Frequently asked questions.
What is Borgo Santolina?
Borgo Santolina is a private Tuscan estate that operates as an all inclusive, exclusive use hilltop retreat. It combines a 14 suite stone villa, a working organic farm, and a full service resort style experience for one group at a time.
How is Borgo Santolina different from other villa rentals?
Most Luxury Tuscany Villa rentals are like renting an AirBnB or VRBO meaning you are renting just the real estate. Many include a daily breakfast, but you must organize and pay for everything above the the cost of the Villa. Check if Italy’s 10% VAT is included or additional. Also consider the cost of meals out or hiring a private chef plus server(s), bartender and the cost of the food, drinks, wine and cocktails. Consider a budget for activities such as cooking classes, wine, olive oil tastings, etc. Lastly, make sure you understand the level of service. Villa rentals typically include a single change of linens and charge additionally for daily housekeeping, heating in winter, cooling in summer, excess electricity usage - the list of extra fees can be long.
Borgo Santolina is different as we are all-inclusive. Each group reserves the entire 130 acre resort exclusively. This includes 14 ensuite guest rooms, an English speaking concierge, chef and culinary team that prepares all meals along with wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Our rate is also inclusive of all snacks, gratuities, fees, room tax, VAT, parking, WiFi, self service laundry and daily housekeeping. And to create a memorable stay we include a wide range of customized onsite experiences and amenities.
Where is Borgo Santolina located in Tuscany?
Borgo Santolina is in central Tuscany near the hamlet of Tocchi in the comune of Monticiano, in the province of Siena, Italy. It sits about 30 minutes from the city of Siena and between the Chianti and Brunello wine regions, with the Val d’Orcia and Tuscan coast within easy driving distance.
Is Borgo Santolina a hotel, villa, or agriturismo?
Borgo Santolina is best described as an exclusive use private resort and luxury villa with an agriturismo style organic farm. There is one group on property at a time, so it functions more like a private estate with hotel level services than a traditional multi room hotel.
How many rooms and suites are there?
The estate has 14 ensuite guest rooms in three connected stone buildings that also house common areas, kitchen, cafe, bar, office, and terraces. Rooms can be configured with European king or twin beds, with options for cots or cribs for children 12 and under.
Is Borgo Santolina truly exclusive use? Can I book a single room?
Borgo Santolina is reserved on an exclusive use basis for one group at a time. Guests book the entire 130 acre estate with 14 guest rooms, which makes it ideal for family reunions, group travel, celebrations, retreats, and weddings.
What is included in the all inclusive rate?
Each booking includes exclusive use of the estate, 14 ensuite guest rooms, all meals prepared by the culinary team, and a wide range of drinks. The rate covers wine, beer, cocktails, non alcoholic beverages, snacks, gratuities, fees, room tax, VAT, parking, Wi Fi, self service laundry, and daily housekeeping, plus many onsite experiences and amenities.
What is not included in the rate?
Spa treatments, certain premium experiences, and some off property activities such as guided tours, winery excursions, classic car rentals, hot air balloons, or helicopter flights are arranged on request and charged as additional services.
Who is Borgo Santolina ideal for?
The estate is designed for private groups, including multi generational family reunions, milestone celebrations, group travel, yoga and wellness retreats, creative and art groups, wine clubs, executive offsites, corporate retreats, weddings, and elopements.
What types of activities and experiences are offered on site?
Onsite experiences include cooking classes, wine tastings, dark sky astronomy, bocce and lawn games, hiking, fishing, fire pits, and a wide variety of bespoke activities such as scavenger hunts, wildlife spotting, karaoke, cappuccino classes, cocktail classes, farm tours, photography, and more. Every stay is customized rather than preset.
What can we do in the surrounding area?
From Borgo Santolina you can easily visit Siena and Florence, explore medieval hill towns, dine at local trattorie and Michelin starred restaurants, hike in the Riserva Merse, and reach the Maremma and Tuscan coast for beaches and seaside towns. The area offers wine country, historic cities, nature reserves, and coastal experiences within one to two hours of the property.
Which airports and train stations are closest?
Most guests arrive via Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci), about a 90 minute drive. Useful access points include Siena train station about 30 minutes away, Ampugnano airport in Siena for private flights, Grosseto train station about 45 minutes away, and the airports in Pisa, Bologna, and Rome within 2 to 3 hours by car. See Getting Here
Do you arrange airport transfers and local transportation?
Yes. Borgo Santolina can arrange private airport transfers and transportation during your stay. Guests who prefer to self drive can use standard rental car companies at the major airports, and the team shares detailed driving and rental recommendations in pre arrival information.
What is meant by “slow travel” at Borgo Santolina?
Slow travel at Borgo Santolina means longer stays, a relaxed daily schedule, and a focus on local life rather than rushing between tourist sites. Guests spend time in quiet medieval villages, on hidden hikes, with family run restaurants, artisan producers, and emerging winemakers, using the estate as a calm home base near well known Tuscan highlights.
Is Borgo Santolina a working farm?
Yes. Borgo Santolina is an organic working farm that produces olive oil, lavender, cork, vegetables, flowers, citrus and other fruit, and firewood, many of which are used in daily menus. Guests can join harvests or wander the farm trails to connect with the landscape.
Can you accommodate food allergies and special diets?
The culinary team welcomes allergies, dietary preferences, and special requests. Menus can be created for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and other needs so that each guest is well cared for while enjoying regional Tuscan cuisine and farm to table ingredients.
What are the dining options on property?
Meals range from casual breakfasts in the bar to family style dinners under the stars and celebrations with wine pairings. The team makes use of the 800 year old wood fired oven for pizza and rustic meals, and can also arrange special dinners offsite at favorite local or Michelin starred restaurants.
What wellness facilities are available?
Wellness spaces include a gym with cardio equipment, dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, blocks, jump ropes, and yoga mats, plus a spa with two treatment rooms and a sensory shower. There is also a Finnish dry sauna and three plunge pools at different temperatures for contrast therapy with views over the landscape.
Tell me about the pool and outdoor spaces.
Borgo Santolina has a 10 meter by 20 meter infinity pool with a lap lane, sunken tanning ledge, outdoor shower, and large travertine terrace with loungers, cabanas, bar, shaded seating, and music system. The pool house offers a changing room, bathroom, and water sports room stocked with toys, goggles, balls, and floats.
Is the property suitable for children and multi generational families?
Yes. The layout, outdoor spaces, pool, farm trails, and wide range of activities are designed for multi generational groups. Rooms can be set up with twin beds or cots and cribs for younger children, and activities can be tailored for kids, teens, adults, and grandparents.
Do you have accessible rooms or facilities?
Borgo Santolina includes one ground floor guest room with a wheelchair accessible bathroom and shower, handrails, and a ramp that connects directly to the dining area. Paths and shared spaces are planned to support guests who need step free or reduced mobility access.
Is Wi Fi and air conditioning available?
Yes. All guest rooms have air conditioning and Wi Fi, and rooms are built for comfort with sound and light control, including solid wood doors and blackout shutters or drapes. This allows guests to enjoy a historic stone borgo with modern comforts.
What seasonal events can guests experience nearby?
Depending on the time of year, guests can join a local wine harvest, attend the Palio di Siena horse race, watch the Bravio delle Botti barrel race in Montepulciano, or enjoy the Siena Jazz Festival in summer. These events offer a direct connection to Tuscan culture, history, and music. Read more about the local area.
When is the best time of year to stay at Borgo Santolina?
Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather, countryside outings, and wine and food focused trips, including harvest activities in September and October. Summer is perfect for poolside days, coastal excursions, and festivals such as the Palio and Siena Jazz, while winter offers a quieter, more contemplative Tuscan experience.
What languages does the team speak?
The estate provides an English and Italian speaking concierge and staff. Daily operations are rooted in local Italian culture and language. This combination makes it easy for international guests to communicate while still experiencing authentic Tuscany.
How do I check availability, request a quote, or make a reservation?
You can check availability or start a booking by using the Reserve and Inquire links on the website or by contacting the team directly by email or phone. The Borgo Santolina team will work with you to confirm dates, tailor an itinerary, and finalize an exclusive use, all inclusive stay for your group.