As the autumn mists draw in, a spa break becomes all the more appealing. The Club House in the Siena countryside is just the place for wellness weekends.
Unwinding at the Wellness Sanctuary
Cypress curtains, verdant vineyards and bushy olive trees line the idyllic approach to this five-star adults-only luxury hotel that’s the latest addition to the Fontanelle Estate. A warm welcome lies within this country house establishment complete with a brick-vaulted games room, art books galore and a raft of entertaining activities: two impeccable tennis courts, an outdoor pool with intriguing views ranging from Brolio Castle to the Val d’Orcia and a golf driving range. The world-class Wellness Sanctuary vaunts a low-heat tepidarium, full-heat Finnish sauna, steam room, two pools with jets for the back and shoulders, all the while gazing out at the Chianti vistas. Clouds float over the skylight and a bee lingers on a wildflower as I settle into an uplifting Ayurvedic facial. Scrubs, lotions and potions revive skin and soul before indulging in a guided meditation in the subtle heat of the tepidarium.
Eating at Osteria Il Tuscanico + wine tasting at Vallepicciola
On the first night, dinner is served on the scenic terrace at the in-house Osteria Il Tuscanico, whose appetizing Tuscan fare (pappa al pomodoro, wild boar pappardelle, peppery beef stew) makes for a relaxing supper before sleep beckons in the vast wood-beamed Bellavista suite. Breakfast is an elegant affair of luscious fruit juices, just-baked pastries and eggs made to order before we set off on a tour of the renowned Vallepicciola winery (same owners). A captivating contemporary artwork by Clet stands out in front of the design-driven building, whose cellar door interior is almost more Dolomite in style than Chianti. Boasting 107 hectares under vine, highlights include the chapel-turned-vinsantaia, where Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes are hung to dry before the vin santo is left to rest for five years in the hallowed surroundings, and the exquisitely designed barrel cellars. Tasting wines here is an elevated experience, paired with a generous grazing board of quiches, charcuterie and cheeses as we savour the prize-winning Chardonnay, all butterscotch and chamomile, traditional Chianti Classicos and the dashing Migliorè IGT blend of Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon and Merlot.
Fine dining at Il Visibilio
The pinnacle of the weekend stay was still to come: dinner at one Michelin-star restaurant Il Visibilio. Walking into a veranda of just five tables, each equipped with spotlights shining onto a fine white tablecloth, no cutlery, flatware or glasses, immediately awakens curiosity and an edge of unease, which is swiftly dispelled by the arrival of a glass of sparkling salmon pink Pinot Nero. What ensued was a thrilling 21 mini-course blind dinner of epic creativity by chef Daniele Canella, assisted by the adept service of the maître and his skillful team. The eel and apple elicited a never-heard-before childhood story from my husband, while the snail and goat milk risotto awoke a distant memory of an early morning in Calabria. “It’s impossible to remember all the courses,” explained the maître mid-service. “It’s about how the food makes you feel.”
The Florentine was a guest for two nights at The Club House.
