Castello di Casole is the stuff of dreams. Not only is this 5,000-year-old property managed by the uber-luxury hospitality group Belmond, the estate comprising of 39 rooms and suites in the Siena countryside is embracing the spirit of villeggiatura, a truly Italian concept that refers to a long, leisurely stay in the pursuit of utmost relaxation.
The kitchen garden + the castle’s own rose
New for 2022: visitors to Castello di Casole simply have to stroll through the Orti del Castello, where the estate grows vegetables, fruit and edible flowers to accompany the property’s other products, including wine, olive oil and honey. Executive chef Daniele Sera cooks up entirely farm-to-table dishes at the Tosca restaurant and guests can learn about cultivation techniques, pick produce from the garden, taste them in the restaurant’s dishes and buy them at the Emporio del Castello.
Also new this year is the Castello di Casole Rose, specially created for the castle by renowned nurseryman Rose Barni using expert hybridization techniques. The rose welcomes guests on their arrival in the large rose garden in front of the hotel entrance, which features 6,000 roses of 50 different varieties.
Cinema under the stars
Head to Castello di Casole for three nights of outdoor cinema this summer. The evenings begin with a Tuscan dinner of grilled meat, cheeses and just-cooked pizza in the castle courtyard before strolling down to the striking amphitheatre lined with cushions for the film. Pierre Pinaud’s The Rose Maker will be showing on July 1, Benedikt Erlingsson’s Woman at War on July 15, John Chester’s The Biggest Little Farm on August 5 and Audrey Wells’ Under the Tuscan Sun on August 19. The evening will be paired with the finest Moët & Chandon Moët Rosé Impérial. Events cost 120 euro.
Stargazing
Twice a month throughout the summer, Astronomitaly, the Astronomical Tourism Network, will take part at dinners under the stars at Castello di Casole to observe and learn more about some of the clearer skies in Europe. The experts provide guests an insight into the heavens and its constellations, which they can admire with the naked eye and with the aid of telescopes. Events take place on July 29, August 12 + 26, September 9 + 16. 120 euro.
Pizza under the stars
Castello di Casole is a sublime place to enjoy the perfect pizza with friends. Open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner, the pizza is cooked in the 16th-century wood-fired oven with selected ingredients.
Ferragosto at Castello di Casole
On 15 August, the big Italian August holiday known as Ferragosto, guests can enjoy a concert by three tenors in the outdoor amphitheatre. An aperitif will be served on the Tosca terrace at 7pm, followed by a dinner under the stars in the courtyard with musical accompaniment, and the concert at 10pm. Cost: 150 euro.
Reservations are required for each event. For information and reservations for all activities:
+39 0577 961501 or concierge.cdc@belmond.com
