Business Traveller USA - 09.2019

businesstravelerusa.com SEPTEMBER 2019

61

TRIED AND TESTED RENAISSANCE TUSCANY

BACKGROUND Central to many of the
region’s popular sites, this comprehensive
Marriott property offers 178 rooms and
suites with resort-style amenities and
modern accommodations amid a postcard-
perfect setting.

WHERE IS IT? A short drive from the
town of Barga and just over an hour’s
drive from Florence, this cherished resort
is convenient to a variety of day trip
activities (yet a world away from the hustle
of crowded tourist traps given its hillside
perch). Part of Il Ciocco development, this is
a getaway beloved by many Italians.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The spacious public
areas and lush grounds seem plucked
from a storybook. The panoramic pool
has uncompromised views of the valley
and Apennine Mountains in the distance.
Conference and incentive groups appreciate
the resort’s exceptional dining. As a Marriott
Bonvoy property, the hotel sees plenty of
American visitors.

ROOMS Modern and bright, rooms show
off Tuscan hues of beige, green, and red.
Framed photographs of local scenery hang
by paired queen or king beds topped with
plump duvets. In-the-know designers

smartly placed power outlets by the beds

and opted for dining tables instead of desks

since they perform both functions equally

well. Rainfall showers with separate hand-

held nozzles help wash away the jet lag,

and vanities are well-stocked with Tokyo

Milk toiletries. Rooms are divided between

various buildings, but any room facing the

valley is a winner. Furnished balconies in

almost all accommodations mean that, no

matter what the view, there is always an

opportunity to relax outdoors. The most

noteworthy rooms are those closest to the

pool as they have front-row seats to the

valley and helicopter landing pad.

FOOD AND DRINK Indoor and outdoor

seating in the main restaurant please every

type of traveler. Breakfast is served buffet-

style with a variety of fresh fruit, pastries,

cheeses, juices, and hot options. Lunch

and dinner come from a seasonal menu

that includes everything from freshly made

pasta and ravioli to

the famous Tuscan

Chianina beef.

BUSINESS

AND MEETING

FACILITIES Yo u

will find free wireless

Internet signals

everywhere including

on the terrace and by the pool. Cleverly

tucked away from most public areas, the vast

meeting space is designed to welcome large

group events without intrusion.

LEISURE The swimming pool and

terrace are focal points, but an indoor pool,

whirlpool, sauna, and steam room are also

available. The spa offers massage and

beauty treatments. A variety of excursions

are bookable through the hotel’s “navigator

team” (concierge) including vineyard visits

with wine tastings, hiking through the

mountains, and shopping in local markets

with the chef. Outside of restaurant hours,

guests can order light meals and all kinds of

drinks in the lobby lounge.

VERDICT Within minutes, guests are

a car ride away from beautiful towns like

Barga, Lucca, and even Florence and

Cinque Terre. This is the ideal home base for

day trips all around Tuscany. Ramsey Qubein

Renaissance

Tuscany Il

Ciocco Resort

& Spa

Barga, Italy

BEST FOR

Sweeping views and

enchanting rambles through

the Tuscan countryside

DON’T MISS

Complimentary wine tastings

in the lounge many evenings

of the week

PRICE

Internet rates for a traditional

room start at $180.

CONTACT

Via Giovanni Pascoli,

Castelvecchio Pascoli,

Barga, 55051 Italia.

Tel 39-0583-7691.

renaissancetuscany.com