Some places are so unforgettable, you still dream about it well after your departure. The Castello di Spaltenna Resort (Spaltenna Castle) and its Il Pievano Michelin restaurant in Chianti, Italy is just that kind of love affair.
From the day we arrived to this storybook resort in the charming town of Gaiole, we did not want to leave. We stayed for 2 nights for spa and rejuvenation time after touring Paris and Florence. We had been non-stop for almost 2 weeks at that point and on our way to Sorrento. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer at this incredibly romantic place.
The grounds of this resort was spectacular and everything you could imagine staying in a Castle in Tuscany to be. The views were breathtaking at every angle. The pool area was so serene and private. There was not one spec of trash to be seen on the grounds.
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The architecture of the castle was made completely of stone and wood from the 18th century. Of course everything has been updated to include electricity and amenities for our modern day conveniences.


Accommodations
We booked a Deluxe Double Room (one bedroom suite) that overlooked the rollings hills of Tuscany! Our charming suite was above a quiet church and so inviting. The old world country decor was authentic and made you feel like you just stepped back in time.




Each night’s stay came with a buffet breakfast. But it’s no ordinary buffet, it’s generous with high quality eats! The fruits were incredibly tasty, actually the best quality we’ve ever eaten. Anything from pears, apples, grapes, melons, and assortments of berries all tasted amazing. The baked goods were freshly made and used ingredients straight from their gardens.





La Pieve Spa
We spent some time at the resort’s La Pieve Spa for massages and it was great. They have a full service menu from exotic showers to massages to facials and more. I had the Relax in Tuscany Massage which included a body scrub and bath. Hubby had the Dream Massage that had a variety of techniques that he enjoyed. The pool areas had fantastic views that can easily sweep you away for hours.



Il Pievano Michelin Restaurant
In one of the evenings, we had dinner at the resort’s Michelin restaurant Il Pievano. It was set in the main courtyard square of the castle. In Europe they begin eating dinner later than Americans. Reservations begin around 7:30pm daily and end approximately at 10pm here.
We had the 8 course tasting menu by Chef Vincenzo Guarino in 2016, but since then they have transitioned to Chef Stelios Sakalis. The evening was romantic with the Summer atmosphere and live piano in the background.













The dinner was delicious and the service was terrific. My favorite dish was the Mediterranean Fish and The Strawberry Latte for dessert. Hubby’s was the Risotto and The Salted Caramel for dessert. The end of dinner glass presentation with little treats was interesting. It was fun to taste each of the goodies. The tiny puff pastries were very good.
Il Pievano Michelin Restaurant: Read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
Hot Tip: The Best Pesto in Italy in the Tiny Town of Gaiole
We spent over 2 weeks traveling up and down Italy in the Summer of 2016. If ever in Chianti, head to the little town of Gaiole located at the very bottom of hill from The Castle Spaltenna. It’s maybe only a 15 minute walk down the hill.

There’s a cute cafe called Lo Sfizio di Bianchi that has the best pesto lasagna we’ve ever had! The handmade pasta was incredibly thin with perfect layers of fresh cheese and homemade pesto sauce. I could not stop eating it! I wasn’t even a fan of Pesto trying it in several countries and various regions in Italy until I had this incredible dish in this unknown town.

Enhance your experience and check out these TripAdvisor reviews:
Il Pievano Michelin Restaurant: Read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
Can we just switch lives already…?
Lol!
Italy is totally on my travel wishlist! I’ve never been to this part of the world and I’m fascinated by everything I’ve read in your article. Thanks!
Hope you make it there soon so you can tell us all about it!
It looks gorgeous but… the food looks amazing. YUM
That lasagna tho 😋
I literally have no words for this! I was blown away by the location and the views, and then you had to go and mention the food?!? Absolutely. Amazing! If we ever get to Italy, this will for sure be one of our stops. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Now I’m hungry! 😉
Worth every minute and hope you go soon!
Wow the food looks amazing and the castle is beautiful!
That breakfast buffet looks delicious! Worth the price of admission … as they say.
This place looks amazing…so peaceful and romantic…and the food! Would love to experience that 8-course tasting menu. You know I love a good mac and cheese but also a big fan of pesto. Definitely need to try that pesto lasagna especially since it’s the best in the world.
Pesto is a new fave of mine
Beautiful photos! I’ll take one of every single food item you shared please!
I love Italy but I’ve never been to Chianti. The castle looks like a very beautiful and romantic place to stay! I can’t imagine eating 8 courses!
Ha! The courses aren’t huge and are nicely paced
As usual, your food reviews leave me starving. LOL. What a fantastic place to go and stay. The spa treatments sound amazing. I am a sucker for a great spa.
What a quaint setting! I love the Old World feel. The food looks delicious!
you had me at castle… the amazing food was the icing on the cake…
The food looks amazing! Next time I am in Italy I will put this on my list!
Such beautiful grounds. I could see myself relaxing there.
You’ll definitely get relaxation here!
I love it when you find little cafes like that and have the “best”. That pesto lasagna looked amazing!
I do miss eating the way the Italians eat. However, I think I would have burst with 8 courses. Although I would have eaten it all. So beautiful. I also loved the old tile in the bathrooms. So lovely.
I’ve never really thought much about traveling to Italy, but after looking at your pictures I just might add it to my bucket list.
Italy is one of our faves, you gotta go check it out!
Wow! This looks like a delicious and relaxing experience. Thanks 🙂
So amazing! It looks like something out of a movie. I hope to see it in person one day.
This place looks magical!! Italy is definitely on our travel bucket list! Thanks for sharing this place so we can add it to out list when we make it there!
What an unbelievable place! Everything looks absolutely perfect. And, to have both risotto AND gnocchi for dinner – two of my all-time favorites.
Looks beautiful and tasty! This is on my daughter’s bucket list so I will keep this in mind!