HOLIDAY VIBES AT CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL
EGW LUXURY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2025 - 2026
FEATURE | TRAVEL & ESCAPE
Written by Monica Lofstrom
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the festive magic takes over the Val d’Orcia
In the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills cradle the spirit of ancient stories and the scent of Brunello hangs in the air, the borgo of Castiglion del Bosco awakens to winter’s most enchanting season. From November 27, 2025, to January 7, 2026, the historic estate is transformed into a haven of warmth, beauty, and celebration.
Lights flicker across cobblestone paths. Wreaths crown the ancient stone walls. And within this UNESCO-protected village, the essence of the season is more than decoration—it’s devotion.
As December begins, the borgo pulses with tradition and joy. An Advent Calendar, quietly elegant, reveals a new daily ritual—morning yoga in the winter pool, twilight hikes capped with generous Tuscan snacks, festive tennis tournaments, floral workshops, and sound baths that echo the stillness of the surrounding valley.
The village square blossoms into a holiday storybook: an ice-skating rink sparkles beneath garlands, the scent of mulled wine dances with the crisp December air, and Santa’s Cottage delights children and grown-ups alike. The classic Christmas Market returns with an authentic twist—featuring handcrafted items from the estate’s beloved artisans: winemakers, chefs, tailors, and keepers of heritage.
Throughout the resort, moments of wonder quietly unfold: gingerbread cookies are baked with reverence, guests craft fragrant pouches from local herbs, bocce is played with glasses of sparkling wine in hand, and each day closes in warmth and laughter.
The culinary centerpiece is helmed by Chef Matteo Temperini, who curates a festive menu that honors Tuscan terroir and time-honored flavors. From Christmas Eve dinners to New Year’s Eve galas, the season’s palette is woven with artistry and affection. Pastry Chef Michael Boivin crafts exquisite panettones—classic or almond-glazed—as well as rich spiced gingerbread and whimsical red velvet Santa hats made of 74% Madagascar dark chocolate.
For little ones, Santa’s Cottage and the Kids’ Club become dreamlands of miniature trees, cookie decorating, and letter-writing. For those seeking stillness, the winter infinity pool offers sanctuary—a glass-encased escape with sweeping views of Montalcino.
Here, in the shadow of castle ruins and the quiet of candlelight, holiday memories are shaped not by extravagance, but by elegance. By the warmth of tradition. By Tuscany’s winter glow.
ABOUT CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL
Set within the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia, in Tuscany’s fabled Brunello di Montalcino wine region, Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel. is a 5,000-acre estate where centuries of history meet the quiet opulence of modern Italian hospitality. Founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, the property is a living expression of Tuscan heritage—with 900-year-old castle ruins, a medieval church, and a restored borgo village at its heart.
The resort offers elegant suites and private villas nestled among vineyards and cypress-lined hills, creating a rare sense of peace and place. Guests can explore the estate’s historic Brunello winery, unwind at the Spa, or join a cooking class in the organic kitchen garden. Two acclaimed restaurants celebrate seasonal ingredients, while curated activities—truffle hunting, wine tastings, bike rides—immerse visitors in the rhythms of rural Italy.
For those who favor the fairway, Castiglion del Bosco is home to Italy’s only private golf club, The Club—an 18-hole masterpiece designed by Tom Weiskopf and reserved exclusively for resort guests and members.
From the warmth of its timeless architecture to the soulfulness of its landscape, Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel is not simply a hotel—it is a reverent retreat into the heart of Tuscany itself.
Special Thanks
Photography and assets courtesy of Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel
Instagram: @rosewoodcastigliondelbosco
Website: rosewoodhotels.com/castiglion-del-bosco
