Never underestimate the allure of a well-preserved ghost town. Italy’s Castelfalfi, recently reimagined and rebranded, stands as a testament to this notion, with several hundred million dollars invested to transform an 800-year-old abandoned village into a luxurious five-star vacation destination.
Nestled halfway between Florence and Pisa, the sprawling 2,700-acre compound officially reopened its doors in February. While it initially launched as a resort with residences back in 2014, the project struggled to gain traction despite a hefty $350 million investment from its former owner, the TUI Group. However, after a decade and another substantial renovation, courtesy of the new billionaire owner Sri Prakash Lohia and family, Castelfalfi is now realizing its full potential.
Roberto Protezione, the General Manager of Castelfalfi, speaks enthusiastically about the property’s recent enhancements. He highlights the newly introduced RAKxa-branded spa, staffed with therapists hailing from Bangkok, where RAKxa is headquartered. Additionally, Protezione takes pride in the refurbished accommodations, boasting 146 modern rooms starting at $886 per night, including the lavish 1,140-square-foot Castelfalfi Grand Suite, starting at $4,700 per night. Despite its smaller size, Protezione favors the Suite Terrace, starting at $2,985 per night, for its breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea on clear days. Like many ancient settlements, Castelfalfi was strategically built atop a hill to deter invaders, offering guests a commanding perspective of the surrounding landscape.
While the panoramic views are undoubtedly captivating, Castelfalfi’s most remarkable architectural feature is its meticulously restored village, nestled around the main hotels, one of which was once a tobacco factory. Protezione emphasizes the historical significance of the borgo, with its medieval castle, la Rocca, and the ancient church of S. Floriano, tracing its heritage back to the Etruscans, who inhabited the village over 2,000 years ago.
Though the original villagers have long departed, Castelfalfi has painstakingly revitalized their storefronts, transforming them into upscale boutiques where guests can peruse $400 cashmere sweaters and $200 golf polos. As a member of Preferred Hotels & Resort’s exclusive Legend Collection, the resort also offers over two dozen former residences for sale. For those interested in a trial run, seven villas are available for rent, including the luxurious five-bedroom, six-bathroom Casale, starting at $5,000 per night, where Justin Bieber once stayed. This villa boasts a private swimming pool and proximity to Castelfalfi’s 27-hole golf course, the largest in Tuscany.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, Castelfalfi now features an adventure park complete with a Tibetan bridge and offers over 40 on-site experiences, including archery, tennis, and truffle hunting with dogs. The property’s six restaurants are happy to prepare any truffles found by guests during their hunts. Moreover, no visit to Tuscany would be complete without indulging in an organic wine or olive oil tasting. With 60 acres of grapes and 10,000 olive trees on-site, guests can immerse themselves in the region’s rich culinary traditions. Those visiting in autumn can even partake in the olive harvest, providing a unique hands-on experience.
Protezione aptly describes Castelfalfi as a “unicorn,” given its rare blend of authentic historical charm and contemporary luxury amenities. Indeed, there are few places in the world where guests can engage in agricultural activities, pamper themselves with a $300 Thai warrior massage, and enjoy a round of golf—all within the confines of a five-star resort that was once inhabited by peasants.
