Sherman's Travel

The Luxury Just outside Siena in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, a new luxury retreat opened in July inside an 11th-century medieval village, Monastero d’Ombrone. Once home to Italian nobility, Castel Monastero (pictured) comprises 76 guest rooms and suites with high, beamed ceilings and views of vineyards and olive groves. Downstairs in the barrel-vaulted 13th-century cellar, guests can sample more than 130 Tuscan vintages, including chiantis produced and aged in the resort’s winery. Rustic regional fare is served at Contrada, a new restaurant from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Don’t skip a stroll through the foothills during harvest season, a time for local food and wine festivals.

The Value Through October rates start at about $540/night for a regular room and $640/night for junior suites. The standard rates usually run about $700 and $1,350, respectively.

The Catch Book fast for a fall visit. The hotel closes October 27 and doesn’t reopen until March.

The Details 39-0577-570-001, www.castelmonastero.com

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.