Review Author

Megan Shelton

Contributing Editor & NYC Know-It-All Columnist

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Nestled in the rolling hills of Italy’s Chianti region, COMO Castello Del Nero is a tapestry of Tuscan history and contemporary luxury.

This 12th-century castle, once the country residence of the noble Del Nero family, has been transformed into a 50-room sanctuary.

The estate offers guests an immersive experience that intertwines art, culture, gastronomy, and wellness, all framed by the property’s own vineyard, olive groves, and serene gardens. 

Design & Character

Milanese designer Paola Navone was recruited to reimagine the castle interiors. The result is a delicate dialogue between historical architecture and present-day comforts. White terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings, and centuries-old frescoes complement cool-toned furnishings, soft textures, and subtle modernist touches. An abundance of natural light illuminates centuries-old details. Each space feels grand yet quite intimate.

The Rooms

From the modest Estate Rooms to the expansive COMO and Terrace Suites, each accommodation balances traditionality and modernity with effortless style. Egyptian cotton linens, airy layouts, and bespoke décor create calming havens. Loft Suites offer split-level living with panoramic views of gardens or lakes, while Heritage Suites feature 18th-century frescoes and antique fireplaces. The COMO and Terrace Suite make for a truly elevated stay, with breezy living areas, numerous bedrooms, and terraces that capture sweeping vistas of the Chianti hills. 

Food & Drink

While staying in the heart of Tuscany, it should come as no surprise that every dining experience at COMO Castello Del Nero is an ode to the region’s rich flavors.

Michelin-starred La Torre, helmed by Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro, pairs estate-grown produce with bold, inventive Italian cuisine.

La Taverna, in the castle’s original 12th-century kitchen, serves comforting Italian classics beside an open fire. The expert mixologists behind the bar can mix up just about anything, and spirits selections range from grappa to amaro to Champagne to cognac In the summertime, the al fresco Le Pavilion spotlights light Mediterranean fare.

Amenities

Wellness is akin to an art form at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, complete with seven treatment rooms, thermal suites, yoga and Pilates studios, and a 25-meter heated pool. Guests can indulge in massages, body therapies, and facials inspired by Asian traditions and Tuscan heritage.

Beyond the spa, activities abound: truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, gelato-making, and cycling or walking trails through the estate. 

Location & Neighborhood Recs

The grounds lie just a short drive from Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano, where guests can explore Renaissance art and architecture and wander medieval streets. A stay in Chianti presents endless opportunities for wonderful winery tours; one of the best is surely Marchesi Antinori, 12km up the road. 

Fast Facts

Location: Barberino Tavarnelle, Tuscany, Italy

Rating: 5 stars

The Vibe: Time-honored Tuscan elegance meets contemporary refinement and wellness while still feeling relaxed

Room Count: 50 rooms and suites

Starting Nightly Rate: $850

Food & Drink: Enjoy Michelin-starred plates at La Torre, and cozy classics with expertly crafted cocktails at La Taverna. Come summer, dine al fresco at Le Pavilion.

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: There are plenty of reasons COMO Castello Del Nero makes every “World’s Best” or “Readers’ Choice” list year after year. However, to lie poolside at this hotel, under the Tuscan sun while sipping an aperol spritz, is to know truly “la dolce far niente.”

Closest Airport: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)

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