In the contemporary hospitality scene, there are projects that do more than simply welcome guests; they build real ecosystems in which architecture, landscape, agricultural production and the culture of the land become part of the same narrative.
This is the direction taken by Il Falconiere Relais & Spa , the Baracchi family’s historic estate on the slopes of Cortona. Member of Relais & Châteaux , the property inaugurates a season under the banner of sustainable evolution, marking a new chapter that intercepts the most relevant issues in the international debate on hospitality design: short supply chain, self-sufficiency in production, territorial well-being and conscious management of resources.
“We are working on a concrete evolution of the estate regarding the way we produce, welcome and manage our resources. Starting on the path toward sustainability certification formalizes an approach that has always belonged to us.”
Silvia Regi Baracchi, maître de maison
The vertical vegetable garden: when the landscape becomes infrastructure
The most significant design innovation of the season is the creation of a new vertical vegetable garden, conceived not as a purely ornamental element, but as a true production infrastructure integrated into the layout of the estate.
Here vegetables, herbs and native seasonal varieties are grown to directly feed the restaurant’s kitchen. The distance between production and consumption is zeroed to just a few meters, transforming the garden into a multifunctional space: a place of cultivation, an educational tool and an integral part of the guests’ experience through the Garden & Kitchen paths that accompany from harvest to table. An approach that interprets in a contemporary key the concept of agricultural luxury, where the value lies in the absolute traceability and quality of the material.
Winery Master Suite: a redesign of spatial fluidity
The evolution of Il Falconiere also touches the interior design with the complete restyling of the Winery Master Suite. The intervention favored a greater distributive fluidity of spaces and an osmotic relationship with the surrounding landscape.
The living area has been expanded through the use of warm color palettes and natural materials reminiscent of the Tuscan land, while the private garden with hot tub opens in visual continuity to the Valdichiana and the hillside profile of Cortona. More than a suite, a private extension of the estate’s wine experience.
Haute cuisine and millennial spirituality in the Limonaia
The gastronomic heart of the property is the Michelin-starred restaurant, housed in the villa’s striking old lemon house. Silvia Baracchi’s cuisine is developed from what the estate produces: extra virgin olive oil, vegetables from the garden, herbs and the estate’s excellent wines.
In addition, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis-a figure historically linked to Cortona and Le Celle Hermitage-the chef will present a gastronomic journey inspired by the Franciscan values of essentiality, harmony and deep respect for nature. An exercise that interweaves historical memory, spirituality and contemporary haute cuisine.
Baracchi Winery: wine design by Riccardo Cotarella
At the same time, a few steps away from the main body of the Relais is the Baracchi Winery , led today by Benedetto Baracchi, heir to a winemaking tradition that began in 1860. The constant search for quality and the enhancement of native Tuscan varieties are supported by the signature of Riccardo Cotarella, a leading name in contemporary Italian oenology.
Today, the winery serves as a space for cultured outreach, offering Wine Immersion tours designed to delve into the wine heritage of the Cortona appellation and the inseparable link between vineyard architecture and terroir.
Thesan Etruscan Spa: wellness rooted in the earth
The new geography of personal wellness finds its ideal dimension within Thesan Etruscan Spa, whose name is inspired by the Etruscan deity of dawn and rebirth.
Wellness here dialogues directly with the estate’s agricultural identity: seasonal rituals and treatments are formulated with wine, olive oil and natural native ingredients. A private spa dedicated to couples completes an experiential wellness offering that goes beyond the traditional concept of a spa to embrace a broader philosophy of holistic regeneration.
MLE Hospitality Executive Memo
- Address: Il Falconiere Relais & Spa (Località San Martino a Bocena 370, Cortona – AR).
- Architecture and Sustainability: Introducing the new productive vertical garden and starting the process for official sustainability certification.
- Interior Design Focus: Total restyling of the Winery Master Suite with expansion of the living area and panoramic outdoor extension.
- Enogastronomic Highlight: Il Falconiere Restaurant ( Michelin, Chef Silvia Baracchi) and technical tastings in the Baracchi winery with author Riccardo Cotarella’s connubial.
- Web & Booking: ilfalconiere.it ; www.relaischateaux.com/it/hotel/relais-il-falconiere-spa/
