Hotel Review: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa

Accessed via a long, winding road which cuts through the hillside, the hotel could feel extremely remote were it not for the fact that the nearest small town - Castelvecchio Pascoli - is just a four-minute drive away. All around the Ciocco Estate and Park is lush valley, with walking trails signposted through chestnut groves, terraced vineyards, and olive groves.

By plane: direct flights from London, Manchester or Bristol to Pisa take around 2 hours 30 minutes. The hotel is a 1 hour 20 minute drive from the airport. Free on-site parking. Book flights to Pisa.

The overall look is warm and unpretentious, with lots of wood panelling, leather sofas and richly coloured carpet in the public areas. On the exterior, roofs are covered in terracotta tiles and the walls are dark red, while there are many arched passageways connecting different parts of the hotel, giving it the feel of an imposing country house.

There is an indoor heated pool, and an outdoor one (open seasonally). A small gym comes with a decent amount of fitness equipment, but it's the spa which is the main draw. The hotel can arrange anything from picnics to on-site cookery classes, too. Service is efficient and old-school.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Decorated in neutral tones, spacious rooms are comfortable and feel homely. The bathrooms feature white marble floors and walls, and the baths come with showers attached. Suites all have separate sitting or lounge areas.

Room types: Classic, Superior, Executive, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, Deluxe Suite, Presidential Suite, Penthouse Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

There are two restaurants on-site: La Salette is a more romantic proposition, with panoramic views and a menu featuring Tuscan specialities, made using local produce. La Veranda offers more international and Mediterranean cuisine.

La Veranda: international cuisine, all-day dining. Open daily.

La Salette: Italian cuisine and cooking experience.

Nour Lounge: snacks and small plates, wine tasting and cocktails. Open daily from 11am.