Two restored medieval villages, each run as one hotel, and both fantastic. One is the well-rounded borgo near Siena that feels like home; the other is the most authentic, a whole village turned hotel, and the one I send honeymooners to.
Stayed at San Felice · toured Il Borro · part of my Tuscany borghi trio with Borgo Pignano
Choose Borgo San Felice
If you want the all-rounder
A perfectly restored medieval borgo in the Chianti hills just outside Siena. The most well-rounded of the three: fantastic service, fantastic food, tennis, a gym and a spa — and a real feeling of home.
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 San Felice
Il Borro
Where
Chianti, just outside Siena
The Valdarno hills, between Florence and Arezzo
My visit
Stayed — one of my favorite stays so far
Toured
The feel
Quaint and warm — a perfectly restored village that feels like home
The most authentic — an entire medieval village turned hotel
Best for
Anyone who wants everything done well; first-timers; Siena close by
Honeymooners in the borgo; travelers who want a modern room nearby
Where to sleep
In the borgo — I’ll pick the room
The original borgo for a honeymoon; the newer rooms two minutes away for modern comfort
On property
Tennis, gym, spa
Stunning pools, the village itself, and the newer accommodations close by
Booking perks
Fora Reserve
Relais & Châteaux, Fora Reserve — and competitive rates
Il Borro sits between Florence and Arezzo; San Felice sits just outside Siena. Both pair easily with a few nights in Florence, and I can split a trip between them. 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
Well-rounded, or once-in-a-lifetime?
Borgo San Felice is the one I’d book for almost anyone. It gets everything right — the service, the food, the restoration, tennis, gym and spa — and it’s close to Siena. It’s one of my favorite stays so far because it just feels like home.
Il Borro is the one for a honeymoon. Sleeping inside the original medieval borgo is something special, and the way the whole village is the hotel reminded me of Aman Sveti Stefan. If you’d rather have a more modern room, the estate’s newer accommodations are a two-minute drive away. Rates are competitive.
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.
