We are entranced and in love with Borgo. It is secluded, unpretentious—certainly not the place if you are looking to “see and be seen.” We purchased in the two-bedroom category a year ago, and just returned from our second trip the first two weeks of November 2007.

Because of its unique offerings, Borgo is not for everyone, but travelers who brave the unpaved 2 km gravel road into Borgo Di Vagli are rewarded with a step back into a kinder, simpler way of life. It is a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word, surrounded by miles of tree-shrouded hills, hiking and bike paths, a gorgeous pool, and multiple levels of manicured grounds that are perfect for wasting an hour, or an afternoon, in a good book or stimulating conversation. The architecture is pristine 14th century, albeit with high-speed Internet, satellite TV and great water pressure.

The beauty of Borgo is that although you are totally secluded, you are also perfectly located to make day trips to Siena, or Florence, or Assisi, or any number of outlying towns and attractions. The grocery in Mercantile is 10 minutes away, and the walled City of Cortona (where “Under The Tuscan Sun” was filmed) is a mere 25-minute drive down the mountain.

The staff is like family, and the dining creations, served family-style six nights a week by Dina in the candle-lit Trattoria, are food for the soul as well as the body.

Suggestions

The Trattoria on property serves dinner-only six nights a week. I would like to see some minor expansion (i.e. coffee/expresso, breads & fruit, etc. available self-serve in the mornings, and perhaps an afternoon tea). Since the dining menu is static, perhaps there could be alternate offerings on some nights for those of us who stay two or (hopefully) three weeks at a time to introduce us to additional Tuscan delights.