Il Borro: A Quintessential Tuscan Retreat

The Borgo: Living inside a Tuscan village

The heart of Il Borro is its restored medieval village, the Borgo, where guest rooms and suites are built into stone buildings that once housed artisans and farmers. Each accommodation feels entirely individual: terracotta floors, wooden beams, antique furnishings, and views over cobbled lanes or olive-dotted hills.

What makes the Borgo especially appealing is the sense of stepping into a living village rather than a typical resort. Guests wander narrow lanes between their rooms, cafés, small artisan shops, and even a chapel, creating an immersive Tuscan experience that feels both historic and intimate.

Il Borro’s distinctive Borgo area

Il Borro’s beautiful entryway

Countryside villas & suites

For travelers wanting more privacy or space, Il Borro’s countryside accommodations offer an entirely different but equally enchanting experience. Scattered across vineyards and olive groves, the villas and farmhouse suites combine rustic architecture with understated luxury, private pools, large terraces, and sweeping views of the Valdarno countryside.

Rooms in the countryside area of Il Borro

No two villas are alike—each has a unique design and incredible sense of place. Villa options are ideal for families or small groups who want the charm of a Tuscan estate with the space and comfort of a private home. The feeling is wonderfully pastoral: mornings with mist lifting off vineyards, evenings with golden sunsets over the hills.

A private pool in one of the resort’s main villas

A food & wine program rooted in the land

One of Il Borro’s greatest strengths is its deeply integrated food and wine philosophy. The estate operates as a certified organic farm, producing its own vegetables, olive oil, honey, and wine.

An on-site farm

Dining highlights include the elegant restaurant Osteria del Borro, where Tuscan traditions are elevated with modern technique. Expect dishes like handmade pici pasta, Chianina beef, and seasonal vegetables sourced directly from the estate’s gardens. A dinner reservation here is a must for their fantastic tasting menus and à la carte options. An incredible breakfast is also served in the same space—fresh fruit, cheeses, a room full of cured meats, unique baked goods—which is included complimentary for my clients.

Wine lovers will find plenty to savor. The estate winery, Il Borro Winery, produces acclaimed labels including the flagship Super Tuscan “Il Borro.” Tastings and cellar tours provide a wonderful introduction to the property’s terroir, with vineyards stretching across sun-soaked slopes surrounding the estate.

An incredible wine cellar

An ideal base for exploring Tuscan hamlets

While Il Borro feels wonderfully secluded, it’s also perfectly positioned for exploring the cultural treasures of eastern Tuscany. Just about 30 minutes away lies the charming city of Arezzo, one of Tuscany’s most underrated destinations.

The on-site art gallery, including a historical timeline of the resort

Arezzo offers a refreshingly authentic atmosphere compared to the region’s busier towns. Its medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, and lively piazzas make it a joy to explore. Highlights include the remarkable fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca inside Basilica of San Francesco, and the sweeping views from Piazza Grande, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful squares.

Arezzo is also home to one of Italy’s most famous antique markets, which is in full swing on the first Sunday of every month. With lots of parking at the bottom of the hill before town (pay to park, then take an escalator into Arezzo’s center), it’s an easy day trip by rental car or taxi from Il Borro. Dining is also exquisite—don’t miss Essenza (grab an outdoor table under the portico, and have a life-changing steak).

An incredible, personalized welcome gift, much like those I send for my clients

Il Borro is the rare property that checks every box: authentic setting, exceptional food and wine, distinctive accommodations, and easy access to cultural gems like Arezzo (it’s also not terribly far from Florence, less than an hour).

While Tuscany is often thought of as a spring, summer, or autumn destination, I had the opportunity to stay at Il Borro in January. While this meant I couldn’t dip in its outdoor pools—though I'm dying to go back to do that—the coziness and fog that hung over the property were magical. The resort was quiet and serene; visiting in the off season was truly wonderful and something that should not be overlooked.

In summary, Il Borro delivers the Tuscany travelers imagine: golden hills, a historic village, and world-class wine, but with a level of intimacy and realness that pushes the experience well beyond what other resorts may offer.

Note: Il Borro does not have an expansive spa, just a few simple treatment rooms.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Tuscany page.