New Tuscan Retreat Set in 11th Century Borgo Opens

Castel Monastero, a luxury retreat in the small medieval village of Monastero d'Ombrone in Chianti, opened on July 2, 2009. The resort is located just 14 miles east of Siena, in a lovely hilltop setting surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. With verdant gardens, a sumptuous Spa, a fine-dining concept and rustic cantina dining both realized by multiple-Michelin-star Chef Gordon Ramsay together with head chef Alessandro Delfanti, the enticements of Tuscany's newest luxury destination go on and on.

The Tuscan experience is central to Castel Monastero. The retreat is at the heart of the village once called Monastero d'Ombrone, occupying thirteen original structures dating from the 11th century. Renowned hospitality architectural experts, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), designed 76 guest rooms and suites within the walls of this former medieval village. All guest rooms are located in buildings centered on the main piazza andoverlooking the landscape. Room design reflects the simple refinement characteristic of the region, each uniquely outfitted with lush materials such as painted timber paneling and doors, Rubelli fabrics and stone floors. Local artisans were sourced for antique furniture and light fixtures, as well as for bedroom wall frescos of the Italian countryside, resulting in a rustic chic motif.

The culinary centerpiece is Gordon Ramsay at Castel Monastero, a fine-dining experience by the celebrity chef whose 14 Michelin stars ranks him among the top three chefs in the world. Ramsay draws from the distinctive culinary tradition of Tuscany for his first Italian address, having combed the countryside with Chef Alessandro Delfanti for the finest ingredients: Pecorino from Fossa, lamb from Zeri, onions from Certaldo, and world-renowned Chianina beef. Signature dishes include Sour green apple and horseradish risotto flavored with broth of red mullet and baby fennel and Chianina beef tenderloin with artichoke ravioli and Certaldo onion jam.

Laid out beneath vaulted and wood-beam ceilings and forged iron chandeliers, the restaurant overlooks the village’s 15th century piazza. Underneath, a 13th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling shelters the Cantina Restaurant, an exquisite setting for sampling fine local wines and enjoying the resort’s regular series of gastronomy classes featuring renowned chefs and wine experts, also developed with Gordon Ramsay and Chef Delfanti.

Castel Monastero Spa from Urban Retreat delivers sumptuous comforts with innovative and effective treatments to detoxify and rebalance. The magnificent, 10,000 square-foot spa occupies a pair of buildings connected by a glass tunnel, with 10 treatment rooms including a couples’ suite. Outdoors, three pools are optimally situated for soaking up the glorious Tuscan sun. Also the concierge can arrange a variety of excursions to explore the surrounding area, including trips to Siena, wine tours to local vineyards, culture tours to Cortone and San Gimignano and much more. In August, Castel Monastero will offer guests the exclusive opportunity to watch the historic annual horse race, “Il Palio” in Siena, from the vantage point of a private space overlooking the main square.

With hundreds of years of history, multi-starred dining and a stellar spa to welcome guests, Castel Monastero is set to debut as Tuscany's most inviting new retreat.

Castel Monastero is a Tuscan retreat, located just 14 miles east of Siena, in the historic medieval village of Monastero d'Ombrone in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the resort occupies a collection of stone buildings on a hilltop, dating back to the 11th century. Hirsch Bedner Associates designed 76 guest accommodations spread out among thirteen buildings, reflecting simple refinement through rustic design and materials. With two restaurants by multi-Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay, Castel Monastero is poised to take its place among the top destinations for Tuscan cuisine. A regular schedule of courses in gastronomy taught by renowned chefs and wine experts will also be a part of the resort’s culinary experience. In conjunction with Urban Retreat, the 10,000 square foot Castel Monastero Spa is dedicated to instilling calm through treatments and detoxification. The resort also has three outdoor swimming pools, a church and meeting space suitable for business events and weddings.

Experience the romance of Tuscany at Castel Monastero with special introductory rates starting at 392 EUR/night through October 2009. For more information and reservations, please visit www.castelmonastero.com.