In Cerreto Guidi, between Florence and Pisa, Villa Petriolo offers a quietly different vision of Tuscan luxury—one rooted not in excess, but in regeneration. A sixteenth-century organic estate, the property embarked on an ambitious restoration project in 2021, bringing new life to its historic borgo while preserving its deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
Led by Mexican interior designer Oscar Hernandez in collaboration with Ivo Barba Arquitectos, the restoration combines contemporary design with the character of the historic estate. Today, Villa Petriolo stretches across 166 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, ancient grains, vegetable gardens and livestock, all cultivated according to organic farming principles and a circular approach to resource management. What makes the property particularly compelling is the relationship between hospitality and agriculture. The resort was not built around a farm—the farm gave birth to the resort. Its land influences everything from the cuisine and wellness experiences to the way resources are produced and managed. Sustainability here is not a marketing concept, but part of everyday life. That philosophy is perhaps most deliciously expressed at the table.
At Villa Petriolo, farm-to-table is not simply a culinary trend; the farm itself determines the rhythm of the menu. Chef Stefano Pinciaroli works with vegetables, ancient grains, extra-virgin olive oil, and meats produced on the estate, creating contemporary dishes that place seasonality and the integrity of the ingredients at the centre. At gastronomic restaurant PS, awarded a Michelin Green Star, highlights include L’Anatra Medicea, featuring estate-raised duck with vegetables and white wine; Spaghetto del Pastore, handmade pasta prepared with sheep’s milk, smoked primo sale and seasonal truffle; and Agnello, Brace e Fieno, pairing Pomarancino lamb with hay sauce, Tuscan sheep’s milk and vegetables from the garden. Dessert arrives as La Settecolli di PS, an elegant combination of chocolate, hazelnut and ricotta. Even the house bread, made with grains cultivated on the estate, deserves its own moment.
For a more relaxed experience, Osteria Golpaja reinterprets Tuscan classics in a convivial setting. Expect DOP Cinta Senese cured meats, local cheeses, and ancient-grain crostini, alongside homemade pappardelle with wild-boar ragù. The more unexpected Ramen di Petriolo brings together ancient-grain tagliolini, estate-raised Cinta Senese pork, organic egg, steamed vegetables and house-made soy sauce. The estate’s wines complete the experience, including Maria, a rosé sparkling wine made from Sangiovese and Barbera, and I Greti, an organic Merlot Rosato IGT Toscana. Come evening, the Bottega Botanic Bar becomes the perfect place to watch the sun disappear over the Tuscan hills. Cocktails and aperitivi incorporate aromatic herbs and botanicals cultivated on the estate, allowing the landscape to find its way into the glass.
Wellness follows the same philosophy at Mater, the property’s 1,800-square-metre holistic spa. Medicinal herbs, essential oils and botanical extracts grown in the estate’s own garden are incorporated into treatments, while pools, a panoramic sauna and peaceful relaxation areas encourage guests to slow down. With beautifully considered facilities and an experienced, attentive team, Mater is one of Villa Petriolo’s standout experiences.
The resort’s 42 rooms and two apartments, spread between the historic villa and surrounding farmhouses, continue the understated aesthetic. Original terracotta floors, exposed beams, reclaimed materials and contemporary furnishings create interiors that feel elegant without becoming overly polished. Luxury is expressed through space, tranquility and a close relationship with the landscape.
Villa Petriolo’s approach has also earned significant international recognition. The property holds a Michelin Key, while PS has received the Michelin Green Star. Villa Petriolo is also GSTC-certified as the world’s first certified sustainable agriturismo and holds ISO 21401 certification, making it the first European hospitality property certified for comprehensive sustainability. Since 2024, it has also served as a United Nations Hub for the development of the 2030 Agenda in Tuscany. Ultimately, Villa Petriolo offers more than a Tuscan escape. It offers a glimpse into a different model of luxury—one where hospitality, agriculture, gastronomy and wellness exist within the same living ecosystem. Here, the greatest indulgence is not excess, but the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with the land and experience Tuscany through everything it produces.
Images: Villa Petriolo
