Once an ancient medieval fortress later converted into a sumptuous Renaissance villa, through the genius of the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi.
In 1508 it became the sumptuous residence of Pope Julius II while in the following centuries it welcomed his descendants and more recently the friends and relations of the Ricci family in its patrician halls surrounded by lush gardens and a splendid church, stables and farmhouse.
Today the boutique Hotel, Relais La Suvera, is much more than simply a 5 star luxury hotel.
Indeed it is one of the first stately homes to open its doors and welcome guests to its splendid aristocratic universe of nine centuries of history, art and culture.
An enchanted Renaissance Borgo or village estate, set like a jewel among gently rolling hills, lush vineyards and age-old woods climbing over the Chianti hills of Sienna, 30 km from the city of Sienna and the town of San Gimignano and less than half an hour from Florence.
This exceptional setting is quite unique in its intimate, timeless atmosphere with its eclectic collection of antique furniture and pictures which all come from the families of the proprietors and are beautifully arranged throughout the 36 rooms and suites as well as in the Museum showing rarities from centuries past and the enchanting gardens surrounding the estate.
It is ideal for a romantic break, a long vacation or for a regenerating stay in the beauty of the countryside, accompanied by Chef Simone Acquarelli’s inspiring cuisine in the Ristorante Oliviera and the unique atmosphere in the Bar dei Limoni with its the magnificent views over the hills.
And the service should not forget the appeal of the clear water in the outdoor Pool and the treatments in the Balneum spa.
All this is Relais La Suvera, a place where love for the beautiful and the elegant, passion for history will regale your most precious moments with the ultimate in unique timeless, atmosphere.
It is the ideal place to write a new story, your story.
The 36 rooms and suites are decorated with antique furniture from the collections of the families of the owners, which blend harmoniously with all modern amenities, making the Relais La Suvera a boutique hotel with a unique style and elegance. Every room in the hotel is different. The Papal Villa suites are dedicated to historical characters related to the owners’ families
and are the ideal setting for those who want to celebrate an anniversary or honeymoon. The rooms and suites in the farmhouse and the stables buildings, many of which overlook the gardens and/or have private terraces, are perfect for a romantic getaway or a family holiday.
The masterful skill of young chef Simone Acquarelli is just what makes the Relais La Suvera gourmet experience unique in the Oliviera Restaurant and the informal Bar dei Limoni for the terrace dining.
Bewitched by the art of cooking at an early age, Simone turned his passion into his profession, studying at the Castelfiorentino catering school, taking numerous specialist courses and above all experimenting in the various dimensions of his work, collaborating with some of the greatest chefs at home and abroad, continually seeking new stimuli and the poetry of flavour.
Among the most meaningful of his experiences have been the Osteria Magona at Bolgheri, the Michelin starred Arnolfo (2 Michelin stars), Bracali (2 Michelin stars), The Fat Duck at Bray (3 Michelin stars).
Today Simone expresses all his creative spirit and passion for research as executive chef at Relais La Suvera.
His cuisine is marked by careful selection of the products of Tuscany and a culinary poetry which highlights “technique to benefit flavour”, as Pedro Subijana observed at the San Sebastian Gastronomika in 2009.
Impeccable when making typically traditional dishes, in long, slow cooking and particularly flavoursome dishes, Simone is also particularly fond of combining delicate flavours where more subtle nuances can be introduced, rather like in a watercolour, as Acquarelli, his very surname meaning watercolours, suggests.
His great passion is pastry where his skills, technique and creativity allow him to give free rein to his personality, as the varied menus at Relais La Suvera show.
A young local brigade works side by side with him to highlight his approach to cooking, a fine balance between tradition and innovation.
Particularly appealing in the evening for a cool glass of wine or an aperitif while taking in the magnificent views over the Tuscan hillsides in the warm golden light of the sunset. You will enjoy discovering all the traditional Tuscan and classic Italian dishes here, a pleasing journey through much loved specialities and territory.
Excellent light lunches and informally classic dinners are served in the Bar dei Limoni where snacks are also available at all times of day in the shade of the lemon trees on the terrace near the pool.
Once the 18th century olive press, the Oliviera Restaurant now welcomes its guests into a unique setting of ancient machinery, murals in the Egyptian style, linen curtains and tablecloths, Baroque lampshades and a large decorated fireplace.
The restaurant is also laid out each morning with the magnificent buffet breakfast of home-made cakes and tarts and fine local produce, organic jams and marmalades, seasonal fruit and local cold meats and salami.
In the evening it opens for atmosphertic candlelit gourmet dining on the terrace overlooking the Papal Villa.
The sophisticated haute cuisine menu offers authentic flavours, the fruit of traditional recipes and the finest local products
selected for their fine quality and skillfully turned into tasty dishes that are masterly combinations of the traditional and the innovative.
This is gourmet cuisine where the leading light is taste and flavour, a far cry from unlikely combinations and the desire for originality for its own sake.
The menu is constantly evolving in harmony with seasonal ingredients while also offering vegetarian reinterpretations of each course.
This pleasant experience for the palate is completed by an excellent wine list with a fine choice of prestigious Tuscan reds and whites.
19.30h - 22.30h
The water is constantly purified and maintained at a temperature of 26° C from June to September in order to ensure the ultimate in comfort for guests.
Enjoy a detox in the Turkish bath, pamper yourself with treatments selected just for you or the exclusive massages with Décleor aromatherapy products.
In its perfect balance between prestige and history, elegance and tradition, the harmony of nature and comfortingly impeccable service, La Suvera is also an amazing location for stylish events in a truly unique setting, at once both elegant and welcoming.
Scents, colours and emotions. A masterpiece of architecture and landscaping, balance and symmetry, designed centuries ago but still alive and vibrant as ever.
Just a few short steps from the Papal Villa, looking over the sun-dappled garden and the large aviary adorning it, is the impressive 16th century Ricci family Church, dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo.
The wedding planners will help you to achieve whatever it is you wish for during the most important day in your life: the ceremony, flowers, make-up, hairdressing, decoration, music, menu and photographs.
RELAIS LA SUVERA
Via della Suvera, 70 53031 PievescolaCasole d'Elsa (Siena)Italy