In the romantic, beautiful land of Chianti, precisely in the natural setting surrounding the medieval village of Radda in Chianti, comes a new opening of the collection Relais & Châteaux: the boutique hotel Pieve Aldina, a jewel of hospitality nestled among hilly expanses, olive groves and vineyards, in an ancient setting almost unchanged over the centuries where history and well-being come together.
The one proposed by hotel Pieve Aldina is a stay of exclusivity, among nature, good food and tradition: after all, we are right along the Chiantigiana, the wine road that connects Florence to Siena. And in fact, gastronomy is important in the framework of the offerings of the new facility designed by Pierattelli Architetture, an architectural firm based in Florence and Milan, just as wellness has ample space, boosted by the presence of a spa and an outdoor pool.
The Pieve Aldina boutique hotel: rediscovering the soul of a place and its essential character
The Pieve Aldina boutique hotel is striking from the first glance: it is housed in the spaces of a former bishop’s complex formed by three buildings dating back to the 12th century, and in each of its spaces visitors can find the identity and distinctiveness of a ancient context, almost unchanged over the centuries: a place of quiet that in 1043 the Count of Piancaldoli offered as a gift to his wife Aldina Ubaldini, after whom the hotel is named today. The main building, called “la Pieve,” is adjacent to the Pieve di Santa Maria Novella, a 10th-century parish church, an important example of Romanesque architecture in the Tuscan territory.
Inside, even with modernization and restoration, time seems to have stood still: wall decorations on the main floor, coffered wooden ceilings and walls decorated with neoclassical frescoes on the second floor can be admired. Like “la Pieve,” the other two buildings-named “Studiolo” and “Conventino”-are also enriched by striking wooden ceilings and windows framing the unspoiled green countryside.
This ancient and magical atmosphere can also be found in the 22 rooms of the boutique hotel Pieve Aldina, where Pierattelli Architectures has placed the focus stylistic purity e contemporary taste, by choosing understated furnishings with clean lines, with a predilection for earthy colors and with materials specific to the area, such as terracotta for floors, lime plaster for walls, wood for fixtures and painted baseboards. On the walls lend a sophisticated touch the works of Parisian artist Dune Varela , printed on slabs of Carrara marble, and the herbaria of Stéphanie Montaigu , who pastes images of flowers and ancient sculptures onto the yellowed pages of old books.
Wellness among hills and vineyards at boutique hotel Pieve Aldina
Great space is given to wellness offerings, starring the large outdoor pool nestled among the climbing roses and lemon trees of part of the 40 hectares of nature surrounding the facility. While bathing, one can admire huge wisteria winding from rooftop to rooftop, dry stone walls and box hedges, large eighteenth-century terracotta decorated vases.
After the swim is over, we relax by walking through the woods, olive trees and surrounding farms, rediscovering the pleasure of ancient rituals and life governed by the slow rhythm of nature. No boundary fences were built, just as is the practice in Tuscany, to provide the sense of freedom that can make guests feel part of the landscape.
Of great importance in the wellness offer of the boutique hotel Pieve Aldina is the SPA, where guests find everything they need to make their stay even more relaxing, from two massage rooms to the sauna, from the Turkish bath to the emotional shower. In addition, from the spaces carved out in this picturesque environment , one can admire the boundless landscape of the countryside and hills, so as to enter into harmony with nature. Outdoor yoga classes organized by the facility are also a perfect way to relax and regain energy, surrounded by green vegetation.
The gastronomic experience: tradition and local raw materials
Being located right in the heart of Chianti, the boutique hotel Pieve Aldina pays a great deal of attention to its food and wine offerings. The place where farm tools were once stored and olives were left before pressing has been transformed into the restaurant “The Swallows“, curated by the Chef Flavio Faedi: for this environment Pierattelli Architectures designed a large wall opening from which to observe activity in the kitchen, as well as a new arched passageway facing the inner courtyard so that windows could be opened and eating outdoors in fine weather, with tables on the lawn or under the large wisteria.
The restaurant offers typical Tuscan cuisine with dishes such as traditional Panzanella, Pappa al pomodoro, fresh Pici, and Fiorentina di Chianina, using only raw materials from local producers . Also present in the hotel is a wine shop where you can sample local wines, cheeses and cured meats. Guests also have the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen with the cooking classes by chef Faedi, take part in local wine tastings or enjoy an aperitif among the vines.
