Villa Il Castagno Wine & Resort Siena, Siena

I stayed in the Raphaello room, which had a nice sitting area and an oversized bathroom with both a separate shower and large garden tub. The amenities, while not luxurious, were more than adequate. I felt completely relaxed in this beautifully decorated space.

The pool area was absolutely stunning, with lounge chairs and umbrellas that created a perfect place to unwind. The views of the Tuscan hills from the pool were amazing, and spending time here truly felt like a luxury retreat.

I participated in a cooking class at the villa. Our chef Erika was excellent and taught us how to make potato gnocchi. It was entertaining and educational, and I received the recipes afterward to recreate the dishes at home.

The breakfast each morning was very nice, featuring an assortment of fresh pastries, yogurt, fruits, and salami. I loved having a delicious cappuccino, and this meal was a fantastic way to start each day.