Review of Castello di Vicarello, by Kamin Mohammadi

A truly unique luxury hotel, the Castello di Vicarello is a 12th-century castle that has been lovingly restored from ruin and dereliction by the present owners over a period of 30 years. Set on a hill overlooking the wild Maremma country of southern Tuscany, Castello di Vicarello provides the truest of all luxuries; peace and quiet, a place to slow down and drink in your surroundings - and the excellent wine of the estate.

With 360 degree views over the rolling Tuscan countryside with its olive groves and terraces of vines, the traditional stone castle turned luxury hotel, feels both remote and accessible, being close to Siena, the seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia and famous hot springs such as Terme di Saturnia and Terme di Petriolo.

The facilities

The luxury hotel's spa offers Ayurvedic treatments as well as yoga in a beautifully natural environment, overlooking the wooded hills and valleys, as does the hot tub on the decking outside. There are two swimming pools, an infinity pool set in the hills with stunning views, and a gorgeous pool of green translucent mosaics hiding in the olive groves beyond the vegetable garden. There are terraces, rooftops and shady nooks for relaxation and contemplation or to take an early evening drink or a meal.

All the expertly cooked food comes either from the luxury hotels' own garden - all organic - or is sourced locally, and the excellent wine is from Castello di VIcarello's own vineyard. Breakfast is served under a canopy of vines bearing the unusual strawberry grape and at night, blazing torches light the cobbled paths. A private home with the owner's own sitting room open to guests, at this luxury hotel you are made to feel like friends rather than paying guests.

The rooms

There are four glamorous suites and one villa, decorated with the individual style of the owners and reflecting the years they lived in Indonesia and their frequent travels around the world. African artefacts sit alongside Italian modern design classics in rooms of the luxury hotel. Spacious, gabled and sensitively restored to their original form using natural, local materials. Every detail speaks of a personal touch, making the suites truly eclectic - the very opposite of corporate hotel culture.