A Monastery Reborn: My Luxury Stay at La Monastica, Tuscany

Mirko La Rosa
Jul 27
8 min read

Overview

Set high in the medieval village of Buggiano Castello, overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills, La Monastica Resort & Spais a property unlike any other in the region. Once a 16th-century monastery, this remarkable building has been meticulously restored and transformed into a boutique hotel that balances reverence for its sacred past with the elegance of contemporary design. Walking through its arched corridors and stone-lined courtyards, you immediately sense the quiet dignity of the monks who once lived here, yet today it is layered with the comfort and intimacy of a refined retreat.

What makes La Monastica so compelling is the way history has been preserved, not hidden. Original walls and vaulted ceilings frame spaces now filled with bespoke furniture, curated art, and soft lighting, creating a dialogue between centuries. The atmosphere is contemplative but never austere—there is warmth in every detail, from the carefully restored frescoes to the modern spa and the brand-new Devoti restaurant, which anchors the hotel’s identity as a place where heritage and gastronomy meet.

Staying here in August meant embracing the golden Tuscan summer while living inside a piece of history. It felt as though every corner of the property offered a story: terraces opening to panoramic valley views, quiet gardens perfect for reflection, and suites that are all uniquely designed, each with its own personality. More than a hotel, La Monastica is a sanctuary of elegance, a destination for travelers who want their Tuscan escape to be both authentic and extraordinary.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION

La Monastica is located in Buggiano Castello, a tiny medieval hamlet within Borgo a

Buggiano, set on a hilltop in northern Tuscany. This is not the Tuscany of crowded piazzas and tourist-packed vineyards, but rather a quieter, more intimate corner of the region where time seems to move at a slower pace. The village itself is a labyrinth of stone alleys, shaded archways, and ivy-draped walls that open unexpectedly to sweeping views of the Valdinievole valley. From this vantage point, you can trace the outline of olive groves, vineyards, and distant terracotta rooftops, all bathed in the soft Tuscan light that has inspired generations of painters and poets.

Buggiano Castello is also known as the “Borgo degli Agrumi”—the village of citrus—thanks to its historic gardens where lemon and orange trees thrive behind the gates of noble villas. Wandering its streets feels like stepping back centuries, with churches, frescoes, and palazzi that preserve the elegance of its Renaissance heyday. Yet the location also serves as a gateway: within half an hour, you can reach Montecatini Terme, famous for its thermal baths, or explore cultural centers like Lucca, Pistoia, and Florence.

What makes this destination so special is its balance between accessibility and seclusion. From the monastery’s terraces, the world feels far away, yet in reality you are close to some of Tuscany’s most iconic towns and cultural treasures. For travelers in search of an authentic Tuscan setting—where history, nature, and quiet luxury come together—Buggiano Castello offers an experience that is as rare as it is unforgettable.

What we liked most

Sleeping in a MonasteryThere is something incredibly powerful about staying in a place where history has been lived for centuries. The monastery walls carry an atmosphere of calm and reflection, and the way the rooms have been adapted for comfort without losing their authenticity makes the experience feel profound. It is not just a luxury hotel—it is a journey into time, with the privilege of sleeping inside a monument of Tuscan heritage.
The Terraced PoolsOne of the most striking features of La Monastica is its system of terraced pools cascading down the hillside. Surrounded by stone walls and framed by views of the valley, they offer both a scenic and intimate way to enjoy Tuscany’s summer warmth. Whether swimming under the midday sun or relaxing at golden hour with the hills glowing in the distance, the pools feel like sanctuaries carved into the landscape.
The Harmony of RestorationThe renovation of La Monastica deserves praise for its delicate balance. Elements of modern art and contemporary design have been integrated into the original structure without overpowering it. The result is an atmosphere where sleek furniture and curated lighting enhance, rather than erase, the monastery’s arches, frescoes, and ancient stone. This harmony between old and new creates a setting that is visually striking, emotionally resonant, and entirely unique.
Sunrise and Sunset ViewsFew places capture light as beautifully as this corner of Tuscany. From the terraces of La Monastica, mornings are bathed in soft pink and gold, while evenings bring fiery skies that fade into tranquil blues. Watching both sunrise and sunset here is an experience in itself—the kind of natural spectacle that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Attention to Detail in ServiceBeyond the property’s physical beauty, what truly elevated our stay was the attentive service. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful, from the warm welcome at check-in to the way staff anticipated needs without being intrusive. Small touches—a perfectly timed glass of wine, a tailored restaurant recommendation, or a discreet adjustment to ensure comfort—showed an impressive commitment to hospitality. This dedication to detail gave the experience an intimacy that matched the uniqueness of the setting.

Suites & Rooms

The most distinctive aspect of La Monastica is that no two rooms are the same. Each suite and guest room has been designed individually, shaped by the original monastery’s architecture. Thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and timber beams create a framework that feels authentic and deeply rooted in history. Instead of covering these features, the restoration celebrates them, allowing every room to tell its own story. Staying here is not about choosing a category—it’s about discovering a space that feels uniquely yours.

While layouts differ, the unifying theme is harmony between heritage and modernity. Neutral tones, elegant lighting, and handcrafted furnishings soften the raw textures of stone and wood. In some rooms, minimalist contemporary art adds contrast to centuries-old walls; in others, restored frescoes or antique details dominate, offering a sense of sacred beauty. The bathrooms are spacious and refined, blending marble, polished fixtures, and sleek lines while retaining subtle references to the building’s origins.

What makes these suites so memorable is the sense of intimacy they convey. They are not anonymous hotel rooms; they are sanctuaries, each with a character shaped by history and design. Some open directly onto the terraced gardens with views of the Tuscan valley, while others remain tucked quietly inside the monastery’s walls, offering a cocoon-like retreat. Wherever you stay, you feel the luxury of privacy, the dignity of history, and the comfort of modern refinement all at once.

Food and Drink

Dining at La Monastica centers around the Devoti Restaurant, a brand-new culinary space that has quickly become the beating heart of the property. The name itself evokes devotion—a fitting tribute to both the heritage of the monastery and the philosophy of Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant embraces a seasonal, nature-led approach, working with local farmers and artisans to highlight the best of the region. Each dish feels like an interpretation of Tuscany’s flavors, presented with modern creativity yet always rooted in authenticity.

Breakfast at Devoti sets the tone for the day. Mornings here are unrushed, with tables overlooking the valley as natural light pours through the windows. The buffet celebrates the richness of the land: freshly baked breads, delicate pastries, local cheeses and cured meats, seasonal fruit, and honey sourced from the surrounding hills. The experience is simple yet elevated, allowing guests to savor both the food and the setting.

Evenings are when Devoti shines most. The dining room blends contemporary elegance with hints of monastic architecture, offering a refined but intimate atmosphere. Service is attentive yet discreet, creating a sense of calm as each course arrives. Expect plates that balance innovation with tradition: reimagined Tuscan classics, vegetable-forward creations, and carefully paired wines from local vineyards. Dining here is not just about nourishment—it’s about immersion into Tuscany’s gastronomic soul, with each meal reflecting the region’s devotion to quality and beauty.

Services and facilities

La Monastica has been designed not only as a boutique hotel but as a comprehensive retreat, where history and luxury coexist seamlessly. The property offers an array of services and facilities that elevate the stay from comfortable to unforgettable.

The Spa is one of the highlights of the resort, tucked into serene spaces that once echoed with monastic silence. Treatments are inspired by both traditional Tuscan wellness rituals and modern therapies, with natural ingredients—olive oil, herbs, and essential oils—often at the center. The atmosphere is tranquil, with soft lighting and hushed tones, creating a sense of almost sacred relaxation. After exploring the hilltop village or spending a day in nearby Florence, retreating to the spa feels like a return to balance.

The terraced pools are another signature element. Cascading across different levels of the property, they offer panoramic views over the Valdinievole valley and create an extraordinary setting for leisure. From sunrise swims to golden-hour lounging, the pools embody the blend of architecture and landscape that defines La Monastica.

Adding to its exclusivity, the property also features a private helipad, making it accessible directly from Florence, Pisa, or other parts of Tuscany. For guests seeking privacy or traveling in style, arriving by helicopter underscores the sense of retreat and seclusion.

Beyond the facilities, what sets La Monastica apart is its program of curated experiences. The team arranges bespoke activities that connect guests to the region: private wine tastings in historic villas, guided tours of Buggiano Castello’s hidden gardens, truffle hunts in nearby woods, or intimate dinners set on panoramic terraces. Each experience is designed to be immersive and personal, reflecting the same devotion to detail that defines the hotel itself.

With its blend of wellness, exclusivity, and cultural immersion, La Monastica ensures that every guest leaves not only relaxed but also enriched by the essence of Tuscany.

Our experience

Our stay at La Monastica Resort & Spa was more than just a getaway—it was an immersion into Tuscan history, reimagined through the lens of modern luxury. Sleeping within monastery walls carried a sense of gravity and intimacy, as though we were part of a centuries-old story. Yet at the same time, every detail—from the polished interiors to the attentive service—reminded us we were in a contemporary sanctuary designed for comfort and beauty.

What stood out most was the balance: mornings by the terraced pools watching the first light rise over the valley, afternoons wandering the quiet alleys of Buggiano Castello, and evenings at the new Devoti Restaurant, where Tuscan flavors were expressed with elegance and devotion. Each moment felt curated, yet never forced, allowing us to savor the natural rhythm of the place.

The service deserves a final word. The staff’s attention to detail made the experience seamless, from anticipating small comforts to arranging personalized experiences that connected us with the land and its traditions. Combined with the hotel’s unique architecture and its breathtaking setting, La Monastica felt like much more than a stay—it was a retreat that spoke to both heart and mind.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. La Monastica is ideal for couples in search of romance, travelers seeking quiet luxury, or anyone wishing to experience Tuscany through both its heritage and its refined present. It is a property I would gladly return to, not just for its beauty, but for the way it made me feel part of something rare and unforgettable.

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