Best Luxury Hotels for Truffle Hunting

What are the best luxury hotels for truffle hunting? A recent TravelSort Client inquiry was the genesis of this post, and since many of our clients are foodies, they can bookmark this for a future truffle experience.

Truffle Hunting Season

It's worth clarifying the truffle hunting season, which depends on the type of truffle. The most prized truffles tend to be the black truffle, which has a rather short season of December until mid-March, and the Alba white truffle, which has a season of late September until the end of January. In fact, truffles are so important in Italy that, in order to protect the ecosystem, it's against the law to hunt them in May and September 1-20.

Enjoying Truffles

With Alba white truffles, the heady, complex aroma is their super power; their taste is far more delicate. For this reason, they should be thinly shaved and served raw atop a dish, such as an egg pasta, to maximize enjoyment. Conversely, black truffles are best enjoyed cooked as their taste is more prominent than their smell.

Best Luxury Hotels to Stay at for a Truffle Hunting Experience

1. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany

Reserve a suite at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco October-December with the Tuscan Truffle Hunting Experience offer to enjoy these inclusions:

Daily breakfast for two
A truffle hunting expedition including a walk with tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his specially trained dogs followed by lunch for two
A four-course truffle dinner for two
A wine tour and tasting for two

2. Hotel Savoy, Florence (Rocco Forte)

Combine an autumn stay in Florence (a much better time to visit than the hot and crowded summer months) with a visit to the Tuscan Hills, about a 25 minute drive away. There, go truffle hunting with Giulio, a licensed truffle hunter, and his trained dogs. After you return, Giulio and his partner Francesca will teach you how to prepare traditional Italian truffle dishes. Buon appetito!

Rocco Forte Knights Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Highest priority for an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Welcome amenity
Highest priority for early check-in and late check-out
Daily full breakfast for two guests per room
Food & Beverage Credit (85 EUR per room/junior suite per stay; EUR 170 per stay per suite (for 2+ nights in a suite)

3. Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Istria, Croatia

Many visitors to Croatia only see Dubrovnik and some of the islands, such as Hvar, Korčula, perhaps Brač or Vis, but truffle lovers and foodies shouldn't miss a stay at Ikador, in Opatija, close to Slovenia and Italy. Indulge in Ikador's Istrian Truffle Hunt stay between September and January, which with a minimum of two nights includes:

Daily breakfast served in the hotel's Nobilion Restaurant
A 1-hour truffle hunting experience with a local truffle hunting family and their expert truffle dogs
After returning from the hunt, the family will teach you how to make the local specialty, a truffle frittata, as a light lunch, followed by a tasting of truffle-based local produce
A visit to the smallest town in the world, Hum, visit to the local museum, and a tasting of local spirits and gin
Also includes a 15% discount for Ikalia Spa treatments reserved at least 24 hours prior to arrival

4. Hotel Crillon le Brave, Provence

With only 34 rooms, Hotel Crillon le Brave is an intimate affair. Choose one of the rooms or suites with a view of the Mont Ventoux Valley. A 20 minute drive away is Les Freres Jaumard, which offers a “Discover the Truffle” experience of one hour with their truffle hunting dogs, Mirette and Polka, followed by a truffle tasting on the farm by the fireplace, with a glass of wine. Offered November-March.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guest per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

If extending your trip, don't miss a stay at the even more luxurious Villa La Coste, about 25 minutes outside Aix-en-Provence and also a Virtuoso member, with similar benefits to Hotel Crillon le Brave.