Why Tuscany is having a moment this European summer—and why Chapter Chianti fits how travellers want to explore it now

Tuscany is seeing renewed interest from international travellers this summer, driven less by classic “villa fantasy” stays and more by demand for flexible, design-led bases that allow easier movement between Florence, Siena, the wine regions and smaller rural towns. Rather than isolating guests in remote estates, the shift is towards properties that balance immersion with access.

Opening in June 2026, Chapter Chianti arrives directly in that context. The 82-room hotel sits within a restored 16th-century village across 99 acres in the Chianti hills, around 45 minutes from Florence and within reach of Siena, positioning it as a functional base for exploring the region rather than a secluded retreat removed from it.

Developed by Marco Cilia as the second property in the Chapter Italia portfolio after Chapter Roma (2019), the project is designed around movement—between spaces, experiences and surrounding destinations—rather than a fixed, inward-facing stay.

A medieval village adapted for contemporary use

The property is built within an existing historic hamlet, where original stone walls, vaulted ceilings and agricultural structures remain intact. Instead of restoring the village into a traditional heritage hotel, designer Tristan du Plessis (Studio A) introduces a contrasting contemporary layer.

New interventions use clean architectural lines, sculptural lighting and modern furniture set against the preserved structure. The result is not a reconstruction of historic Tuscany, but a functional adaptation of it.

Materials are deliberately restrained: travertine, timber and muted greens drawn from the surrounding landscape. The design avoids rustic styling in favour of a more contemporary hospitality language, while still referencing its rural setting through texture and tone.

Lighting is by DCW éditions and Marset, with additional furniture from &Tradition and local makers integrated across public spaces and rooms.

Designed around flexibility, not a single stay pattern

The hotel is structured around a “conscious luxury” approach that prioritises flexibility in how guests use the property. Rather than separating wellness, dining and social spaces into fixed zones of activity, the layout supports movement between them throughout the day.

This reflects a broader trend in European travel where guests increasingly combine relaxation with activity and cultural exploration in a single itinerary, rather than committing to one type of stay.

Food and drink across distinct environments

Culinary direction is led by Michelin-starred chef Vincenzo Martella, whose “Roots and Branches” concept balances traditional Italian cooking with contemporary technique and international influence.

Osso, the main restaurant, is based on Tuscan macelleria and grill traditions, updated for a modern dining format. Parasole offers lighter Mediterranean dishes by the pool, while the Main Bar introduces a more urban-style evening environment. Hey Güey, a returning Chapter Roma concept, adds informal Mexican-inspired street food to the mix.

Rather than concentrating dining into a single flagship venue, the offer is distributed across multiple spaces with different energy levels, allowing guests to move between formats depending on time of day.

Wellness designed as shared infrastructure

Wellness is centred on Spa F.A.R.M. Social (Forever A Relaxed Mood), a 500-square-metre facility designed as a communal space rather than a traditional spa environment.

It includes steam rooms, saunas, salt and hydrotherapy pools, a dry hammam and jacuzzi, arranged to encourage shared use and circulation rather than private, isolated treatments. The approach reframes wellness as part of the wider social and spatial structure of the hotel.

Experiences rooted in the surrounding landscape

The property integrates a programme of outdoor and seasonal activities designed to connect guests directly with the Chianti region.

These include vineyard horse riding, truffle hunting with local specialists, olive oil harvesting, mountain biking and guided countryside exploration. Additional facilities include padel courts, a gym, sunrise yoga sessions and access to nearby farms, creating a balance between structured activity and informal discovery.

The emphasis is on engaging with the landscape through participation rather than observation, reflecting the agricultural identity of the region.

A contemporary interpretation of Tuscan hospitality

Despite its modern design approach, the hotel preserves the original medieval structure of the village and uses it as an active part of the guest experience rather than a backdrop.

Art is integrated throughout the property, with immersive work by Tristan du Plessis and organic installations by artist Kokekit. A key feature is an underwater artwork installed in the panoramic swimming pool, visible from above the waterline.

A five-bedroom private residence, The Mansion, extends the offering for groups, featuring a standalone villa with private pool and gardens within the estate.

A practical base for exploring the region

Chapter Chianti is positioned as a base rather than a destination in itself. Its value lies in its location within central Tuscany, its access to Florence and Siena, and its ability to combine design-led accommodation with flexible use of space.

For travellers exploring Tuscany this summer, it reflects a shift away from static countryside stays towards properties that support wider regional travel, while still offering strong on-site dining, wellness and cultural programming.