Relais La SuveraLa Suvera was a dream. The hotel goes back to the High Middle Ages as the Castle of the County of Siena ruled by the legendary Countess Ava Matilde dé Franzesi, a relation of the King of France Clovis, also known as the Queen of Montemaggio. It is therefore likely that the ancient name La Suvera derives from the French "Souveraine", meaning Sovereign.The hotel, which is part of a museum, has grounds and gardens that are remarkable. To describe them is much to difficult to capture the words of all the beauty they hold. We checked into the room, which was very unique. The two-room suite entailed a sitting room with a couch and table with an adorable little sitting area. You were welcomed with the estates candies & pastry. The master bedroom boasted a large 4-poster bed with very tall ceilings and had a view overlooking the back gardens. The bathroom was rather large and had a huge inviting and romantic bathtub.Shortly after arriving we decided to walk the grounds. The owners, who pride themselves in the gardens, also have a bunch of cats that walk freely on the property. I happen to like cats so I enjoyed watching them as we walked the grounds. The statues and sitting areas were so special that you could have taken 100 pictures of each unique section. The pool which was amazing was located off to the side of the bar which offered guests the ability to walk back and forth and still feel part of the atmosphere. We made an appointment at the state-of-the-art Tuscan spa, located in the medieval part of the villa.I went early to relax in the hydro-massage bath made from a medieval cistern of Italy. I could have had an array of massage treatments, including fire massage, sea salt massage-scrub, foot massage and many others. I opted for a deep tissue spa treatment. It was amazing. The Center is also completed by a steam bath, a fitness area with tapis roulants and cross trainers, and a relaxation area where you can enjoy an array of organic herbal teas. It was most tranquil.Following my massage I went back to our room to take a nap but felt to excited to tour more of the property so I went to meet friends at The Bar Dei Limoni. I was so relaxed from my treatment that after my Bellini I was ready to float away. We were served warm cookies and pastries and the hotels afternoon treats, they hit the spot.After a few drinks at the bar it was time to get ready for dinner. We retreated to our room where I enjoyed a wonderful shower and prepared for dinner. The hotel, having that classy and elegant feel, made me happy to have packed something dressy! I can still remember the romantic feeling of getting ready to walk into the gardens where we were meeting our friends for pre-dinner cocktails. The gardens, which were adorned with tables and large glass canisters filled with candles looked like something out of a movie set, almost too romantic to believe. The set up was so dreamy and was complimented by wonderful service.After about an hour in the gardens enjoying the music & sunset we walked over to dine in the elegant medieval Oliviera Restaurant. Each dish was prepared wonderfully and was exquisite Tuscan cuisine. Our meal, which was accompanied by many bottles of wine, was prepared with great attention to detail and with a memorable array of flavors. My favorite and a must have was the pears & pecorino cheese with honey~ it was to die for! Since the evening was so warm we dined on the restaurant terrace facing the Papal Villa, which was surrounded by olive trees and aromatic Mediterranean herbs and lit predominately by candlelight! Following dinner we took a walk though the candle lit gardens and sat watching the stars before heading back to our room for the night. I am not sure if it was the romantic trip we had just taken through Italy or simply the unrealistic atmosphere of La Suvera, but either way it was intoxicating night.Breakfast the next morning was inside Oliviera and offered the cozy atmosphere of an 18th century olive oil mill, surrounded by ancient oil producing machines, linen hangings, table cloths, candles, Egyptian style wall paintings, baroque chandeliers and a fireplace. In addition to eggs made to order, the spread of Italian treats of cheeses, yogurts, and melon were perfect. Shortly after breakfast, we checked out. Driving back down the main drive I wished we had more time at La Suvera, but know that we will go back again!
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