Echo Point Travel

Instagram: @echopoint_travel

Our recent stay at Castelfalfi in Tuscany was nothing short of magical — the kind of place that makes you question whether you’ve stumbled onto a movie set designed for the perfect countryside escape. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in luxury: a magnificent floral arrangement greeted us in the lobby, accompanied by the bespoke scent of Castelfalfi’s own fragrance — elegant, calming, and utterly unique. The staff were warm, welcoming, and consistently attentive, with a particularly responsive concierge team that helped shape a seamless stay.

The resort itself is beautifully designed with thoughtful and creative touches throughout — rich tapestry finishes, cool slabs of imported Italian marble, and a dreamy bed setup featuring both foam and down pillows. Every corner of the property whispered elegance, comfort, and curated detail.

We immersed ourselves in several of the resort’s family-friendly activities, though be warned — they come at a hefty price. We participated in Start the Fire, Falconry, Pizza Making, and Wine Tasting. Start the Fire felt a bit underwhelming in execution, though the instructor, Adam, was fascinating — a true Renaissance man with a background in military special forces, survivalist skills, falconry, skydiving, and anti-poaching safaris. While Adam elevated the experience, it still felt more designed for children, making the cost for adults — who mostly watched and took photos — feel excessive.

Pizza Making was an absolute highlight. Led by the chef at Il Rosmarino, we learned how to craft the perfect pizza using incredibly fresh ingredients, in a hands-on, joyful experience we won’t soon forget. Again, the programming overall is very child-centric, so adults may want to set expectations accordingly before signing up.

As for dining, Il Rosmarino was our favorite — consistently good, charming atmosphere, and the food was as fresh and flavorful as one would expect from Tuscany. Breakfast at Olivina was fantastic, but dinner there didn’t quite meet the bar set by the rest of the property — decent, but not memorable, and overpriced for the experience.

We had high hopes for our date night at the fine dining restaurant, La Rocca, but it got off on the wrong foot. Despite my boyfriend being dressed appropriately (collared shirt, shoes, tailored shorts), we were turned away for not wearing pants — in 100°F weather — and were told repeatedly, and somewhat rudely, that the dress code was strictly enforced. Later, we discovered the policy was actually “pants recommended” and at the staff’s discretion. This left a bad taste in our mouths, particularly given the restaurant is on the resort property and we were prepared to spend over €400 on dinner. The food was good, but the unwelcoming tone marred the evening. To their credit, the concierge was mortified when we shared the incident and apologized profusely.

One oddity: the charming-looking town on the property — while picturesque — felt eerily artificial, like a film set with faux storefronts. It reminded us of something out of North Korea, designed to look alive but not truly functional. Shopping opportunities were basically nonexistent, which was a shame given the otherwise impeccable attention to detail everywhere else.

Despite a few bumps, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Castelfalfi. The views alone — rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and postcard-perfect landscapes — were enough to lull us into a state of bliss. It truly felt like stepping into a dream.

Would we return? Absolutely. We’d just skip La Rocca, prepare to be spectators during the kids’ activities, and keep our expectations in check for the “town.” For anyone looking to unwind in the Tuscan countryside in a place that’s as relaxing as it is surreal, Castelfalfi delivers a near-perfect escape. I have never seen such a beautiful view and will be dreaming of the experience for years to come.