Home Away From Home: A Unique Boutique Hotel in Tuscany
This time last year we were enjoying gelato, museums and a lot of pasta + wine in Florence, Italy with close friends. After a weekend there we split ways, and JD and I had a little getaway to Relais - Sassa Al Sole, a romantic boutique hotel located near the charming village of San Miniato . It's about a 2 hour train ride (roughly an hour car ride) from Florence and was the perfect pit stop before we made our way to Pisa (which is about an hour away by train).
Pulling into the entrance, you drive on a long dirt road with a horse pasture on one side and grape vines on the other that leads you up to the hotel. The entrance alone is such an exciting experience as it gives off a homey and welcoming vibe in the most simplistic way. Upon arrival, you're immediately greeted for check-in and given a personal tour of the facilities. The resort itself is quite small, but I think that is what makes it so unique. The whole time I felt as though I was at a family members amazing Italian home, which I feel reflects the hospitality of the staff and the natural privacy surrounding the resort.
The boutique is decorated with beautiful ornate Italian decor with pops of modern furniture to balance the design. Along the pool you'll find cabanas and oversized lounge chairs to cozy up in while surrounded by an oasis garden with multiple trails overlooking the grape vines and olive grove.
Although small, there are quite a few features the hotel offers such as, an intimate Arabic inspired spa, an on site restaurant which serves local wine, a daily Italian breakfast buffet and horse back riding. You can also take a quick but scenic drive to San Miniato where you can find local shops, cafes and wander into the many churches.
Relais - Sassa Al Sole is the definition of serenity. If you are in Florence and heading to Pisa, I would highly recommended staying here for a night or two!
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“Hospitality is the gift we all can give”