The Locanda dell’Amorosa is a one of those magical places that our clients return to year after year. A majestic avenue of cypress trees leads you to the main gates of this hamlet, originally a 14th-century fortified farmstead (previously the home of the illustrious Piccolomini family who produced Pope Pius II).
One of the great joys of the hotel is that even the rooms in the lowest category are spacious and airy. Lacking in pretensions, the bedrooms are simply decorated with terracotta floors, whitewashed walls and antique furniture. Some rooms overlook the red and white geranium-filled piazzetta while others overlook the Tuscan landscape; we would be happy in either.
The restaurant L’Amorosa is very good, the staff is young and Chef Johnny uses ingredients from the estate (such as the gigantic “Aglione di Valdichiana” garlic growing in the hotel’s fields and herbs and vegetables from the garden) and locally sourced meats and cheeses. Adapted according to the seasons, it’s almost worth visiting in the autumn simply to feast on white truffles from nearby San Giovanni d’Asso and game shot in the surrounding woods. There is also a separate wine bar “Osteria dell’Aglione” (also given its name by the gigantic garlic bulb) serving organic light dishes, a perfect alternative to l’Amorosa for guests staying several nights.
With the relatively new super strada, Siena is less than half an hour’s drive, yet being in one of the most southern parts of Tuscany means the lesser-known hill towns of Pienza and Montepulciano are easily reached for an evening stroll and dinner. The hotel is also not far from superb wineries, still privately owned, and for Bellini clients in the know, we have arranged some unforgettable lunches that have lasted until dusk falls.
