Both are Relais & Châteaux and Fora Reserve, and both are fantastic — for different trips. One is a remote country stay with the best pool of the three and private villas for families and groups; the other is an entire medieval village turned hotel, and the one I send honeymooners to.
Stayed at Pignano · toured Il Borro · part of my Tuscany borghi trio with Borgo San Felice
Choose Borgo Pignano
If you want the countryside
A country, almost farm-stay borgo on a remote hilltop outside Volterra — the best pool of the three, dinner under a pergola facing the valley, plus around nine private villas, tennis, a fantastic gym and a spa.
Choose Il Borro
If it’s your honeymoon
The Ferragamo family’s medieval village in the Valdarno hills, where the whole borgo is the hotel — it reminded me of Aman Sveti Stefan. Honeymooners sleep in the original borgo; newer, more modern rooms are a two-minute drive away.
Side by side
How they compare
Borgo Pignano
Il Borro
Where
The hills outside Volterra, about 1.5 hours from Florence
The Valdarno hills, between Florence and Arezzo
My visit
Stayed
Toured
The feel
Country and quiet — close to a farm stay, and a bit remote
The most authentic — an entire medieval village turned hotel
Best for
Couples who want the countryside; families and groups taking a villa
Honeymooners in the borgo; travelers who want a modern room nearby
Where to sleep
A private villa for groups; the main villa or borgo for couples
The original borgo for a honeymoon; the newer rooms two minutes away for modern comfort
On property
The best pool of the three, a second pool and a kids’ pool, tennis, gym, spa
Stunning pools, the village itself, and the newer accommodations close by
Booking perks
Relais & Châteaux, Fora Reserve
Relais & Châteaux, Fora Reserve — and competitive rates
Both are Fora Reserve, so the same perks apply either way: a space-available upgrade, daily breakfast and a hotel credit when you book through me.
The question behind the question
The countryside, or a village of your own?
Borgo Pignano is the country stay. It’s close to a farm stay and a bit remote — great for couples who want quiet and a sunset dinner under the pergola, and the best pool of the three borghi. For families and groups, around nine private villas of two to five bedrooms mean everyone gets their own house, with tennis, a fantastic gym and a spa behind them.
Il Borro is the pick for honeymooners. Stay in the original borgo — it’s very authentic Tuscany, the layout reminded me of Aman Sveti Stefan, and the pools are stunning. Travelers who prefer a more modern room can stay in the newer accommodations a two-minute drive away and still have the whole village on the doorstep.
Still deciding?
Tell me your dates and I’ll tell you which one fits. Work with me and you get Fora perks, plus someone who knows the hotels personally and personalizes your stay. Same rate as booking direct.
