Villa Campomaggio Resort & SPA

You know that feeling when you stumble onto something special that feels like a well-kept secret? That’s exactly what happened when I first pulled up the winding gravel drive to Villa Campomaggio. I mean, I’d been driving through the Chianti hills for what felt like forever – honestly, GPS gets a bit sketchy once you turn onto SP 2bis – but then you round this bend and there it is: this restored 14th-century villa sitting on its own little hilltop like it’s been waiting for you all along. The first thing that hits you isn’t even the building itself, it’s the silence. No traffic noise, no city hum, just the sound of wind through the olive trees and maybe some distant church bells from Radda proper (which is only about 10 minutes away, thank god, because you’ll want to wander down there for dinner at least once).

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep that authentic Tuscan feel without making you suffer for it. The rooms – well, they’re actually spread across several buildings around the property – have these incredible original stone walls and beamed ceilings, but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms work like they should. I stayed in one of the rooms overlooking the vineyards, and honestly, waking up to that view every morning almost made me forget I had places to be. The spa is tucked away in what used to be the wine cellars, which sounds gimmicky but actually works perfectly – there’s something about getting a massage surrounded by all that ancient stone that just makes you melt. The pool area is where you’ll probably spend most of your afternoon though, especially if you’re there during summer. It’s got this infinity edge thing going on that makes it look like you’re swimming right into the vineyard, and the staff somehow always knows exactly when to bring you a cold glass of their house Chianti Classico.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t one of those places where you’re trapped on property because there’s nothing else around. You’re actually perfectly positioned to explore the real Chianti, not just the touristy bits. Castellina is maybe 15 minutes in one direction, Greve is about 20 the other way, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can easily day trip to Siena or even Florence. The staff – and I mean this genuinely – knows every winery, every good restaurant, every little ceramic shop worth visiting within a 30-kilometer radius. They’ll even arrange tastings at family-run vineyards that most tourists never hear about. Sure, it’s not cheap, and you’ll definitely want a car (parking is easy, by the way), but if you’re looking for that perfect Tuscan escape without the crowds and Instagram hordes, this is your spot. Just book early – apparently word is getting out.