Il Falconiere Relais & Spa

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of fancy places in Tuscany, but Il Falconiere actually feels different – and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s tucked away in this converted 17th-century villa in San Martino, just outside Cortona’s medieval walls, where you can still hear the church bells from town but you’re far enough out that tour buses aren’t rumbling past your window at 7 AM.

The first thing that hits you when you pull up the cypress-lined drive is how the place just… fits. You know those hotels that feel like they were dropped from space? This isn’t one of them. The honey-colored stone looks like it’s been weathering Tuscan summers for centuries (because it has), and the view across the Chiana Valley is honestly ridiculous – I’m talking about that postcard-perfect patchwork of vineyards and olive groves that makes you understand why people move here and never leave. The spa is built into what used to be the wine cellars, which sounds gimmicky but actually works beautifully – there’s something about getting a massage in 400-year-old stone walls that feels properly restorative. They’ve got this outdoor pool that’s heated year-round, and in October when I was there, having an evening swim while the mist was rolling through the valley below was pretty magical.

What really sold me on this place though was the staff – specifically how they handle the practical stuff without making a big show of it. The concierge actually knows which trails up to Cortona are worth taking (hint: skip the main tourist path and take the old pilgrim route through the olive groves), and they’ll arrange cooking classes with local nonnas who don’t speak English but somehow teach you more about real Tuscan cooking than any fancy chef school. The restaurant sources everything from their own gardens and nearby farms, which sounds trendy but here it just makes sense – the pecorino comes from sheep you can literally see grazing on the hillsides. Parking’s easy, check-in was smooth, and the rooms have that perfect balance of antique character and modern comfort. My only small complaint? The WiFi gets spotty during storms, but honestly, if you’re checking emails while looking out at the Val di Chiana, you’re doing vacation wrong. It’s about a 10-minute walk into Cortona proper, uphill but totally manageable, and you’ll pass the best little enoteca where locals actually drink. This is the kind of place that makes you understand why Tuscany has ruined so many people for everywhere else.

Rooms

• Classic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Junior Suite with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• King Suite with Balcony with 2 large double beds, 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 6 adults
• Executive Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Evelyna from France (9/10)

  Absolutely stunning hotel in the heart of Tuscany, the staff was so charming and very nice. The entire surroundings is just breathtaking! The breakfast was exceptional, the food from the restaurant was delicious! They offer plenty of activities to do! The rooms were spacious and extremely comfortable, decorated with a lot of style, the attention to detail was very present.
  Highly recommend if you’re looking for a luxury yet comfortable and warm palace!

• Mélissa from Lebanon (9/10)

  The staff are very friendly and helpful

• John from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The staff were fantastic, the room amazing, the evening meals outstanding and the cookery class with Silvia, the Michelin-starred chef absolutely wonderful!

• Juliette from Canada (9/10)

  Stunning. Views and facilities were wonderful. The room was perfect. Wish we stayed longer than a night. Restaurant was very good – the breakfast was amazing

• Natnicha from Thailand (9/10)

  everythinggg!!! the views the rooms the service the breakfast the activities are exceptional

• Kristina from Australia (9/10)

  Amazing hotel staff and rooms everything g was exceptional , the breakfast was abundant and delicious, the grounds are gorgeous so picturesque, the pool area is amazing the pool staff where all wonderful

• Dana from Czech Republic (9/10)

  Great location with a unique view of Cortona. The resort is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The Michelin star restaurant was absolutely excellent on the first two visits. The third dinner did not reach the quality of the previous ones, but we had the opportunity to discuss everything with the chef :).

• Mario from Italy (9/10)

  We had a chance to do cheese-making class with Silvia Baracchi, simply unique and one-of-a-kind experience! Room beautifully designed and staff just perfect, truly made us feel at home …

• Linda from United States (9/10)

  Relais & Chateaux IL Falconiere was an exceptional property and worthy of 5 stars. It was the perfect oasis right outside of Cortona to enjoy both the Tuscany and Umbria hilltowns. We stayed a total of three nights having dinner at the one star michilien restaurant two nights and the ambiance, service and quality of dining were exceptional. It was really enjoyable to spend the day driving in the nearby Tuscan and Umbrian villages and then enjoy a late afternoon couple of hours in our own tuscan countryside with pool and fine dining experience. Breakfasts in the original greenhouse were also outstanding with ambiance and local abundance!

• Gaynor from New Zealand (9/10)

  Beautiful property. Very relaxing. Friendly and helpful staff.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities