My Visit to Pieve Aldina in Tuscany Felt Like Stepping into a Movie

As I rode through the winding roads of the Chianti countryside on my way from Florence's airport to Pieve Aldina, I was floored by the views: rolling hills, endless olive groves and adorable towns. Upon my arrival, I knew I'd fully stepped into a movie.

Pieve Aldina is part of the Fontenille Collection, which features stunning, one-of-a-kind hotel properties in some of Europe's most desirable destinations, such as Normandy, Marseille, Menorca and, of course, Tuscany.

This particular property is a former bishop's residence from the 16th and 17th centuries (complete with a chapel) set among the Tuscan olive groves and vineyards. The manicured grounds are green and lush. The buildings deliver a beautiful, old-world feel, even though they feature plenty of modern luxuries.

Each room is unique, capturing the feel of the original bishop's residence without sacrificing comfort one bit. My room was an enormous suite featuring a dining area, living room area, massive bedroom and luxurious bathroom (complete with a bathtub). The bed was unbelievably comfortable, and the room featured blackout curtains to make sleeping in an easy task. The floors boasted terracotta tiles—a Tuscan original—and out my windows were, of course, views of the cypress trees and the countryside.

I began each morning of my stay with breakfast (more on the phenomenal food in a minute) and a perfect cappuccino overlooking the courtyard with its gorgeous lemon trees. It was impossible not to feel relaxed and restored as I sipped away.

Adding to my state of relaxation? An in-ground swimming pool (with a second pool being added in the near future) and a top-notch spa where I received the most peaceful massage that made it impossible not to doze in and out. Oh, and I took in a morning yoga class that had me centered and ready for the day.

As for the other on-property experiences, I was able to enjoy a phenomenal wine and olive oil tasting. Yes, the wine came from nearby vineyards, and yes, the olive oil was made on the Pieve Aldina premises. Both were delicious, and I had to bring several bottles of the fresh, delicious olive oil home with me. Speaking of delicious...

I was able to don my literal chef's hat and take part in a fabulous cooking class with chef Niccolo Pini. Together we crafted fresh bruschetta, homemade pasta and sauce and perhaps the best tiramisu I've ever tasted. I dined on my own creations with my fellow travelers/cooking classmates that evening in the Pini-led, on-property restaurant Le Rondini.

But as impressive as my own cooking was, it was impossible not to drool over every dish I tasted at Le Rondini during my stay. In fact, I ate breakfast there daily, along with most of my dinners. Pini's menus and Le Rondini are clearly the pinnacle of Tuscan cuisine.

I also had the great fortune to dine one evening at the nearby Ristorante La Bottega di Volpaia. The service was incredibly friendly, the handmade ravioli was so tasty and the ambiance was, like Pieve, delivering old-world vibes in the best possible way.

The service at Pieve Aldina was also stellar. From the friendly faces in the restaurant who knew my coffee order each morning to the attentive front desk and spa staff, everyone went above and beyond to make my experience a memorable one.

While I could have easily spent my entire stay on property at Pieve Aldina, there is also plenty to do in the surrounding towns. We visited and toured a nearby terracotta factory, Cotto Manetti, where I was floored (no pun intended) by the artistry, the history and the sheer scale of production.

We also spent an exciting day in the stunning Italian city of Siena. We dined, drank, shopped, toured and even experienced a very special visit to a contrada museum, where I learned more about the city's rich (and highly competitive) traditions.

It's hard to express just how beautiful, historically full and delicious the different elements of my Tuscan visit were, all thanks to Pieve Aldina. And if my stay is any indication, I'm confident the other Fontenille properties are just as outstanding.

Might just be time for an Under the Tuscan Sun rewatch—it won't be as good as the real thing, but at least it'll remind me of my incredible Italian trip.