Tuscany is a region where time slows down, inviting visitors to bask in the beauty of its landscapes, traditions, and the art of slow living. Known for its rolling hills, iconic cypress trees, and charming villages, Tuscany offers an escape into a world where life is simple yet luxurious. Italy is not just about sightseeing – it’s about experiencing the heart of this charming country through food, nature, and culture, with every moment savoured and enjoyed.
Casa Vedetta: A Fairytale villa
Casa Vedetta, nestled on a hillside near Castellina in Chianti, is filled with beauty, authenticity and warmth. As one of Oliver’s Travels’ many lavish villas, Casa Vedetta offers breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside, with an infinity pool that overlooks the region’s famous cypress trees and the local church. The villa’s seven bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, ensure a spacious yet cosy retreat that exudes authentic Italian charm. The villa is perfect for groups or families, providing a luxurious home base to explore the surrounding area.
Castellina in Chianti: A taste of true Italian culture
During a stay here, guests can immerse themselves in Tuscany’s slow pace, with opportunities to relax by the pool or explore nearby Castellina in Chianti, a town famous for its wine and vibrant Italian culture. Castellina, though small, offers an array of delightful restaurants, local stalls, and traditional Italian experiences. One memorable meal at Ristorante Taverna Squarcialupi perfectly encapsulated the region’s flavours, featuring dishes like freshly made carbonara, crisp fried zucchini, and wild boar ragout pasta. With views stretching over vineyards, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner.
Tuscany’s culinary heritage is celebrated not just in restaurants but also in private dining experiences. During my stay, chef Amerigo prepared an unforgettable feast at the villa. This multi-course meal showcased the best traditional Italian cuisine, including meatballs, ravioli, bruschetta, and various pastas. It was an immersive dining experience that brought the flavours of Tuscany straight to the table.
Bosco Ai Frati: Stepping into tradition
For those looking for an even more intimate connection to Tuscany’s traditions, Bosco Ai Frati offers an unparalleled experience. The villa is also part of Oliver’s Travels collection of luxury villas that specialise in extraordinary holiday rentals, providing guests with one-of-a-kind places across the globe. A personalised service is at the heart of what they do, and it was prominent to see this throughout Bosco Ai Frati. The villa stands out for its deep connection to the land and history. Passed down through three generations of family, this estate boasts 150,000 acres of land filled with sunflower fields, chickpea fields, and even its own truffle grounds. Staying here feels like stepping into another time, where the simplicity of rural life meets the luxury of modern conveniences.
Bosco Ai Frati is designed to give guests the ultimate blend of tradition and indulgence. The villa provides a full hotel experience, with resident chef Marta Faggi preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner using organic ingredients from the estate’s farm, Tenuta Schifanoia. The menu selection is based on the same principles that have guided the last three generations of cultivating the surrounding land.
Tenuta Schifanoia doesn’t use any fertilisers, pesticides or irrigation to grow any products. Every dish – whether it’s pink beet and pistachio spaghetti, penne pasta with eggplant and ricotta, or a delicate summer fruit tiramisu – is crafted with care, highlighting the freshness of locally sourced, organic products. This combination of flavours, tradition, and farm-to-table philosophy makes each meal a true representation of Tuscan slow living.
Truffle hunting and tasting
A highlight of staying at Bosco Ai Frati is the opportunity to engage with the estate’s land in a hands-on way. Truffle hunting, a local tradition, offers guests a glimpse into one of Tuscany’s most prized culinary secrets. With the guidance of Giuseppe and his two energetic dogs, guests can set off on a truffle hunt, learning about the region’s truffle culture while searching for these hidden treasures. The black truffles found on the estate can be incorporated into meals, and discovering a white truffle is extremely rare.
Bosco Ai Frati offers cooking classes led by the villa’s resident chef for those who want to further their culinary journey. Learning to make pasta from scratch and using fresh truffles gathered from the land allows guests to engage with Italy’s renowned food traditions. This hands-on approach deepens the connection to Tuscan cuisine and adds a personal touch to the slow-living experience.
Breathtaking country views
Beyond the food, the villa’s expansive grounds provide endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration. The sunflower fields stretch for miles, creating a dreamlike landscape that looks as though it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Whether lounging by the villa’s pool, wandering through the fields, or simply taking in the views from the terrace, the villa offers an immersive Tuscan experience that’s as peaceful as it is picturesque.
The Essence of slow living in Tuscany
Tuscany is a place where slow living is not just a way of life but an art form. The region’s culture, deeply rooted in its landscapes and traditions, encourages travellers to pause, breathe, and savour every moment. From the leisurely pace of a meal to the calmness of village life, Tuscany invites visitors to step away from the rush of modern existence and immerse themselves in life’s simpler pleasures.
Whether wandering through vibrant sunflower fields, lounging by a pool overlooking the rolling countryside, or enjoying a homemade Italian feast prepared with locally sourced ingredients, Tuscany embodies the beauty of living in the present. Here, time seems to stand still, allowing space for reflection, connection, and indulgence. Every detail – from the freshness of the cuisine to the rich history embedded in every town and villa – beckons travellers to slow down and experience life in its most authentic form.
For those seeking not just a getaway but a deeper journey into the soul of Italian culture, Tuscany offers more than a scenic escape. It offers the opportunity to rediscover the joy of mindful living. Enjoy staying in a luxury villa like Casa Vedetta or a deeply traditional estate like Bosco Ai Frati; travellers can experience the heart of Tuscany through the lens of slow travel – a way of journeying that prioritises connection, contemplation, and an intimate relationship with the world around you.
In a time where life is often hurried, Tuscany serves as a reminder of the richness that can be found in stillness, and the profound fulfillment that comes from embracing each moment with intention. It’s not just a destination, but an invitation to live beautifully.
