Castello di Magona

We were a group of 17 on a family holiday and had a lovely time. The staff were attentive, the scenery was beautiful, and the food was fantastic. There was a generous breakfast each morning, plus a wonderful five-course dinner one evening. The castle is nearly 1,000 years old, so it’s delicate in places, but clean, well looked after, and full of character. It’s secluded, so we’d suggest renting a car, though there’s plenty to do in the beautiful surrounding area. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and we’ll be talking about it for years. I saw some negative reviews and should mention that the property came under new management, now part of a local resort and spa, in the last couple of years. We had a fantastic visit.

We deeply regret booking Castello Di Magona in Venturina Terme for our wedding and week-long August holiday. At first the team seemed friendly and accommodating, but things changed after we paid the deposit. They made verbal promises during the initial discussions, then denied them by email, including exclusive use of additional apartments and details about breakfast, which had no eggs, vegetables, or cheese. Communication was awful: they insisted on email only, avoided coordination calls, and sometimes took more than two weeks to reply. That made choosing vendors painful. We paid for “wedding planning,” but the fees were exorbitant, around three times local suppliers’ prices for flowers, decorations, rentals, makeup, and hair. We ended up coordinating the services ourselves because they said there were no other options. The planning team showed little initiative and let key steps slide unless we reminded them. They also proposed an impractical shuttle from one departure point that many guests couldn’t reach, leaving them to walk most of the way. The extra-hours “pre-authorization” was supposed to be refunded if unused, but they kept the full amount and ignored our reimbursement requests. The air conditioning didn’t work in several rooms, and some bathrooms smelled foul from the drains. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, the croissants were burnt, making up most of the breakfast they offered. Despite all this, they wouldn’t offer compensation or a resolution. They may say there’s a new owner, but in our experience it’s the same management and the same lack of professionalism and integrity. Most of the positive reviews we saw were from friends and employees we met during the trip, so be careful what you trust. There are many beautiful venues in the area. Don’t make our mistake. The poor service, dishonesty, and refusal to take responsibility ruined what should have been a joyful occasion. Book somewhere else.

Our family and friends had an unforgettable wedding and week at Castello Di Magona. The hosts were gracious, flexible, and welcoming to everyone, and Pri quietly made sure we had whatever we needed. The pool was a welcome retreat from the summer heat, while the views were breathtaking. There was history and charm everywhere in this 17th-century castle. Marco encouraged us to explore all its rooms, each with its own character and details. The frescoed walls and ceilings tell the story of its past, and the decor felt romantic and authentic.

Castello di Magona made our third and most memorable trip to Italy with friends a dreamlike stay. The castle, built in the XVI century and once home to The Grand Duke of Tuscany Leopoldo 11, sits just outside Venturina, near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Beautiful beaches are about a 15-minute drive away. We rented a car in Rome for the three-hour drive, stopping halfway for lunch in the seaside town of Porto San Stefano. The history and atmosphere, the building’s splendor, the views, and the warm, sincere hospitality from owner Alberto Merciai and his staff came together for an experience we won’t forget. There’s plenty of age and history on show, but also very spacious bedrooms and bathrooms that are exceptionally comfortable. The food presentation and authentic Tuscan dishes were over the top. Breakfast each day was a feast for the eyes and palate. On two evenings, Alberto’s staff, led by chef Paola, prepared banquets around our preferences. We had tuna-stuffed calamari, salmon, roast rabbit with potatoes, pasta with local mushrooms, cake with Chantilly cream, and more. With a rental car, the castle is a great base for day trips to hill towns like Marittima, Monticiano, Bolgheri, Siena, and San Gimagnaro. They all have excellent restaurants and spectacular scenery. There are notable vineyards all around, so wine tasting belongs on the itinerary. We had an informative private tour at Ornellaia Vineyards, arguably the finest Italian wine available, and saw artwork commissioned specifically for wines from that producer. Alberto can arrange vineyard visits, boats to Elba, private beach club bookings with alfresco dining, and suggest local restaurants. One standout was Otello in Ventorina, where my wife and I ate alone after our group split up one evening. If you’re lucky enough to book Castello di Magona, make time to get to know Alberto Merciai. You might just make a friend for life.