As you stroll through Castello di Casole you’ll notice a scent of burnt wood oozing through the space. Perhaps it’s the wood-fire oven of the Emporio del Castello restaurant, whose focaccia, is a reason in itself to return. Or perhaps it’s the scent of nature, during these crisp Autumn days.
But before we dive into this beautiful journey let us briefly explain what you will stumble upon when you drive through a cypress-lined road that leads you to the estate. Castello di Casole stands on 1300 hectares; a combination of rolling hills (which in autumn, look like a pretty painting), vineyards, olive groves, bee hives and a forest. There is also a fragrant rose garden with roughly six thousand roses and two vegetable gardens, where herbs, local and international produce are grown and used in the culinary outlets.
The warm hued lanterns and terracotta amphoras dotted around the property take you back 2,500 years to the time of the Bronze Age, when the original site was inhabited by the Etruscan civilisation. In fact, the history is certainly marked with artefacts and finds from Etruscan farmers displayed across the grounds. But this isn’t all, certain experiences and wellness treatments allude to this rich heritage; one of the most interesting is the Cosmetology workshop. Anastasia, a smiley blonde-haired woman who has a lot of knowledge on this matter, explains how the Etruscans were epicureans, who adapted natural ingredients into cosmetics. You’ll spend one hour creating your own body scrub, bath salt, facial oil, mask and mist by using salts, natural and essential oils. You’ll also be given a little notepad to write down the recipe for some DIY at home.
When envisioning an escape to the countryside, especially during the autumn season when days begin to get shorter and the air is slightly colder, there’s no better way than to dedicate this time for your wellbeing. Imagine waking up in your cosy room and part-taking in a slow (or strong) yoga flow before venturing down to breakfast. Here, you’ll discover a speed of exquisite delights, from sweet and savoury, as well as your health fix of juices and turmeric shots. If it’s your first time in Tuscany, a meander around the surroundings is a must, from the local village of Casole d’Elsa to San Giminiano, Volterra or Siena. But then, there’s all the holistic experiences in-house, that enable you to truly reconnect with your souls.
The Essere spa has recently launched a new, rejuvenating treatment that uses specific techniques on certain pressure points, aiming to release tension and blocked energy. A whirlwind of fresh rose fragrance that was specially created with Etruscan rituals in mind.
In the San Tommaso Chapel, you can book the Gong Bath. This one-hour journey, led by the fantastic duo behind Soundwave, allows the powerful vibrations of gongs, tuned to different frequencies, to enhance mental clarity. During the session, expect some wonderful surprises, including some soothing vocals by Ange Takats.
Something less powerful, but just as uplifting, is the Sound Healing led by Alexandra, who uses instruments such as Tibetan bells, gongs and chimes to balance the body’s chakras and help enter a state of deep relaxation. During the warmer days, this takes place in the outdoors, where the brush of the wind and chirping of the birds accompany the hour-long symphony. When it’s cold however, this takes place inside the couples spa room; a cosy, stone-walled room where part of the experience takes place inside a warm bath.
Then, of course, you have barefoot walks in nature, forest bathing, picnics and many more experiences that connect you with the earth. But one of our favourites, is of course sampling farm-to-table cuisine (and wine). There’s the trattoria-style Emporio del Castello, with its checkered red and white table cloths and a mouthwatering scent of dough baked in the 17th century oven, that serves a scrumptious pappa al pomodoro. The latest addition to Castello di Casole is the fine-dining menu at Tosca Ristorante, led by Chef Daniele Sera and Chef Michele Raggi. The three tasting menus are a modern reinterpretation on Tuscan flavours, with a particular attention on using foraged ingredients where possible.
