For those looking to truly wind down in the heart of Tuscany, we suggest choosing a location that is strategic to local towns you would like to visit, in addition to fabulous places where you can wind down because a vacation doesn’t feel like one if you are constantly on-the-go.

Luckily, for those looking for something private yet accessible, we have two villas available for rent in the province of Siena (19 kilometers  from the famous Renaissance city). Both are located very close to a thermal spring area, Terme di Rapolano, boasting two locations that you can visit year around. For those planning a winter wedding in Italy, these villas make a great base, with the wedding party able to relax at either San Giovanni Terme Rapolano or Terme Antica Querciolaia. Having a few organized activities in the local area is a great way to get a better understanding of local culture, and honestly a dip in the thermal springs will be an experience than anyone would remember.

Coupled with excursions to both Siena and Florence, both villas are located within 200 meters of one another to accommodate big groups of up to 42 people during the winter season, or they can be rented independently of each other.

Villas

Villa Felciai offers old warm charm and a beautiful ambiance in the heart of Chianti country, you know the area of Italy that makes some of the best wines in the world.  It was built by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Leopold II of Lorena, of the famous Medici family to house his soldiers fighting the Sienese army during their many skirmishes in the 1500’s, and shines bright after a renovation in the 90’s. Nowadays, it can sleep 22 people total, with 11 bedrooms and comes complete with a private pool.

We also suggest ‘Casa Fabbri’,  the twin villa to Casa Felciai which was built by Leopold II.  A stately home with plenty of space, Fabbri sleeps16 people in the eight rooms of the main villa plus five more in its two bedroom guesthouse, dubbed the ‘Peter Pan annex’. It’s close proximity to Villa Felciai makes it a great sister villa for larger parties as we previously suggested.  Like Casa Felcia, Casa Fabbri is only a short 20 minute drive from Siena and approximately an hour south of Florence.

Surrounding Area & Spas

The area around both Villa Felciai and Casa Fabbri is one that is well-known to seasoned locals for the famous thermal springs in the town of Rapolano Terme. The two options are both very nicely run, with plenty of space for spa-goers to relax their muscles in the naturally hot, mineral water containing sulphuric-bicarbonate-calcium waters. Antica Querciolaia and Terme di San Giovanni are both open year round and contain waters varying around 39 degrees Celsius, winter and summer. At both locations, you can arrange private spa treatments ranging from mud baths, saunas and massages.

Two nearby charming towns worth visiting are Armaiolo, a picturesque medieval village and the adorable Serre di Rapolano.

Antica Querciolaia, address:  via Trieste, 22 – Rapolano Terme – Telephone 0577724091. Open daily, from Mon-Fri its open 9-7 pm, rate – € 13,00 a person.

Terme di San Giovanni,  Via Terme San Giovanni, 52, 53040 Rapolano Terme SI, Italy. +39 0577 724030, Daily access from 9.00am to 7.00pm |€ 14,00. Additional rates & info can be found here.