A former 10th century castle, Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany retains the ambience of a private country house, with 39 suites. It is a gateway to the wonders of rural Italy – rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards – as well as Tuscan towns Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. The property's identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural past, stretching back to 7th Century BC, with Etruscan artefacts found across the 3,200 acres of land. These are on display throughout the hotel, most prevalent across the Essere spa, housed in the estate's former wine cellars with barrel vaulted ceilings and restored stone walls. The property's cuisine is a celebration of its surroundings, with a farm-to-table concept and a focus on simple and fresh produce, cultivated in the Orti del Castello – the hotel's vegetable garden. Tosca offers guests a fine dining experience whilst Emporio del Castello promotes authentic Tuscan dining, and for the more casual poolside moment, there is the Castello Grill. The region's famous landscape can be discovered through a range of activities, from stargazing, hiking and biking to wine tasting and truffle hunting. Guests can opt for secluded Etruscan luxury in the two recently opened private villas - Villa Thesan and Villa Usil. Inspired by the estate's heritage, both villas reflect the codes of Tuscan tradition and boast outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.