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OUR REVIEW
A dream amongst historical realities…
The Relais La Suvera stands in the heart of the splendid Tuscan countryside, near the charming fortified hamlet of Casole d' Elsa. The Relais is situated on a wooded hill from where it dominates the valley and vineyards below. This 10th century castle once belonged to Pope Giulio II Della Rovere, who had it transformed by the skilled work of the architect Peruzzi into the present day Renaissance Villa. Today, thanks to the owners - Marquis Ricci and his wife Princess Massimo, we have an extraordinary hotel with an exceptional quality of service, and above all, the warm welcome of what is still a private residence. It is an elegant hotel full of history. This is no ordinary residence - it celebrates the history of the house and the memory of past illustrious visitors in the decor of its suites and rooms.
The refined interiors remain intact in their splendour and have been made even more precious with antique family pieces - a triumph of elegance and luxury where one can rediscover the atmosphere of days gone by.
The rooms and suites of the Papal Villa - the most luxurious - are furnished with authentic antiques and each one represents a different historical period - Neo-gothic, Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, French Empire with pieces of Savoia and Anglo-Saxon origin with every room having an inventory explaining the history, dates and origin of each piece. The suite dedicated to Maria Carolina di Borbone, great-great grandmother of the Ricci Marchioness boasts plates painted with coats of arms, court dresses and a sumptuous gilded bed in which the Duchess of France sometimes slept - it will fill you with wonder.
This historic building is surrounded by a splendid 18th century Italian garden with its heated swimming pool and borders onto a magnificent ancient forest. The hamlet that has built up over the centuries around the Villa includes many other interesting buildings, such as the 15th century Church, still consecrated and where weddings are still celebrated today.
The stable and farm rooms are decorated with muted colours and furnished with antiques, and have a splendid panoramic terrace that connects them to the Villa.
A museum is located in the first floor halls of the Papal Villa and was established to house the Unesco recognised collection of works, which includes the Ricci Family Historical Archives. Its invaluable documents dating from the XV to the XVIII century are available to select students who wish to peruse them. The Library and the Hall of Pope Giulio II are also on this level and are certainly worthy of a visit.
The Oliviera restaurant, situated inside the ancient Frantoio, offers a creative à la carte menu - typical Tuscan dishes made with the highest quality ingredients and accompanied by carefully selected wines, all produced on the estate, that enhance the different flavours of the food. Dinner, during the summer period, is also served on the restaurant’s terrace. In the morning, the restaurant offers a rich and inviting buffet breakfast.
A wonderful health centre, with Hamman, fitness area, sauna and massage room has been built inside an ancient medieval well. All the treatments are based on strictly natural products.
Under the shade of lime and lemon trees, the Bar dei Limoni terrace is a lovely area for a light lunch for guests who wish to relax by the swimming pool, while in the evening it transforms into an enchanting place perfect for an aperitif or for an informal supper, sampling typically local dishes whilst admiring a charming panorama.
A stay at the Relais La Suvera is surely a unique experience - a corner of Italy steeped in history and a landscape which is one of the most wondrous in the world. Simply unforgettable.
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