Tenuta San Giovanni Lucca – Borgo Ai Rovai

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Tenuta San Giovanni Lucca on Via di Spazzavento Prima – honestly, the name of the street made me chuckle (it literally means “wind-sweeping street” in Italian). But this place completely surprised me. It’s this gorgeous restored borgo that feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s private Tuscan estate, which I mean, you sort of have.

The property sits just outside Lucca’s historic center, maybe a 10-minute walk to the walls – close enough that you can easily wander into town for dinner, but far enough that you’re not dealing with tourist crowds right outside your window. What really got me was how they’ve preserved the original stone buildings while actually making them comfortable to stay in. The rooms have these incredible wooden beams and terracotta floors that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a centuries-old building, but the beds are properly modern and the bathrooms work perfectly (trust me, that’s not always a given in historic Italian properties).

The whole complex is arranged around courtyards and gardens that honestly feel like secret hideaways – there’s this one spot near the old olive press where you can sit with morning coffee and just… breathe. The staff clearly knows the area inside and out; they pointed me toward this tiny osteria on Via del Fosso that I never would’ve found otherwise, and gave me the real scoop on which churches are worth visiting versus the touristy ones. Parking’s actually included, which is huge if you’re exploring the countryside around Lucca – and believe me, you should be. The breakfast spread features local ingredients (the honey is from their own beehives, apparently), and they serve it in this sun-drenched room that overlooks the gardens.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t one of those places where everything’s been polished to Instagram perfection. Some of the stone steps are worn smooth from centuries of use, and you might hear the occasional farm sounds from neighboring properties in the early morning. But that’s exactly what makes it feel authentic rather than like a theme park version of Tuscany. The 8.7 rating makes total sense to me – it’s genuinely special without trying too hard, and the location gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to Lucca’s amazing food scene and walls (seriously, rent bikes and ride the entire circuit), plus you’re positioned perfectly for day trips to the Garfagnana mountains or even the coast if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s the kind of place where you end up extending your stay because leaving feels like a mistake.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Villa with 1 double bed and 3 single beds for 5 adults, 1 child
• Three-Bedroom Villa with 2 double beds and 2 × 1 double bed for 6 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Elizabeth from United States (9/10)

  It was beautiful and well furnished, we loved the quiet surroundings and scenery from the house. Bathrooms/shower were great, beds were comfortable, kitchen was well-equipped.

• Thomas from United States (9/10)

  Owner led us to the property

• Haukur from Iceland (7/10)

  The pool and the pool area is nice. A short walking distance down the hill. The hosts were nice and very helpful and tried their best to help us with the various problems we had.

• Diana from United Kingdom (3/10)

  Nature , dogs that was friendly , the view

• Saskia from United Kingdom (1/10)

  Nothing. Within five minutes we decided not to stay. The property was not as advertised. It was isolated, inaccessible and at the top of a mountain. The picture (of a swimming pool which could be anywhere) is extremely misleading.

• Moneshia from Germany (9/10)

  Beautiful property, perfectly renovated country location and vistas. Just as memorable was the friendly greeting by the dog who lived next door and was always happy to see us return

• Michelle from Netherlands (7/10)

  Mooie plek, authentiek huis.

• Maertens from Belgium (9/10)

  L'endroit est magnifique et très calme. Idéal pour se reposer en toute tranquilité.
  Les hôtes sont super réactifs et à l'écoute de toutes les demandes, que ce soit pour obtenir l'adresse dun restaurant, pour régler un problème dans la maison, ou autre.
  La piscine a débordement est également superbe (dommage que la vue soit cachée par les oliviers).
  Dépaysement total!

• Philippe from France (8/10)

  Le calme, la vue, le jardin et la piscine

• Peter from Netherlands (9/10)

  fantastische ligging, authentieke sfeer, zwembad uitzicht, tuin

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities