Castello di Velona, between Brunello and thermal springs

The surrounding vineyards, the hills of the Val d’Orcia right before your eyes, and Montalcino just a few kilometers away. At Castello di Velona, the landscape accompanies every moment of your stay: from the guest rooms to the restaurant terraces, all the way to the thermal pools. What makes this resort unique is the combination of a historic estate, Brunello wine production, and a natural spring that feeds the spa.

Originally built as a military fortress between the 11th and 12th centuries, the castle still features a medieval watchtower and a Renaissance loggia, evidence of its subsequent transformations into a stately residence. Following the initial restoration in 1997, ownership of the property passed to the company Podere Castello 1997 in 2003, headed by entrepreneur Gianluca Fabiani, who remains the owner and president to this day. Under his leadership, further restorations and expansions have taken place, along with the development of the thermal spring discovered on the estate, led to the opening of the current resort in 2011.

Sleep surrounded by ancient stone and a view of the vineyards

The accommodations offer two different approaches to hospitality. Monumental Rooms evoke the castle’s original character through Tuscan-style furnishings; the rooms and suites Unesco View feature a contemporary style, with a private patio or garden and views of the valley.

In these last , natural hot water also flows into the bathtub through a dedicated faucet. This detail brings the spa experience into the privacy of the room and makes your stay enjoyable even on fall days, when walks alternate with warm breaks.

Brunello: From the Vineyard to the Tasting

Agriculture is an integral part of the area’s identity. The estate comprises five hectares of vineyards. Divided into six plots and planted with Sangiovese grapes intended for Brunello. Soils are clayey, of medium texture, and rich in mineral content. Varying exposures contribute to the diversity of the grapes used in the estate’s wines. In addition to wine production, the estate also produces organic extra virgin olive oil.

This connection gave rise to the Brunello di Montalcino Experience, an offer that includes a stay with breakfast, a tasting of four vintages of the estate’s Brunello, a wine-inspired wellness ritual, and access to Olispa and the thermal pools. Comparing different vintages allows guests to explore the wine’s evolution over time, observing how the harvest and aging process can alter its character. This experience is reserved for guests who book this specific package.

The waters of Olispa

The spa covers more than 1,500 square meters, with spaces clad in travertine. Interconnected thermal pools allow you to move from indoors to outdoors without stopping your swim, with the Val d’Orcia landscape serving as a backdrop. The experience is rounded out by a panoramic sauna, two Turkish baths, sensory showers, an ice waterfall, and relaxation areas.

In the treatment rooms, you can book massages and facial and body treatments, including couples’ sessions. This is where the Brunello-themed stay reaches its second highlight, with the wellness ritual included in the package. A way to connect wine with the hotel’s wellness offerings.

Dining, from the terrace to the pool

The Settimo Senso is the place to go for a more elaborate dinner: contemporary Tuscan cuisine, a focus on seasonal ingredients, and tasting menus, served in the dining room or on the terrace. Wine list focuses primarily on Montalcino, starting with the estate’s Brunello.

A more casual take on the Dolce Vita, overlooking the thermal pools, offers a Mediterranean menu that includes a fish bar and pizza. Two distinct atmospheres to enhance your stay, while also leaving room for excursions: from the village of Montalcino to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, all the way to San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza.