The Travel + Leisure award recognizes a project that combines hospitality, landscape, architecture, and Tuscan identity.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco was named the No. 1 Resort in Europe and the No. 1 Resort in Italy at the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. This recognition, awarded by the magazine’s readers, confirms the Tuscan estate’s status as one of the most highly regarded destinations in the international hospitality industry.
Rather than simply celebrating an award, it’s worth asking what factors continue to make Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco one of the most highly regarded resorts in the world.
A village that captures the essence of authentic Tuscany
Located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is not just a hotel, but a place that tells the story of Tuscany.
The estate spans over 2,000 hectares of Brunello di Montalcino vineyards, woods, olive groves, and rolling hills, and is home to an ancient medieval village that has been skillfully restored. Here, time seems to slow down, and each building retains its original character, thoughtfully reinterpreted to offer contemporary hospitality without altering its identity.
Rosewood’s arrival has enhanced this heritage without altering its identity, strengthening the connection between hospitality and the local area—a connection that today represents the true spirit of the estate.
Hospitality Rooted in the Local Area
The charm of Castiglion del Bosco lies not only in the excellence of its service, but also in its ability to foster an ongoing dialogue between architecture, nature, and local culture.
Each room reflects Tuscan tradition through authentic materials, terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams, period furnishings, and fabrics crafted by local artisans. Nothing seems designed to impress; everything contributes to creating the atmosphere of an elegant home—one that has been lived in and is deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape.
It is precisely this authenticity—rather than ostentation—that today represents one of the most compelling expressions of contemporary luxury.
Suites and villas nestled in the Val d’Orcia
The accommodations include 42 suites, spread throughout the historic village, and 11 private villas created through the restoration of 17th- and 18th-century Tuscan farmhouses.
The suites combine historic details with contemporary comforts, while the villas offer the utmost privacy thanks to heated pools, private gardens, pergolas, and spacious terraces overlooking the Val d’Orcia landscape. Each accommodation is unique, but they all share the same philosophy: to offer an authentic, elegant experience deeply rooted in the local area.
Villa Biondi: The Exclusivity of a Tuscan Estate
Among the most prestigious residences at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Villa Biondi stands out as the largest on the estate. Overlooking the picturesque cypress-lined avenue leading to the golf course, it features five bedrooms and is designed for those who wish to experience Tuscany with the privacy and comfort of a private residence.
Spanning two levels, the villa is surrounded by gardens fragrant with aromatic herbs and features spacious, shaded terraces, a private pool, and an elegant pool house, all within an atmosphere that elegantly captures the style of traditional Tuscan country estates.
What makes the experience even more exclusive is the availability, for the entire duration of your stay, of a Land Rover Defender (or an equivalent 4×4 vehicle), ideal for exploring the Val d’Orcia or driving independently through the estate’s more than 2,000 hectares. More than just a villa, it is a private residence nestled in the Tuscan countryside, designed to let you experience the destination at a leisurely pace, with absolute privacy and a special connection to the landscape.
Much More Than Just a Stay
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco invites you to experience Tuscany through activities that originate right here on the estate.
The estate is also one of the historic estates of Brunello di Montalcino and offers tours and tastings in its own cellar. On the culinary front, the two-star restaurant Campo del Drago , led by chef Matteo Temperini , showcases ingredients sourced in part from the estate’s organic garden.
Guests can also play on the private 18-hole golf course, take cooking classes, experience traditional truffle hunting, or explore the Val d’Orcia through activities designed to help them connect with the local area in an authentic way.
An award that looks to the future
Being named Europe’s No. 1 Resort once again means much more than simply adding another award to our history.
It means confirming that a project built on the quality of its hospitality, respect for the landscape, and the promotion of local identity continues to serve as a benchmark for international hospitality.
Travel + Leisure’s recognition honors not only a resort’s excellence but also a specific vision of hospitality: one that is authentic, deeply rooted in the local area, and capable of evolving without losing its identity. It is this design consistency that continues to make Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco one of the most prestigious destinations in international hospitality.
MLE Hospitality Executive Memo
Location
, Montalcino, Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
Architecture
Restored medieval village within a historic estate of over 2,000 hectares.
Interior Focus
Tuscan elegance reimagined with exposed beams, terracotta floors, period furnishings, handcrafted fabrics, and natural materials.
Concept
A resort that transforms a historic village into an immersive experience, where hospitality, wine, scenery, and culture coexist in perfect harmony.
Sustainability
Restoration of the historic village, enhancement of the Val d’Orcia landscape, integrated wine production, and an approach geared toward protecting the land.
Highlights
: A restored medieval village, 42 suites, 11 private villas, a Brunello di Montalcino winery, the two-Michelin-starred Campo del Drago restaurant, and a private golf club.
MLE Take
More than just a resort, it’s a landscape to experience. Castiglion del Bosco’s strength lies not in opulence, but in its ability to bring the most authentic side of Tuscany to life with the understated elegance that sets Rosewood apart.
MLE’s Impression
More than the spectacular nature of the spaces, what strikes one is the way Castiglion del Bosco manages to make guests feel like part of the landscape. The villas, the village, the vineyards, and the hills of the Val d’Orcia seem to belong to the same seamless narrative. Here, luxury never overshadows the landscape: it complements it, interprets it, and makes it an integral part of the experience. It is this harmony, rather than sheer spectacle, that makes Castiglion del Bosco a place that continues to stand out on the international hospitality scene.
