19. Castello Banfi il Borgo, Tuscany, Italy
Reader ratings: 90,467
Nestled among 7,100 rolling acres of vineyards and olive groves near Montalcino, Castello Banfi, producer of some of the region's best known wines, has opened its doors to overnight guests. The dwellings of the people who worked at the castle have been transformed into sumptuous accommodation that encapsulates good living in the Tuscan style. The 14 rooms, housed in 18th-century stone structures adjacent to the 12th-century castle, have retained some elements of the original structure, from wood-beamed ceilings to sunken windows and terracotta floors, and are done up in a bright, elengate palette that includes silk draperies with delicate patterns, upholstered sofas and absurdly comfortable beds with romantic canopies. The special treatment includes a complimentary bottle of brunello, an LCD TV hidden in a fake bookcase, and high-speed Internet - a rarity in these parts. The Taverna serves well-prepared Tuscan dishes and, of course, an extensive wine list. An infinity pool dominates the bucolic view of the vineyards.