Hotel Le Fontanelle and The Club House, a unique luxury experience of Tuscany (REVIEW)

Privately owned and run, the Fontanelle Estate is located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, in the heart of the famous Chianti region – Florence is approximately within a one hour drive, while Siena is slightly closer. The estate spreads over an expansive land, with a vineyard, woods, meadows, and small lake. Uninterrupted panoramic views are breathtaking at any time of the day, a true spectacle of the nature with a unique sensorial experience.  The sights and sounds will make you pause and relax almost instantly !

Fontanelle Estate consists of two luxury hotel properties, the 34 room Hotel Le Fontanelle (opened in 2006) and the 15 room The Club House (opened in May 2022). Both hotels are housed within heritage building which had undergone extensive renovations and restorations, with no expenses spared to bring them to comfort and functionality of the highest luxury hospitality standards. The layout of the two hotels and the estate itself are recreating a most serene atmosphere for the ultimate relaxation – one can have an entire day at the Spa or at one of the swimming pools (indoor / outdoor), and the next day, a wide range of activities.

There are several exceptional dining venues, each with its very distinct decor and setting but also a generous menu. From a classic Tuscan experience at Osteria il Tuscanico to a more gastronomic experience at La Colonna or Il Visibilio, guests have a wide variety. You will appreciate the authentic feel at each dining venue, with staff extending genuinely high service standards – dedicated, passionate and motivated. I was impressed by how most of the staff would effortlessly adapt to each client type !

For those who appreciate wine, you can also visit the Vallepicciola winery which is part of the Estate, under the same family ownership. Touring wine means seeing the vineyards that unearth it, the barrels that refine it, and the cantina that exalts it. Discover the history and present of the wines. Breathe in the beauty and savor the flavors they equally create. The cellar itself is architecturally integrated into its surroundings; a symbol of harmony with nature.

All of the rooms and suites have a real authentic Tuscan feel, with an omnipresent good taste in every detail. Expect the finest luxury bedding with a superb blend of linen, oversized bathrooms (many with natural light) as well as state of the art technology – including a most silent and efficient AC and UHD Smart Tvs. To further enhance the residential feel, each of the two properties feature a most cozy lounge, more like a library or a living room, exclusively dedicated to hotel guests.

From art works to decor elements, as well as the selection of books – have all been hand-picked by the owners. The attention to details is impressive not only in the quality or furnishings and finishes but also in the way these have been maintained. Up-keeping is meant to ensure perfection when it comes to product. Exceptional product standards are met by consistently high services throughout the entire estate. The mood and vibe of entire team makes it feel more like a family, than staff. Expect to feel recognised and appreciated.

The brand new Wellness Sanctuary at The Club House features: indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, tepidarium with salt mist, sauna, steam room, experiential showers, ice fountain, mountain shower-Kneipp therapy and wellness lounge. Spa treatments have been conceived for relaxation and healing using medicinal plants and essentials oils. Rituals are exfoliating, detoxifying, rejuvenating, reparative and nourishing.

A cold-pressed organic range of products is manufactured on site, using ingredients grown on the estate. Do not miss the unique range of Tuscan baths, one of the many unique experiences at the Sanctuary. The state-of-the-art indoor facilities are impressive providing an exceptional luxury of space – much larger in capacity than the size of The Club House. This allows for ultimate privacy and serenity.

Oliver Petcu in Chianti / Tuscany

The Club House (Fontanelle Estate) Tuscany