We are always on the look out for the most amazing places to stay, eat well and celebrate. There are probably not too many places more beautiful in the Tuscan countryside than Castello Del Nero.

Castello Del Nero is a magnificent 12th-century castle set in a 740-acre estate with views over rolling hills, ancient vineyards, lush olive groves and located within easy reach of Pisa, Florence and Siena. If you are a fan of original architectural features then you will find it in abundance here. Castello Del Nero underwent a meticulous restoration program bringing the property back to its former glory and improving it with more than a touch of luxurious magic. Wonderful touches such as original frescoes, family crests and vaulted ceilings all add to the perfect mixture of modern luxury and a feeling of bygone times. In addition to the luxury rooms and lavish suites, the castle has a first-class spa and a Michelin Starred restaurant.

With 50 individually decorated rooms (18 of which are suites), finding the ideal accommodation to suit your requirements should not be a problem. These unique rooms were created under the strict supervision of the Italian Fine Art Commission and were painstakingly restored to uncover a wonderful collection of original features. No two rooms are alike and could best be described as a visual experience with some having slanted wooden beam ceilings, “Cotto” floors, beautiful frescoes and mosaic bathrooms. Castello Del Nero’s luxury accommodation is a master class in sophisticated style, history and contemporary comfort.

In preparation for this year’s holiday season, the Executive Chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro at the Michelin Starred La Torre restaurant is compiling wonderful menus to help you to celebrate Christmas and New Year in award-winning style. The restaurant is located in the former stables of Castello Del Nero with a menu designed to deliver the best of Italian and Tuscan cuisine. The food is sourced from local farms and the herbs grown with the castles organic garden. The dining ambiance is first-rate with an elegant dining room, beautiful fireplace and spectacular views via the large French windows which offer views over the Castello del Nero estate. Although not applicable to this year’s holiday season menu, during Summer months, guests can dine al fresco on the garden terrace looking out at the Tuscan Hills.

Chef Di Pirro explains how attention to detail underpins the dining experience: “Each dish we present is very much imbued with a sense of place and is served with flair and pride. Provenance is extremely important to us and we have spent many years building strong relationships with farmers and suppliers in Italy and Tuscany and beyond to ensure we have only the finest and the freshest ingredients.”

The menu created specifically for New Years Eve uses local produce (including wine and olive oil from their estate) resulting in a menu that includes the best Italian gourmet traditions. It is a similar story for the Christmas menu with Suckling Pig, homemade pasta with local truffles, followed by Crème Brulee and (of course!) Panettone. The New Year’s Eve celebration will be centred around a six-course extravaganza, specially created by Giovanni Luca Di Pirro.

Offering the latest in holistic treatments and spa experiences, Castello del Nero spa hotel boasts the area’s first exclusive destination spa, designed by global specialist ESPA. In addition to the magnificent outdoor Vitality Pool, you can enjoy a wide range of heat and cooling experiences to cleanse body and skin, relax and soothe aching muscles and prepare your body and mind for the treatment experience you choose. This stunning destination offers the perfect spot for a winter break. The castle has warming log fires and cosy corners, ideal places to rest after exploring the surrounding estate and olive groves.