My mind was racing as I packed my suitcase. I’d heard so much from friends who had raved about the verdant rolling hills of Tuscany, oozing tranquillity and peace, and my Mum’s choice of the Villa Castiglione looked the picture of luxury. On the dusk before my birthday, we arrived at the striking former Franciscan convent, perched in the greenery of private parkland. I was immediately blown away by the magnificent views over the unspoilt countryside. In the distance I could see Florence and Brunelleschi’s Duomo! It felt like I was in a dream – a feeling which only increased upon entering our Superior Room.
All of the hotel’s rooms are unique and the stamp of contemporary designer Gabriele Nuzzarello is plainly visible in the elegant accessories and quirky bed heads. This striking mix of bright colours and modern comforts gave it a pleasing chic finish. As I collapsed into the welcoming embrace of our bed, I slipped into a real dream about the pleasures that awaited me the following day…
There’s nothing better than starting with a hearty breakfast. As I tucked into my plateful of Italian breakfast delights, Mum and I discussed what I’d like to do. Walking in the hills? A day trip to one of the many surrounding Tuscan towns? These all sounded like wonderful ideas, but I knew there was only one option for my special day; exploring the romantic riverside city of Florence. After just a short car journey, we spent the rest of the day wandering amongst such revered sights as the Pitti Palace, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, stopping occasionally at charming cafés and popping into fascinating museums.
Later, legs weary and heads swimming with newly discovered culture, we returned to the refuge of our countryside paradise. All that sightseeing had built up quite an appetite; and what better place for my birthday dinner that at the on-site Canto di Maggio gourmet restaurant. After working our way through an array of Tuscan delicacies, I fell once more into bed, full, contented and with a sleepy smile plastered on my face. For someone who doesn’t believe in the magic of birthdays, this had certainly been a cut above the rest!