Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa

Hotel Description

You know, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Tuscany, but Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco really surprised me – and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a resort tucked away in the hills above Barga. The drive up Via Giovanni Pascoli is actually part of the experience though; you’re winding through these thick forests and suddenly there’s this sprawling property that feels more like a mountain retreat than your typical Tuscan hotel. The whole place sits on this massive estate where you can actually hear the Serchio River if you walk toward the back terraces, which most guests never discover because they’re too busy with the spa.

What really gets me about Il Ciocco is how it manages to feel both polished and unpretentious at the same time. I mean, sure, it’s got that Renaissance hotel quality you’d expect – the lobby’s impressive without being stuffy, rooms are spacious (thank god, because Italian hotels can be tiny), and the staff actually seems to enjoy working there. But then you’ll find yourself chatting with the concierge about the best hiking trails, or you’ll notice how they’ve kept so many of the original stone walls throughout the property. The spa is genuinely excellent, by the way – not just a few treatment rooms slapped together, but this whole wellness center built into the hillside. I spent way too much time in their thermal pools, especially the outdoor one that overlooks the valley.

The location thing is interesting because you’re sort of in the middle of nowhere, but it’s the good kind of nowhere. Barga itself is maybe ten minutes down the mountain, and it’s one of those medieval towns that tourists somehow miss – there’s this incredible jazz festival every summer that locals are obsessed with. You’re also perfectly positioned for day trips to Lucca or even Florence if you don’t mind the drive, though honestly, once you’re settled into the resort rhythm, you might not want to leave. The restaurant leans heavily into local ingredients (they source from farms right in the valley), and while dinner can get pricey, the breakfast spread is actually worth getting up for. Fair warning though – if you’re coming in July or August, book way ahead because Italian families descend on this place, and suddenly the pools are full of kids. Not necessarily a bad thing, just different energy. September’s probably the sweet spot if you want that peaceful mountain vibe with perfect weather.

Rooms

• Classic King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Balcony Deluxe King Room with View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive Twin Room with Balcony with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Balcony Deluxe Suite King Room with View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe Twin Room with View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Balcony Deluxe Twin Room with View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Balcony Deluxe Suite Twin Room with View with 2 single beds for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Dongrui from Singapore (9/10)

  Clean hotel, friendly staff, nice food

• Michael from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Extremely well fitted out. Spa and swimming pool excellent

• Christine from Australia (8/10)

  We booked a suite which was spacious and well appointed. Our stay was during hot weather and we loved the pool as it was great for relaxing and cooling off.
  Meals were very good. We had breakfast, a few lunches and one dinner. The wait staff were attentive and friendly.

• Elaine from United Kingdom (8/10)

• Chris from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Excellent breakfast. Lovely location

• Jos from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Everything! The staff are always amazing! The views are stunning. The hotel is exceptional.

• Sheri from United States (9/10)

  Breakfast was very good as was dinner. View from our room was great! Gym was nice.

• Joseph from United Kingdom (9/10)

  the view at the pool and the rooms

• Martin from Slovakia (9/10)

  The hotel is situated on the hill top with beautiful views on Tuscany, surrounded by park and forest. It is beautiful, big hotel, consists of many buildings/wings. There is a pool, restaurant, and breakfast is held also outside on the terrace with amazing view. The breakfast is rich, various options also for vegan, gluten free or other diets. Room was beautiful, stylish, big, clean with coffee machine and with the balcony overlooking the valley. Very helpful and friendly staff, free parking is available but it is quite difficult to find it at first (especially in the evening). It was really an amazing stay.

• Mirutenko from United States (9/10)

  Everything coming back

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities