La Cantina Relais – Fattoria Il Cipresso

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Cantina Relais? It’s not actually in Arezzo proper – you’re driving through these winding country roads near Rigutino, and honestly, I almost missed the turn to Località Il Cipresso. But that’s the whole point, really. This place sits on what used to be a working farm, and they’ve kept that authentic Tuscan feel without making it feel like a theme park version of rural Italy. The building itself has this weathered stone exterior that looks like it’s been there forever (probably has), and when you pull up, there’s this immediate sense of… I don’t know, stepping back in time? The parking situation is totally fine, by the way – none of that cramped city hotel nonsense.

The rooms are where this place really shines, though. I mean, a 9.6 rating doesn’t just happen by accident. They’ve managed to blend modern comfort with rustic charm in a way that actually works – you’ve got exposed beams and terracotta floors, but the bathroom is spotless and the Wi-Fi doesn’t cut out every five minutes. What I loved most was how quiet it gets at night. You’re surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, so the only sounds are crickets and maybe a distant church bell from one of the nearby villages. During harvest season (late September, early October), you can actually watch the grape picking from some of the windows – it’s pretty magical, honestly. The staff clearly knows the area inside and out, too. They pointed me toward this incredible little osteria in Rigutino that I never would have found otherwise, and gave me the real scoop on which wineries do tastings without the tourist markup.

Here’s the thing about staying at a place like this – it’s not for everyone. If you need to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want to experience the Tuscan countryside the way it’s supposed to be experienced, with rolling hills stretching as far as you can see and that golden afternoon light that makes everything look like a Renaissance painting, then this is your spot. The drive into Arezzo takes about fifteen minutes, which is nothing when you consider you get to come back to this peaceful retreat at the end of the day. They serve breakfast on this terrace that overlooks the valley, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of those moments where you just sit there thinking, “Okay, this is why I travel.” The coffee’s excellent too – proper Italian espresso, not that watery hotel stuff. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time at the property instead of just using it as a base to crash between sightseeing.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Suite with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Suite with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Twin Room with Garden View with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults

Reviews

• Christy from United States (10/10)

  Absolutely Beautiful place we loved the greenhouse where you had breakfast and wine the charming owners and staff and lovely rooms.

• Ballaterquine from United Kingdom (10/10)

  You will struggle to find a better place to spend a relaxing holiday….anywhere!
  The rooms are spacious and very comfortable with all the small details you would hope to find in a luxury hotel.
  The staff are exceptional – kind and attentive (but not intrusive).
  The restaurant is a real treat with a compact but outstanding menu of expertly prepared, almost exclusively home/farm produce served in a romantic setting.

• Patricia from United States (10/10)

  They had an on site resturant

• Emily from Australia (10/10)

  La Cantina Relais has been the best accomodation we have ever stayed in Tuscany. The service is at the level of a 5 star hotel. Staff and owners are so welcoming and kind. The place and room is so beautiful, clean and with lovely touches. Complimentary wine and water. Breakfast was amazing which included homemade cakes and tarts, fresh juice and everything else we wanted. We will definitely come back to stay here.

• Miyuki from Japan (10/10)

  First of all, the staff were so helpful and cheerful. This hotel is located near the church so you can feel you're in Tuscany when they ring the bell with the view from the windows that's what I really missed. Their wine, oils, teas, honey and, etc. are really tasty and reasonable prices.
  Thank you sooooo much Albert and Christina!. I'll come back soon! 😉

• Aida from United States (10/10)

  The hospitality top notch!

• Nicholas from Australia (9/10)

  Breakfast was delicious and staff very friendly and informative. It would have been helpful to have some additional room lighting. Loved the complimentary bottle of wine on arrival and fresh milk and water on request.

• Matthew from United States (10/10)

  Because we had a car, the location was excellent. We wanted to visit Cortona and Arrezzo. Overall (comfort, cleanliness, food quality, staff friendliness) this was the best of our one month trip to Italy.

• Silvio from United States (10/10)

  The staff were amazing and the restaurant was great

• Hal from United States (10/10)

  Alberto makes you feel special from the minute you make your reservation. He and his staff are so hospitable and warm. The food – almost all sourced from their farm – was exceptional! Our room was spacious and lovely.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities