BORGO PIGNANO
Looking for the ultimate Tuscan experience? Don’t look further. Borgo Pignano, located 1h30 min away from Florence (and only 30min away from my favorite town in Italy, San Gimignano), is everything you have dreamt about Tuscany.
Located on a hilltop estate, this 5-star hotel built in a 18th Century Villa offers 14 rooms, plus smaller cottages and a farmhouse. During our Italian road trip in July 2021, right when Borgo Pignano received the Conde Nast Award Winner for “Best Country Side Hotel”, we have been lucky to stay there for one night.
Our room was absolutely charming (see above). In between the Estate roof and the Tuscan landscape, our view could have been a painting. We especially loved the bathroom that was made in the remodeled attic. We learnt that Borgo Pignano is following a self-sufficiency quest, mainly possible thanks to what they are producing in its farm (750-acres). According to their website, they are indeed producing most of the ingredients used in the kitchen and toiletries. You can definitely feel this in their body cream that were smelling like their lavender fields.
While we did not try their spa (we will be back for it!), one of the main feature that this hotel is offering is this incredible infinity pool. You access the pool thanks to a beautiful limestone stairs (see pictures above) while enjoying the direct view on olive groves, vineyards and woods. No need to precise that we spent few hours working on our tan there and drinking (maybe) too much Aperol Spritz.
Talking about drinking and as far as dinner goes, start your journey at the exterior bar. If you love a good Dirty Martini with Hendricks Gin, you will not be disappointed. We are definitely recommending the restaurant of the hotel, Al Fredo. As mentioned above, Borgo Pignano is using ingredients made on site (like the grains that will be used in pastries and fresh pastas) or locally source raw material when needed. I remember the wine selection being great and the truffle pasta divine.