reception jammed to check in.

Surroundings

Facilities