Set amid 740 acres of vines and olive groves in the Chianti hills, COMO Castello del Nero is a twelfth‑century castle with a thoroughly contemporary soul. Milanese designer Paola Navone has softened its ancient stone with cool tones and pared‑back furnishings; vaulted halls are punctuated by original frescoes and terracotta floors. Light spills through leaded windows onto sculptural staircases, and outside, cypress avenues frame views across rolling countryside. With just 50 rooms and suites plus two private villas, stays feel intimate and exclusive; you drift from Renaissance‑painted salons to sleek lounges filled with modern art. It’s a place where history whispers from every wall yet nothing feels museum‑like—cocktail trays glide, laughter echoes off the courtyard, and the castle’s watchtower twinkles at sunset. Many suites offer panoramic countryside views, deep soaking tubs, and contemporary Tuscan interiors-perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways.

Food

Dining celebrates the region’s bounty. Michelin‑starred La Torre transforms Tuscan classics under the eye of chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro; seasonal tasting menus might feature wild boar tortelli or Chianti‑braised beef, paired with estate olive oil and wines from neighbouring vineyards. Pavilion, an al fresco restaurant set on a sun‑drenched terrace, serves Mediterranean dishes—think grilled fish, vibrant salads and wood‑fired pizzas—against a backdrop of olive groves. For relaxed evenings, La Taverna occupies the castle’s original twelfth‑century kitchen; settle in for a glass of Brunello and a plate of antipasti in the glow of an ancient hearth. Breakfast is a generous spread of local cheeses, cured meats and flaky pastries, complemented by nourishing COMO Shambhala dishes.

Spa

The COMO Shambhala Retreat is a cocoon of wellness overlooking Tuscan hills. Guests can book bespoke massages in one of five treatment suites or two couples’ rooms, then rejuvenate in thermal suites featuring an ice fountain, aromatic steam, gentle sauna and heated vitality pool. There’s a hydropool, an indoor fitness centre, and a yoga and Pilates studio bathed in natural light. In summer, the 25‑metre outdoor pool invites languid laps with panoramic views. Complimentary yoga classes and guided wellness sessions are offered daily, and a menu of holistic therapies blends modern science with ancient practices.

Environment

Located in Barberino Tavarnelle at the heart of the Chianti wine region, the estate lies roughly midway between Florence and Siena. By car, Florence’s Peretola Airport is about a 30‑minute drive, Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport around 75 minutes, and Rome’s Fiumicino Airport approximately three hours. The hotel runs a scheduled shuttle service to and from Florence and Siena on alternating days, and staff can arrange Vespa or car rentals for exploring nearby villages. Winding roads lead through vineyards to medieval towns and hilltop hamlets; further afield, Florence’s galleries are less than an hour away. Returning to the estate, you can wander woodland paths, play tennis or padel, or simply sit beneath an olive tree listening to cicadas.

Average review score

Recent guest feedback on major travel sites is consistently high. On TripAdvisor, the hotel holds around 4.6 out of 5 from more than 800 reviews, praising its tranquil setting, refined service and blend of history and modernity. Expedia guests rate it about 9.6 out of 10, noting the exceptional dining and spa experiences.