1. Castello di Casole — A Timbers Resort, Casole d’Elsa, Italy
PHOTO:COURTESY OF HOTEL CASTELLO DI CASOLE - A TIMBERS RESORT
Score: 97.12
At this 10th-century Tuscan castle turned 41-suite luxury resort, all you have to do is relax and sip wine, sleep and eat. And then repeat. The estate has views out over the hills, olive groves, and vineyards, and feels like a small fairy-tale village with a chapel, farmhouse villas (also available to rent), infinity pool, and spa. At the fine-dining Ristorante Tosca, you can indulge in pan-seared black cod with potato and squid-ink cream, or quail breast filled with green apple. The kids can grab a wood-fired bufala pizza at the more casual Pazzia. “The people inspire laughter and relaxation,” said one reader. “The food and wine delight the taste buds. The spa returns you to a peaceful state. Spectacular!”