Castel Monastero
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s luxury resort destination, Castel Monastero, is the rebirth of an entire mediaeval village, or ‘borgo,’ as an exquisite and unique hotel. At once rustic and chic, 13 ancient stone buildings have found new life as county retreat and an unsurpassed retelling of classic Tuscan design.
In keeping with the region’s casali, the spaces are varied and individual, while harmonious. The guestrooms feel like chic apartments, each is a very residential space with its own personality. Retaining the dimensions and outlines of original spaces, including terracotta floors and timbered ceilings, 69 of the 74 guest rooms are a unique shape and scheme, entirely contrary to the expectations of modern hotel design.
Castel Monastero also features an elegant, sophisticated spa set apart from the central borgo and offering spectacular views of its central buildings and gorgeous green hills. The spa breaks with the overall design of the hotel, creating a clean, modern look in light sand colored stone.
The 74-seat Gordon Ramsay Restaurant carries through design’s theme of attention to place. HBA commissioned a London artist to produce simple hand drawings of Tuscan wildlife. Broken down into six individual spaces, it is intimate and residential, as if eating in a tastefully panelled dining room.