Cignella

The location makes it easy to visit lots of cute towns nearby, and the wine tour was amazing. We liked having food available on the property, though you don’t choose from a menu; they serve whatever they’ve planned for that night, and it was fine. The staff were friendly and helpful, but they were short one person, so we didn’t get as much service as we’d hoped. Our apartment was roomy, but the beds were so hard they felt like sleeping on the floor. We put couch cushions on them just to get some sleep.

Breakfast was a bright spot: fresh and tasty, with genuinely kind staff. Dinner was a different story. After several bland, uninspired meals, we stopped going. The cooking class also became uncomfortable when the instructor repeatedly ran his hands through his hair while preparing food that was later served for dinner. Bugs were another problem in the apartments. Some come with country living, but the units could be better sealed or treated. We chose Cignella Resort for its peaceful, scenic spot in Tuscany. The property is clean and well maintained, with lovely views, but it’s remote enough that you’ll need a car or private driver. There’s no practical public transport nearby. The apartments are spacious and comfortable for groups or families, though check the room and bed setup before you arrive. We booked two bedrooms expecting two double beds, but one room had just a single. When we raised it, the first suggestion was for an adult to sleep on the sofa, which didn’t feel appropriate for a resort. Communication was our biggest frustration. We emailed several times before arriving to check on dinners, cooking classes, and winery tours, but got no replies. On arrival, we found the events had already been scheduled without guest input, and they clashed with plans we’d made. Christy, the resort manager, did try to sort out the bed and adjust the activity schedule, but most arrangements were already fixed by then. If you’re booking Cignella, especially through a Travelzoo-type package, keep your expectations low. It’s a clean place to sleep and spend time with your group. The property is beautiful, but poor dining, weak communication, and general disorganization make it hard to recommend without reservations.

The location is handy for exploring the area and doing wine and olive oil tastings, and the staff were helpful despite being short-handed. The place itself needs attention, though. I wouldn’t call the kitchen a restaurant, and the cooking class was limited to making pasta by hand, with no sauce recipes, side dishes, or desserts. We were there in early October, right when the stink bugs were at their peak. They were disgusting and everywhere. With the windows open, they flew in, and crushing one made it stink. Even in flight, they sounded like a distant motor scooter.

Our suite looked out over the countryside, and the view was magnificent. It’s a classic, peaceful, stunning place, with an excellent breakfast included. The experience is pretty hands-off, which suited us since we wanted to do our own thing. We loved the truffle hunt and the delicious dinner that followed. We’d happily return.