The Secret of Pietrafitta — Local services in San Gimignano

Visited in July 2024 from Canada. Amazing place - If I could give them more than 5 stars I would! The property was so respectfully and tastefully renovated/restored (original beams, floors, etc.), but with all the modern amenities you need.

Room: The room was spacious, clean, and air conditioned. The whole property has a rustic Tuscan aesthetic, with such great attention to detail - even the bathroom tiles are hand painted. The room has a safe and mini bar.

Bathroom: Shower gel and shampoo are provided and smell nice. There is also a hair dryer and shower cap. They provide slippers and beach towels (robes are available at an additional cost).

Service: Diego and Pedro are super friendly and helpful - they answered questions via email and even helped us to find a transfer last minute from our previous hotel. Pedro showed us bus and walking routes and gave us advice for the area. The rest of the staff were also great and created a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Food: The breakfast is abundant - I didn't even know what to choose each morning because there were so many delicious options. Everything is locally produced, and many food items, such as olive oil and bread, are made on-site. During breakfast, you can pre-order lunch if you plan on staying in that day. I highly recommend selecting the dinner option when you book because they were incredible and the presentation was always so artistic. The chef (Marcos?), needs to go on MasterChef! Each day you can choose between the regular menu or the vegetarian option. Upon check -in, they also asked if we had any dietary restrictions.. You can also get the Florentine steak for an additional cost for dinner. Drinks at dinner cost extra, but are very reasonably priced.

Amenities/Pool: The pool is clean and well-maintained, with a great view of San Gimignano. Sometimes, the staff would bring around a little treat (watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.) by the pool around 4-5. The bar is open in the afternoon for drinks by the pool or an aperitivo. Books are available to borrow from the reception area (on a bookshelf) and board games/cards are available by the bar.

Cooking Class: Ask about the cooking class! It’s not really advertised, but it is available once or twice per week. It was one of my favourite parts of our vacation. Andrea taught us how to make pizza/focaccia, tagliatelle, and cantucci. We ate everything we made and the lunch also included a bottle of wine and water. Such a fun experience and one of the best meals I had in Italy!

Location: Good location in central Tuscany. San Gimignano and some vineyards are walkable. The walk to San Gimignano takes you through the rolling hills and vineyards, and although it wasn’t difficult and there was some shade, we were drenched in sweat by the time we got to San Gimignano. You can reach Siena by bus in about an hour, but the bus doesn’t run too often. If I return (and I hope to one day), I think I would rent a car, because it would’ve been a lot easier to visit the...

We could not have asked for a more perfect stay. We were 4 couples staying 5 nights and we all had the best time. The food, setting, warmth from the amazing staff, gorgeous rooms, ease of getting to San Gimignano and other towns, cooking class, and the drinks/bar were all exceptional. We all could have stayed a month and hope to go back soon! ||I had planned a trip for a milestone birthday and was a bit nervous as to which property to choose. Having stayed at quite a few places in the general area I knew I wanted an agritourismo that had a restaurant (because we knew those driving would want a drink at dinner and a rest after driving/site seeing during the day), a pool, a view, a cancellation policy (we all have older parents). and proximity to a charming town. When I found Il Segreto I knew I had found the perfect property. We booked and it was seamless from that point forward. The communication was excellent and their suggestions were perfect. Since we were 8 people we were required to choose the 1/2 board but would have done so anyway. We would highly recommend doing so. |The property is so well maintained with the most beautiful flowers and views. The rooms are delightful with such comfortable beds and amenities. Large bathrooms and bedrooms but especially so for Italy. The pool is cool in May but we still went in. It also was so nice to relax beside it as well. |The bar for cocktails was so much fun we made 5 pm cocktail hour each night before dinner. We had many other guests join us each night. |The staff could not have been nicer or gone out of their way for us. Nothing was too much to ask and every little thing was done with a spirit of generosity and hospitality. How refreshing! |We took a cooking class with Andrea and it was our most favorite day in Tuscany. Not only did we make wonderful food but we had the best time doing it. We laughed and joked and drank delicious wine. He was a terrific teacher but also such a nice person. We hope he comes to visit us in the future! |We so enjoyed our breakfast and dinners. We were so lucky with the weather so most of our meals were served Al fresco overlooking San Gimignano. What could be better? The setting looked like a movie set. The food was so delicious. Each meal was better than the last. So beautifully presented and served. With 3 vegetarians in our group of 8 we were pleased with the options each night. Very well thought out meals. For our non vegetarians -they really enjoyed their florentine steak and meats each night. Most foods are sourced very close by so it all was so fresh. You can see the olive trees and vineyards for the oil and wines. Kudos to the Chef and staff!|We walked the long way into San Gimignano one day and recommend doing this. It was such a pretty walk. |Easy to get to other sites such as Siena, Florence, Volterra, and even Pisa for day trips by car. |We wholeheartedly recommend a stay here. You...

My recent stay here was an unforgettable experience. The owners, Pedro and Diego, and their staff members, Rocco, Andrea, and others, provided me with genuine warmth and hospitality. They were quick to adapt their communication to accommodate my needs as a Deaf guest, and their thoughtfulness and consideration made me feel truly valued.

The agriturismo is set amidst the rolling Tuscan hills, offering stunning views of the picturesque vineyards, lush trees, and the town of San Gimignano in the near distance. The pool area is immaculately maintained, providing a tranquil oasis where I could unwind and soak up the sun. The breakfast spread was fit for royalty, featuring a tantalizing selection of local meats and cheeses, fruit and vegetables, quiches, bread, and an array of delectable pastries. The quality and freshness of the ingredients were evident in every bite. Dinner was also a gastronomic journey, with incredible flavors and artistry in each dish.

The room exceeded all my expectations. The comfortable bed provided a restful night's sleep, and the air conditioning was a must during the summer heat. I appreciated the attention to detail in ensuring a pleasant stay, from the hot water with excellent shower pressure to the well-stocked mini bar. The room had everything I needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

I have stayed at numerous similar places across Italy, but Il Segreto di Pietrafitta stands in a league of its own. The unparalleled level of attention, the impeccable service, the stunning pool, the mouthwatering breakfast and dinner offerings, and the thoughtfully appointed room combine to create an extraordinary atmosphere. It is evident that Pedro and Diego have poured their hearts into every aspect of this agriturismo, and it shines through in every interaction and experience.

This place has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I am already looking forward to my next visit. If you are seeking a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty, exceptional cuisine, a pristine pool, and a thoughtfully designed room, all accompanied by a team of people who go above and beyond to ensure your comfort, then look no further. This hidden gem in Tuscany is a true treasure waiting to...