Badia di Pomaio small luxury hotels of the world

Dinner was the highlight for us. The food was exceptional, better than the Michelin-starred meals we had on our trip, so we booked another dinner for the second night. The whole team deserves thanks. This beautiful historic boutique hotel sits in the Tuscan hills, with gorgeous views everywhere you look. The property is thoughtfully appointed, and the staff balance friendliness with the professionalism you'd expect from a five-star hotel. Nothing was too much trouble.

Giulia gave us an impromptu tour of the wine cellar and shared her knowledge of Italian wines, while Davide offered detailed suggestions for parking, restaurants, and historic sights in Arezzo and Cortona. The service was the standout part of our restful, thoroughly enjoyable short break. Breakfast and dinner were both fabulous, and the property and gardens are designed for comfort while keeping their Tuscan heritage. It's in a beautiful spot in the hills above Arezzo.

Three nights here, and we kept hurrying back from sightseeing to enjoy more time by the Badia’s pool with a drink. It was quiet during our stay, almost like having a private villa, with fifteen staff looking after the gardens and meals. Dinner service was especially good, and the sommelier paired our dishes with unexpected, delicious wines from the cellar. The thoughtful planning shows in small touches, from the playful “do not disturb” illustrations to the lovely ceramic breakfast plates and mugs. This is simple, quiet luxury and a destination on its own. It isn't a flashy Four Seasons-style mega-resort, apart from the Bvlgari bath products, and I think that's better. It was LGBTQ friendly too, if that's relevant to you. If we're lucky, we'll return.

The grounds are beautiful and peaceful, with sweeping gardens, a private pool, and a panoramic terrace that was lovely for morning coffee or sunset dinner. Staff from reception, kitchen, and service were warm, attentive, friendly, and professional. The accommodation itself is a secluded, picturesque Tuscan estate. At €950 a night, though, the value and flexibility disappointed us. Breakfast is included, but the selection is sparse, and basic extras cost more. A bowl of porridge can be up to €18, and there are extra charges for things like porridge or an avocado and egg bagel. A fuller breakfast should be standard at this price. Dinner was refined, seasonal, and beautifully presented, but the portions were so small that even modest appetites could leave hungry. Prices felt excessive even for fine dining, and the gap between cost and experience became hard to ignore. At 9:45 p.m., after dinner, my husband politely asked for one scoop of gelato. The friendly waitress said the kitchen was already closed. I appreciated her manner, but not being able to serve a single flavor of ice cream felt rigid and out of touch with guest comfort. We might return for the scenery and quiet, but only if the prices fit the experience better and there were a little more common sense around guests' needs.