Relais il Falconiere Cortona - Tuscany

In the blissfully peaceful countryside just outside the hilltop town of Cortona, Relais Il Falconiere is one of Tuscany's most exclusive rural retreats. Created in what were once an old private villa and farmhouse, the hotel conserves all its age-old charm, thanks to the meticulous work of restoration supervised by the owners, Silvia and Riccardo Baracchi.

Il Falconiere's romantic bedrooms are all individually appointed in traditional Tuscan country style, with beautiful hand-woven textiles and wrought iron or four poster beds. From the hotel's three spacious suites, guests gain direct access to the garden. All rooms have charming views over the nearby town of Cortona, the Tiber Valley or the gardens.

Guests dining in Relais Il Falconiere's gourmet restaurant are treated to superlative Tuscan cuisine, more than worthy of its Michelin Star rating. Meals are accompanied by a faultless selection of wines from Tuscany and the other wine producing regions of Italy. Couples wishing to celebrate a special occasion in true style, will need to book well in advance to reserve the one table in the Clock's Room.

Spa lovers who patiently awaited the opening of Il Falconiere's wellness center will not be disappointed.The hotel's recently inaugurated Thesan Etruscan spa offers the ultimate in luxury spa experiences, courtesy of a fabulous range of massages, body wraps and rituals, performed using products containing Tuscany's extra virgin olive oil, grapes, lavender and honey, all known for their natural antioxidant properties. Facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, Turkish bath and, for true aficionados, custom-designed spa suites.

The Upper Tiber valley is perfect walking territory and offers an impressive range of outdoor sporting activities including horse riding and golf. Wine lovers should make sure they join one of the cellar tours regularly organized by the hotel. Italian fashion fans will no doubt want to pay a visit to the area's popular designer Outlets. Sommelier hosted wine tastings and personalized cooking courses are held on-site, on request.

Three good reasons

1. A vacation in a beautifully restored Tuscan villa in the Upper Tiber Valley.
2. Dinner in the Michelin star restaurant.
3. The luxurious treatments in the Thesan Etruscan spa.