It Takes a Village: TUI Builds Tuscan Playground for the Wealthy

When God created the earth, it wasn't a terribly difficult task. Granted, he was under some pressure to get it done on time, but it was a deadline of his own making. After all, no one had stipulated that he had only six days to complete the project. In return, he had the seventh day to plant the seed for all kinds of social nonsense that persists to this day: driving prohibitions on Sundays, holiday surcharges and strict store hours.

God also did not have to contend with the challenges modern real estate developers face. Convoluted concepts like land use plan modification applications and toxic waste cleanup requirements weren't invented until much later. And although Mr. Schlüter really doesn't want to start with Adam and Eve, the task he faces is vastly more difficult: what could very well be the largest project ever launched to develop an earthly paradise.

Schlüter, who works for TUI, manages 11 square kilometers of prime Tuscan countryside between Florence and Pisa. "It's almost six times as big as Monaco," says Schlüter, which sounds a lot better than "at least half the size of Berlin's Marzahn district," although that too would be perfectly correct. Size alone is not the issue, but rather a dream of beauty, luxury and authenticity, or, as the brochure states philosophically: "a simple life done to the highest standards." Peace, joy and spa living.

Schlüter is sitting on the terrace of the golf-course restaurant, the only building completed to date. Green lizards dart across the tiles, and the lasagna is almost as warm as the midday sun.

A guest surreptitiously steps on a large spider, which Schlüter would probably have rescued. He has just devoted a sizeable chunk of the conversation to describing how sustainably his staff will protect this unique cultural landscape, which extends well beyond the 18-hole golf course -- also an authentic Tuscan creation.

Welcome to Castelfalfi

He already has the bloodsucking horseflies under control. They weren't going over well with the golfers. Now the offensive insects are swimming in a brown liquid inside extremely green-looking traps hanging from trees on the edge of a slumbering forest. The resort has its own lake, and even a little village on a hill, not to mention 8,000 olive trees, which are already being used to produce olive oil once again, or the 400 wild boars that have to be kept locked up to prevent them from soiling the greens. Even eco-fun has its limits.

Just Back From Petriolo Spa Resort, Tuscany: Roxana Lewis of ...

Nestled amid the Tuscan countryside, Petriolo Spa Resort is a jewel of pampered luxury and undisturbed relaxation. The resort is a 20 minute drive from Siena, and 50 miles from Florence.  The 5-star hotel features 87 elegantly furnished rooms, including 34 Junior Suites, 6 Suites, 1 Executive Suite and 1 Imperial Suite with private garden and open-air Jacuzzi.

Petriolo is one of the oldest thermal springs in the world.   The Spa offers a very special holistic approach, combining natural and alternative medicine with traditional medical therapies, resulting in a wide range of personalized treatments and programs to satisfy the needs of each individual guest. The hotel’s two restaurants have incredible views of the Tuscan landscape, while the menus feature a variety of dishes combining traditional local cuisine with the creative vision of the Chef.

Ms. Roxana Lewis from Protravel International, Beverly Hills,  just got back from Petriolo. Here is what she had to say about the resort:

“I would like to extend a hearty thank you for allowing me to experience the gracious hospitality of Petriolo Resort & Spa. The location of the resort will make driving an absolute ease for my clients.  The parking is plentiful, and accessing the Montalcino section of Tuscany is a breeze. I was astounded at the variety of spa treatments offered. The range of treatments are another major upside to the hotel. It will be my pleasure to recommend Petriolo with personal knowledge and confidence.

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