Where to Stay:

Fonteverde Spa Resort

Located near the hills of Siena, Fonteverde Resort feels as if it is set within the most beautiful painting you can imagine. The idyllic setting provides a sense of peace from the natural beauty that surrounds it. Built in the 17th century, the property boasts one very unique feature: it is set amid natural hot springs. These healing, therapeutic hot spring waters feed the spa facilities, including seven different pools. The mineral elements in the water create a great sense of well being. Plus, my skin has never looked so clear and felt so soft!

What to Do:

1. Relax, relax, relax

This beautiful property was the perfect place to recover from jet lag and relax. We spent the entire first day relaxing in the various hot spring pools. It proved to be a very rejuvenating experience!

2. Hike the hills

Morning hikes through the Tuscan hillside can’t be beat. It doesn’t even feel like exercise when doing it in these surroundings.

3. Stroll through San Casciano

Walk from the resort to the town center to see the most quintessential Italian village that you can imagine. San Casciano is beyond charming.

4. Survey the sunsets

Sitting under the Tuscan sun and watching its descent into the night is a magical experience not to be missed. I suggest doing it with a glass of wine and with someone you love by your side.

Where to Eat:

1. La Parolina

A short drive from Fonteverde Spa Resort, this Michelin-starred restaurant merits its accolades. With romantic Tuscan hills surrounding the restaurant as far as the eye can see, the perfect scene is set for this dining experience. The comfortable Tuscan decor belies the upscale culinary creations that await you here. The cuisine can be described as traditional Italian with modern twists and interpretations. I highly recommend one of the tasting menus, so that you can sample the chefs’ creativity more fully. But be warned: a five-course tasting menu turned into 11 courses for us, as they brought complimentary additional courses in between each course. On top of amazing food, the service was extremely gracious and attentive.

2. La Crocetta

This local Tuscan gem was strongly recommended to us by one of the spa staff members, so that evening we strolled from the resort to the restaurant on the outskirts of San Casciano. And I am certainly glad that we did! The owners, Andrea and Cristina, made us feel as if we were eating at their family dining table. Set in a small stone building, the restaurant is quaint, warm, and inviting. There is a large fireplace and two cozy dining areas. The restaurant prides itself on serving 100 percent authentic Tuscan cuisine, using the freshest of ingredients including vegetables grown on property and homemade pastas. It was truly one of the most enjoyable meals of my life.

What to Wear:

This part of the trip preceded our journey to Rome. While Rome was filled with many fancy fetes, this portion of the trip was decidedly more laid back and casual. So, I kept my packing very basic: classic sweaters, some scarves, versatile pants, some jeans, functional flats, and of course swimwear. Click through below to shop the contents of my suitcase, many of which are on deep sale now!

 

Have you been to Tuscany? Do you have any recommendations? What would you pack for Tuscany? Do you enjoy spa getaways? If so, this is definitely one to consider…