Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery

A spectacular place, in a spectacular location: a finely restored medieval castle on a hill overlooking the Val d'Orcia and rows of Brunello vineyards. Recommended for a one- or two-day visit at most, and more for a couple than a family. The offer is suitable for tourists, foreigners, and those stopping off during a visit to Italy. A few flaws: The pools are beautiful, but there's no hydromassage or other water movement to make them more enjoyable. The water is very hot, but unfortunately the showers are freezing cold, and they remain unused. The sauna and Turkish bath are fine, but unfortunately all the showers are cold. It's clear that a cold shower is beneficial after the sauna, but it would be nice to have the option of a hot shower, or at least an adjustable one rather than an icy one. In all our previous experiences, there have always been some adjustable showers. The rooms are beautiful for their location (truly in a castle!) but poorly finished, with most of the furniture very dated (more like a grandmother's house than medieval) and all different. There's no discernible attention to style. My room didn't have a closet; my wife had to hang her clothes on the curtain rod. The bathrooms are also a bit old-fashioned, with a shower inside the tub. Dinners at the restaurant were excellent, in a beautiful dining room. The menu is the same as the restaurant's—which doesn't change—so after a couple of days, we'd sampled all the dishes of interest. This further demonstrates that the property is suitable for stays of one or two days at most. Excellent wines and knowledgeable sommeliers. There's a lack of affordable wine selection for daily dining (almost all in the three-figure range). Breakfast was truly excellent, in the same beautiful dining room with a breathtaking view of the valley. Lunch near the pool, in the winter in a bar-style room, with restaurant-like prices (€40 for a plate of pasta); it's advisable to try nearby osterias. In short: Overall, not very welcoming. Beautiful experience for a quick getaway.

A timeless place, a breathtaking view, attentive and elegant service. I went there for a spa day and it was absolutely the best spa experience I've ever had. Thanks also to the staff (Claudio at the pool) for making our day unforgettable.

One of the most beautiful resorts I've ever stayed at. Breathtaking location with views of the Val d'Orcia and all the unique features of the castle itself. The spa and thermal water pools are truly incredible. The staff is highly trained, incredibly kind and friendly, and always available. The restaurant is truly top-quality, both in terms of the ingredients and the service. The breakfast buffet... is a must-see because it truly offers every delicacy, both sweet and savory. A truly excellent stay, highly recommended for a relaxing weekend for couples.