Castello di Magona

Unprofessional, Dishonest, and Poor Service – Avoid at All Costs „Castello Di Magona“ in Venturina Terme. We deeply regret choosing this venue for our wedding and week-long vacation in August this year. Initially, the team appeared friendly and accommodating, but everything changed after we made the down payment. Many verbal promises were made during initial discussions but later denied in emails (exclusive rental of additional apartments, breakfast composition (no eggs, no veggies, no cheese,…) Communication was a nightmare. They insisted on email-only communication, avoided coordination calls, and took an unreasonable amount of time to respond (sometimes over 2 weeks) which is painful if you need to make vendor selections. We paid for “wedding planning,” but it was essentially paying exorbitant fees (3x the cost of local suppliers for flowers, decoration, rentals, makeup and hair) for services we ended up coordinating ourselves cause they insisted there were no other options. The planning team lacked initiative—unless we reminded them of key steps, they wouldn’t handle them. They proposed impractical solutions, like a shuttle service from a single departure point inaccessible to many guests and leaving them still to do most on foot. They charged a "pre-authorization" fee for extra hours that was supposed to be refunded if unused. Instead, they kept the full amount and ignored requests for reimbursement. The air conditioning in multiple rooms was non-functional, and some bathrooms had a foul stench from the drains. Also for 3 days (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) we had burned croissants (see picture) that make most of the breakfast they offer. Despite these major inconveniences, they refused to provide any compensation or resolution. While they may claim to have a new owner, don’t be fooled—it's the same management with the same lack of professionalism and integrity. Also most of the positive reviews here are from friends and employees we met during our trip. So be careful what you trust. There are so many beautiful venues in the area—don’t make the same mistake we did. This venue’s poor service, dishonesty, and lack of accountability will ruin what should be a joyful occasion. Save yourself the stress and book elsewhere!

Castello di Magona is quite the beautiful, authentically old Italian castle. My wife and I hosted our wedding here with our friends and family. Huge thanks to the onsite crew, managed by Carlos, they were very professional and assisted in all ways possible. - The best food we had during our 2 weeks in Italy was from the catering team here— we only wish we got more dinners from them. - The castle is old and authentic. We came to the castle in the fall, and there was some "moisture" issues with one of the rooms. The crew quickly took care of it as best they could. - The wedding turned out amazing! for 28 guests, this has to be one of the best venues. I would NOT recommend hiring castle’s wedding coordinator Keti. Any other option would likely be better. She didn’t even show up or have a replacement show up to the wedding. Carlos and the team carried extra weight. Overall, would recommend and would stay again.

We were 20 people traveling together and had a great time in the castle! The rooms are unique, great beds (a bit hard mattress but it did our backs good). Very clean everywhere, the breakfast was delicious. We had one pre-ordered 4 course meal made for us, and it was heavenly! Alberto is the best host and he would do anything to make us happy. Close to the great beaches, local supermarket and the cosy village in the mountains, just a few minutes away. The thermal spa is a few hundred meters away and a nice walking distance. Would recommend a stay here to everyone; couples, families and friends. We'll be back 😀

On our 3rd and most memorable trip to Italy with friends, we stayed in Tuscany at Castello di Magona, a castle built in the XVI century which was the home of The Grand Duke of Tuscany Leopoldo 11. The castle is located just outside Venturina, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea with beautiful beaches within a 15 minute drive. We rented a car in Rome for the 3 hour drive and stopped for lunch half way at the seaside town of Porto San Stefano. Castello di Magona should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The splendor of the building, the views, the warm and sincere hospitality of owner Alberto Merciai and his staff, the history and atmosphere combine to create a dreamlike, never to be forgotten experience. While history and antiquity are apparent, splendor and comfort with exceptionally spacious bedrooms and bathrooms provide exceptional comfort. The food presentation and authentic Tuscan prepared selections are over the top. Each day’s breakfast was a feast for eye and pallet. On two nights Alberto’s staff, under the direction of Paola, the chef, created a banquet based on our preferences which included calamari stuffed with tuna, salmon, roasted rabbit with potatoes, pasta with local mushrooms, cake with Chantilly cream and on and on. The castle is the perfect starting off point for day trips (driving your rental car) to hill towns like Marittima, Monticiano, Bolgheri, Siena, San Gimagnaro; all of them having exceptional restaurants and spectacular scenery. Being located in the heart of Italy’s most notable and exceptional vineyards, wine tasting at any one of the many wineries should be on your itinerary. We had a private tour at Ornellaia Vineyards, arguably the finest Italian wine available. The tour was very informative and included artwork commissioned specifically for wines from this vintner. Alberto can arrange vineyard tours, boats to Elba, private beach club reservations that include alfresco dining and suggest local restaurants. One standout was Otello in Ventorina my wife and I visited alone when our group decided to split up for an evening. If you are fortunate to be able to score a reservation at Castello di Magona, make certain to take time to get to know Alberto Merciai, the owner – you just may make a friend for life.

If you want to feel the true essence of holiday in Tuscany - Castello di Magona is THE Place. Your breath is taken away as you drive through the main gates, and the view of the castle, walls neatly covered in ivy with grand main entrance is revealed. Impressive views on the Tuscanian landscape, traditional portraiture on the walls and authentic feel really add to the romantic atmosphere. Alberto and Paola make it contemporary with their energy and best advice on the sightseeing, foodie places and beaches to visit, and there is so much to see and taste around. The staff are very hospitable making the holiday that much more relaxing and upkeep of the property is of high standard. Evening setting of candlelight dinners under the brightest stars is the most magical. We visited as a family with a group of friends, and everyone found something special for themselves, whether it was chilling in the jacuzzi, splashing in the pool, reading and dozing under the tree branches or conversing in the main hall, the Castello is planned to provide enough space for everyone to spread out and be secluded, and then have big social gatherings in the evenings. Awesome for celebrations and special events! Feast for the eyes and happy energy guaranteed!