Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. With its gorgeous hills, its delicious gastronomy, its picturesque villages, its alluring castles and stunning fields of olive trees, this part of the world never disappoints. These landscapes have been depicted in masterpieces spanning from Renaissance painting to modern photography. Over the centuries, Tuscany has been the setting of artistic excellence, with masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Caravaggio decorating private palaces, churches, and public squares.

With so many places to visit, it can be difficult to choose where to stay and where to start. The Val d’Orcia is a region that extends from south of Siena to Monte Amiata. This is where the most remarkable hotel and wellness resort is located: Albergo Posta Marcucci: Bagno Vignoni.

Posta Marcucci is a jewel that deserves more recognition. This amazing venue features the most sumptuous hotel, one of the best restaurants of the area, and unique (indoor and outdoor) pools and spa. They overlook the spectacular Rocca di Tentennano, a medieval tower that dominates the village of Rocca d’Orcia. At night, this architectural landscape reveals all its chams.

Posta Marucci is a place to pause, relax and take care of our bodies and minds. “Mens sana in corpore sano”, the Latin phrase, usually translated as “a healthy mind in a healthy body” could be Posta Marcucci’s leitmotiv.

The Albergo is located closely to the fantastic UNESCO Heritage towns of Pienza, rebuilt as an “ideal town” in the 15th century under the patronage of Pope Pius, and Siena, one of the most important cities in medieval Europe (twenty-minute drive from Posta Marcucci). Siena is known for its jaw-dropping historic centre featuring several buildings from the 13th and 14th centuries and its charming ochre colours. The city is also famous for its cuisine (truffle is a must), cathedral, museums, medieval streets and the Palio, a thrilling and spectacular horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo (around an hour drive from Posta Marcucci).

There are plenty of other historic sites to visit around the hotel including Etruscan ruins, the iconic and isolated Chapel Capella Madonne di’ Vitaleta, set among six beautiful cypress trees and another world-famous city of wine: Montepulciano. The Horti Leonini gardens, in San Quirico d’Orcia are a ten-minute drive from Posta Marcucci and they also deserve a visit. They were designed around 1575 by architect Diomede Leoni during the restoration of the village damaged during the war between Florence and Siena. The «Horti» are an unusual example of late Renaissance gardens primarily designed for « travellers and specifically the nobility ». Leoni was a devotee of ancient and Renaissance art who purchased works in Roman circles on behalf of the Medici: it was Francesco I de’ Medici himself who gave him a patch of land in the heart of San Quirico d’Orcia, where the Horti, which still retain their original appearance today, would later be built. Leoni also had (the sad) honour to announce Michelangelo’s death in 1564.

All these great locations are reachable by car or bikes from Posta Marcucci and make up for the most amazing stay at the resort. There are also numerous paths for long walks from the hotel and so much to see! It takes two hours to drive to Rome which is very convenient attracting local clientele. Around 27 family wineries are located around Posta Marcucci for additional shopping and tasting.

Antiche Terme Romane Libere and Parco dei Mulini are part of the surroundings of Posta Marcucci. The park was created to protect one of the most significant local cultural heritage sites of the area: the Bagno Vignoni hamlet. Four mills powered by the ancestral thermal waters served to grind grain throughout the year, even during the hot summers. The mills stopped working around the 1950s and the park was reclaimed and opened to the public in 1999. Marco Bartoli, Director of Marketing at Posta Marcucci explains: “there are around fifty people living in the village in the winter and 1,500 in the summer during high season. Besides the breathtaking ancient walls, the village boasts a natural and unspoilt basin of thermal turquoise waters reflecting the dappled sunshine at its centre.” But that’s not where you can bathe and regenerate. Posta Marcucci offers the best natural pool and modern spa: three Etruscan pools and warm healing water.

The Albergo is indeed imbued with remarkable history. The modern hotel was built in 1956 and was bought by the Costa family in 2016. The Marcucci family, who set up the resort, continues to live in the village.

The waters of Bagno Vignoni have been flowing since immemorial time. They rise from the ground at a temperature of 49°C, rich in bicarbonate-sulphate-alkaline, calcium carbonate, iron, and inc. These aquamarine waters boast wellness qualities and they have been beloved since the Etruscan and Roman times. Later, Pope Pius I and Charlemagne also chose Bagno Vignoni as a peaceful retreat. The mother of Catherine of Siena fell under its spell too. Pilgrims who walk along the Via Francigena appreciate the waters because of their calming properties.

The waters at Posta Marcucci settle in the pools overlooking the valley. The pools are situated in a stunning garden all around. There’s even a bar serving cocktails, teas, and coffees. The property boasts four hectares of gardens, a tennis court, and a space for the game of bocce; all to keep in shape and healthy.

In the first pool the water stabilises at between 35 and 38° C, and in the second between 28 e 32° C. A difference in temperature which stimulates the body and blood circulation as bathers go from one to the other. The pools are open also to non-resident guests too, wishing to take a break from the stress of life and to benefit from this unique therapeutic experience.

While the outdoor spaces are the main highlight of Posta Marcucci, the indoor spaces bridge to the outside. Indoor saunas, another large warm pool, indoor bubble spa, a relaxation room with large beds and more, feature in the hotel. Verveine infusions help recover vital energy and stimulate body and mind. Upstairs, the professional wellness offer ranges from hydromassage to Finish sauna, biosalina sauna, Halotherapy and Turkish bath. It is fantastic!

What makes Posta Marcucci so special is its traditional interiors mixed with modernity. Artworks on the walls are gorgeous, etchings, landscape and portrait paintings allied with rich textures and pastel colours for the curtains and the cushions. The rooms are classic yet intemporal with all contemporary amenities.

Marco Bartoli, Director of Marketing explains that “there are 37 bedrooms, ranging from superior, comfortable and classic, all exuding a welcoming hospitality and a luxurious sense of comfort.” Rather than striving for cold and uninviting atmosphere, the rooms are cosy and special, perfect for a tranquil stay in pure Italian style. A mix of modern and personal touches decorate the rooms, with plenty of space and airiness making a stay here so enjoyable. Marco continues “the most significant markets for Posta Marcucci are Germany, Austria, Belgium and The Netherlands. Before covid, Americans and Canadians stayed at the hotel too. They’re coming back now. During covid times, 70% of our guests were Italian. They enjoyed the thermal waters for their healing qualities.”  
Past the lobby area featuring cosy sofas and chairs used for concerts during the festive season, Bar Verde is gorgeous. Bright pink chairs contrast with the rich emerald of the walls. Guests can play their favourite vinyl records. The Beatles can often be heard!  An intimate and inviting setting, perfect for socialising with friends and other guests, listening to the music from the classic record player, the best albums from the sixties or seventies. The bartender is a great host, crafting both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The red salon is used for playing games after dinner and guests can be seen wandering or reading their book or newspapers in this beautiful and comfortable room.

Eating alfresco on the Veranda is a treat for both the tongue and the eyes. The large restaurant windows offer a view of the pools and the hills in the distance, making it a delightful culinary experience. The colour of ruby was chosen to ornate the chairs and walls of the adjacent restaurant and salon.

In the restaurant, the chef selects ingredients for their excellence but also in a responsible production manner. Highlights of the excellent menu a la carte include Spaghetti with lobster, its bisque, lime and bread flavored with herbs, Risotto with mortadella, Bronte pistachios and lemon and Ricciolina del Monte Amiata for dessert.

The wine list is impressive too with some of the most luxurious wines including Orcia DOC Wineries, Brunello, Nobile, the great Sassicaia, old vintage wines from the most famous Italian and International wineries. Among the olive oils feature Seggiano Oro Verde, and Olivastra Seggianese DOP. The saffron is produced by Afghan Women, supported by the Costa Family Foundation. The ongoing work of the Foundation raises awareness on improving educational opportunities in India, Afghanistan, Nepal,  Uganda and Tongo.

Posta Marcucci is part of a group featuring Hotel La Perla in Alta Badia Dolomites. Adjacent to Posta Marcucci is also the coolest second bar, Il Barrino serving the most extravagant and delicious cocktails and boasting the best service.

With its amazing and professional staff, its beautiful surroundings full of history and art, the most delicate gastronomy and unique ancestral healing waters, Posta Marcucci has everything. It provides unique experiences for all senses and means to relax and feel good. It’s a treasured venue in the middle of Tuscany and a truly wonderful and special place. 

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