Best Tuscany Hotels [2024] Guide]

Tuscany, with its rolling vineyards and mediaeval towns, looks like a scene from a fairy tale, ready for you to enter its fantasy world. It's a dream destination for any wine enthusiast, with well-known wines such as Chianti and Brunello. Imagine walking through Florence's small cobblestone lanes, gazing up at towering cathedrals and palazzos. And let us not forget about the food! Tuscan cuisine is an unbelievable experience. So, why wait? Come experience the charm of Tuscany and create memories to last a lifetime.

Best Hotels in Tuscany

Belmond Villa San Michele

The location, on a calm, forested hillside just below the historic village of Fiesole less than five miles north of Florence's centre, gets my vote, but it's around a 20-minute drive from the main attractions. Although there is a regular shuttle service, it may not fit everyone.

However, the sweeping views of the city from the gardens, most of the rooms, the restaurant, and the pool are spectacular, and the temperature up here is several degrees cooler during the height of summer.

The hotel emphasises controlled excellent taste above ostentatious luxury, while Africa, the GM's affable labrador, keeps things from becoming too stiff. It is located in a former Franciscan monastery from the 15th century (Michelangelo is claimed to have designed the weathered, porticoed façade).

The main building, a maze of rooms, hallways and stairways, has many ancient elements, including cloisters (now covered), huge arches and vaulted ceilings, a long loggia (now the main restaurant), and aged terracotta flooring.

Precious Florentine antiques, as well as old master paintings and prints, fit nicely in the historic rooms, but a recent delicate refurbishment (with the addition of some more contemporary furniture, fresh colours, and so on) has livened things up a bit.

As one would expect from a Belmond hotel, the services and facilities are excellent, including a well-known cookery school. The pristine, terraced gardens are a delight, and the panoramic pool, nestled in a verdant lawn at the top of the house, is a true advantage in hot weather and almost compensates for the lack of a spa, though there is now a 'wellness room' in the villa for massages and other treatments.

The little gym is open 24 hours a day, and there is a canopy in the garden where you may get a massage with a view. Cocktail workshops, wine tastings, trips to a cashmere manufacturer in Chianti, and rafting down the Arno River are among the many activities available.

The service is old-school, attentive, and courteous, and many of the employees (who will remember your name) have been here for years. There is a high level of attention to detail, such as personalised pillow cases for'special' guests.

The 22 rooms in the main building have an appropriately ecclesiastical atmosphere, but the monks would have scowled at the amenities on offer. Expect vaulted ceilings, bottle-glass window panes, and antique furniture, including some beautiful old bedsteads.

The 23 rooms in the garden annexes have less charm but greater space and large baths, and they are nonetheless exceedingly pleasant; each has a private garden of some kind. Each room has a Nespresso machine as well as tea and coffee trays.

The elegant yet lively main restaurant is housed under a long, vaulted loggia with views of the city, which is particularly spectacular at sunset.

The advent of young chef Alessandro Cozzolino in April 2019 breathed new life into the formerly staid menu, which now combines parts of Tuscany and his native Campania, as well as the occasional journey into Asia and beyond, with intriguing results.

Choose from traditional panzanella bread salad with amberjack ceviche and Jerez vinegar, Florentine 'lasagnette' with delicately smoked rabbit sauce and seasoned Tuscan cheese, or seared turbot with mango.

Casa Moricciani

Castelmuzio, located on the boundary of Unesco World Heritage Site Val d'Orcia and only a 10-minute drive from Pienza, is a tiny counterpart of the famed Renaissance town (wonderful old town centre and great views), but without the swarms of visitors who accompany the former.

The village shop, bar and restaurant are all a two-minute walk from Casa Moricciani. Montisi, another picturesque village, is only a five-minute drive away. Wine aficionados could head farther afield to Montepulciano and Montalcino (30 minutes each), while Siena is an hour away.

The Italian owners had considered moving into the house themselves, and restoration work has been done with meticulous care, beginning with the recuperated wood beams and 18th-century terracotta floors (only the best would do for the former home of an Italian noble family).

The interiors are in warm earthy tones, with exquisite wall paintings, antique fireplaces, and fresh flowers to complete the look. The exquisite country-style kitchen features a professional French stove and antique majolica tiles. Guests will also find a wicker basket filled with ceramic dinnerware ready to be taken out for a picnic.

Isabella Barlocher worked at Campari in Milan before falling in love with Carlo Moricciani, a Tuscan farmer from Pienza. The couple's combination of local knowledge and Milanese business acumen yields an impeccable, customised concierge service.

Guided excursions and cookery sessions at the family farm are essential. Two large leather-bound binders in the property contain recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, and restaurants (together with all necessary maps and GPS information).

The garden is well maintained, providing idyllic settings for al fresco eating and sunset views from beneath the pergola. The freshwater plunge pool is a perfect location to unwind with an aperitif after a long day of touring.

The four bedrooms are accessed by repaired wooden doors. Unique objects, such as the old wrought-iron bedstead, complement the home's careful traditional decor.

From linen curtains to bed throws, all textiles are acquired from top labels like Milan fashion company Etro or lovingly handcrafted by local artisans.

The bathrooms have magnificent travertine sinks and tubs with whirlpools or wide rain showers (check out the spectacular valley view from the first-floor shower); hair straighteners, hair dryers and copious samples of the family-owned Locherber natural bath and skin care products are provided.

A self-catering basket may be pre-ordered and is well worth the cost (€25/£22). Fresh fruits and vegetables are served alongside local food like pasta, homemade bread, olive oil, and red wine. The temperature-controlled wine cabinet is stocked with Brunello, Vino Nobile, and other carefully chosen local wines.

La Locanda di Casal Mustia is a restaurant, café and bar in one. Located in the village's main plaza, this is an excellent place to grab a quick coffee, aperitif, lunch, or dinner. Local chefs can provide culinary workshops and dinners right in the villa.

Borgo Santo Pietro

Set in lovely countryside far from the beaten track, 45 minutes southwest of Siena and near to the historic roofless abbey of San Galgano. The property spans 300 acres of gardens, farming, and woodlands, and there are numerous activities available on-site, so many tourists remain for the duration.

If you want a taste of metropolitan culture, the charming cities of Volterra, Massa Marittima, and Colle Val d'Elsa are all within an hour's drive. For beachgoers, the coast is a little further. The nearest airport is Florence Peretola (about 90 minutes by driving).

The atmosphere at this country house hotel is similar to that of a classy friend's estate. Danish co-owner Jeanette Throttrup has managed every detail of the interior design, which is luxurious and exquisite with a distinct antique feel.

The main villa's public areas have working fireplaces (which crackle cheerfully in cool weather), rich earthy hues, leather and velvet, spectacular floral arrangements, antiques, and gilt mirrors; flickering lighting adds to the intimacy. It's a kind of Tuscan-style 'hygge'.

Although guests come here to enjoy a luxurious and exclusive country vacation (which BSP provides in spades), many leave truly amazed at the bigger picture, because the Throttrup's vision for Borgo is that it will one day be self-sufficient, and it is constantly evolving; the most recent additions include two new garden suites, a fermenting lab, a drying shed for herbs and flowers, vineyards, additional kitchen gardens, and an alpaca herd.

The extensive facilities include a fantastic spa that uses the estate's herbal Seed-to-Skin products, a stunning infinity pool, swimming in the River Merse, numerous lounging areas both inside and out, 13 acres of magnificent gardens, and two restaurants. That's not to mention the miles of hiking paths that wind across the property.

You can sign up for culinary, flower arranging, and art workshops, farm visits, beekeeping and cheese-making demonstrations, Vespa tours, and hot air balloon rides. There is a helipad and even a 41.5-metre yacht available for charter.

Pets are permitted in the garden suites (a one-time €30/£25 fee applies).

Super-helpful staff are all friendly and professional, and they will go out of their way to accommodate customers' every desire.

Each of the 22 bedrooms and suites is distinctive, yet they are all huge and extremely comfortable. The style is light and romantic, with vaulted ceilings and pale stone flooring, lovely paintings, antiques and dazzling chandeliers, nubbly Tuscan linens and rich velvets, and a soft, soothing colour palette. Mood lighting (managed by an unintuitive series of switches, it must be stated) and candles enhance the atmosphere.

The three massive, wonderful pool suites are the best of the group, with private pools and fireplaces both inside and out, but the garden suites are also stunning and ideal for anyone seeking isolation.

The main villa has eight rooms, including the spacious first-floor Santo Pietro Suite, which has a huge terrace and panoramic views.

Enveloping beds have the finest Egyptian cotton sheets, feather duvets, and layers of plush pillows. Bathrooms are as fantastic as you'd hope, with honey-hued stone, double basins, big walk-in showers and claw-foot tubs, piles of fluffy towels, and generous amounts of the divine in-house Seed to Skin bath and body products.

All rooms come equipped with fully loaded iPads and DVD players, in addition to the standard flat-screen televisions.

The menus in the two restaurants are driven by a committed farm-to-table ethos; the vast kitchen garden and farm supply just-picked fruit, vegetables, and herbs, fresh eggs from the galline (who live in luxury in a row of pastel-colored coops), honey from the bees, cheeses from the sheep (processed in the in-house dairy), rabbit, fallow deer, and wild boar.

At Michelin-starred Meo Modo, where farm-to-plate is the driving idea, the chef accomplishes extraordinary things with the estate's bounty, focusing primarily on vegetables. Seafood also plays a role, with plenty of lobster, amberjack, and sea bass from the adjacent Tyrrhenian Sea.

The more casual Trattoria sul Albero is a fantastic space: a treehouse built around the enormous trunk of an ancient oak tree. Tuna tartare with guacamole, ricotta and spinach-stuffed cappelletti, grilled fish and bistecca, and delicious wood-fired pizza are all available here. The regular Monday night 'Farmer's Market' dinners with live jazz are quite popular; there is a self-serve buffet to begin, followed by meat or fish grilled to order.

A delicious breakfast is offered until 11 a.m. (albeit it's a moveable feast); in addition to a buffet table brimming with sweet and savoury treats, staff will whip up bacon and sausage, eggs Florentine or Benedict, omelettes, pancakes any way they want at the breakfast counter.

Castello di Vicarello

The off-the-grid location, at the end of a bumpy gravel route deep in the southern Maremma, cannot be beat if you want to entirely unplug and relax, yet there is culture within a 40-minute drive.

Rising squarely from a hilltop perch and guarded by soldier-straight cypress trees, the 12th-century stone castle and outbuildings are surrounded on all sides by the most glorious views of the Ombrone valley, with its thickly forested hills, vines, and olive trees, plus the odd stone farmhouse; the outline of Monte Argentario and a hazy strip of sea can be seen to the west.

The little village of Cinigiano is only a 10-minute drive away, while Siena and the Argentario beaches are 40 minutes apart. The main roadway connecting Siena and Grosseto is a 20-minute trip. The nearest airport is Florence Peretola (one hour and 40 minutes by vehicle), while a train from Grosseto (a 20-minute drive) takes less than two hours to Rome.

Aurora and Carlo Baccheschi Berti purchased the wrecked castle in the 1970s and began a comprehensive repair. Initially, it served as a home for family and friends, but it was later converted into a hotel with the feel of a quirky - but extremely charming - party house.

Today, it is in the capable hands of their three sons, Brando, Neri, and Corso, who have improved the amenities and service while preserving the essence of this unique hideaway.

The style is eclectic and very personal: the atmospheric rooms are filled with a mix of Indonesian pieces (accumulated during the Baccheschi Berti's 20 years of living in Bali), Tuscan antiques, design classics from the 1960s and 1970s purchased at auction, and a haul of family china, glassware, paintings, oriental rugs, and curiosities. Coffee tables are piled high with books and periodicals, ideal for spending a cool afternoon in front of a roaring fire.

The charming young personnel are friendly and helpful, and they will do everything they can to ensure that your stay runs properly.

Uva, the soppy in-house lab mix, welcomes guests joyfully and contributes to the warm atmosphere of the establishment. Wine tastings, hands-on culinary classes, riding lessons, and leather crafts with a local artisan are among the many activities available.

Free E-bikes and a vintage Fiat 500 (for an additional fee) are available for tours throughout the countryside. For only nine suites, there is a tremendous amount of space, including lovely rambling gardens with immaculate grass, a large vegetable plot, plenty of shady, isolated seating spots, two fabulous pools (one heated) with spectacular views, and walking and bicycling trails among the wooded hills.

Among the olive trees is a wood and glass spa suite; future plans include a gym as well as a full spa with sauna and steam room.

Dogs are welcome (additional daily charge) and will be provided with a bed and a welcome pack of treats.

Although several more are being planned, there are now just nine apartments, each of which is unique, but all of them are beautiful.

The gigantic Tower Suite under the eaves, where the Baccheschi Bertis originally lived, is at the top of the pile (literally): expect a large living and bedroom with an open fire, a massive bathroom with an antique marble tub and chaise longue, a dressing room, a small patio and panoramic views.

The freestanding Spa Suite, made entirely of glass and wood, has a sauna, steam room, and deck with a hot tub; the two-bedroom Chiesina Suite, which occupies an ex-chapel; the Grotta Suite, which has an own garden; and the Sassi Suite, which boasts stunning views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

All are outfitted in the same diverse style as the public spaces, with unique art, textiles, and a plethora of curiosities. They provide minibars with complimentary soft drinks and Nespresso machines. Fabulous bathrooms include copious supplies of good Aesop items in refillable bottles, as well as plush robes and slippers.

Eating and drinking have long been significant aspects of life at the Castello. Originally, Aurora did the most of the cooking, while Carlo entertained guests and served them superb wines. Chef Massimiliano Volonterio now runs the kitchen, which is housed in a stone-vaulted ex-stable.

His menus reflect a seasonal farm-to-table, zero-mile ethos and make full use of the ample in-house organic kitchen garden, as well as game, poultry, and meat from the estate, and fish and seafood from nearby Castiglione della Pescaia.

In the summer, cocktails and dinner are served on the castle ramparts, which provide a magical setting for dishes such as carpaccio of bream, pappardelle pasta with wild boar, or black fish with cherry tomatoes, capers, and black olives. Try a large bistecca alla Fiorentina, which works especially well with excellent house reds.

Romantics can choose a private dining experience: a candlelit dinner served in a quiet area beneath the castle walls. Tables are set up in the shady courtyard for languid lunches including specialties like insalata caprese, club sandwiches, pasta al pesto, and so on.

Breakfast is fantastic, with daily smoothies and fresh juices, local cheeses and charcuterie, homemade breads and jams, and scrambled eggs to order.

Borgo San Felice

San Felice is nestled in the rolling countryside that defines this south-eastern corner of Chianti (less touristy than the area around Greve to the north), surrounded by a timeless Tuscan scenery of vineyards, cypresses, and olive trees.

If you wish to go beyond the in-house vintages, the superb Castello di Brolio, Felsina, and Dievole wineries, which provide tastings, are all within a 30-minute drive. Siena is a 15-minute drive away, whereas Florence takes an hour and 15 minutes.

This sprawling hamlet has been transformed into a luxury resort, yet it also serves as the heart of a working wine farm. Surrounding the exquisite aristocratic Palazzo are brick structures that originally contained a school, a bakery, an olive press, a wood store, wine cellars and so on; today, they house bedrooms and suites decorated in luxe-country style, as well as the reception, spa, wine bar, gym and wine tasting rooms.

The careful alteration was completed with remarkable taste and a deep regard for the buildings' original purpose. The finished effect is lavish and wonderfully comfy, yet full of character.

Rooms and suites are spread over the property, with some in the beautiful Palazzo and others in the neighbouring barns. The stand-alone Legnaia apartment has its own spacious garden.

All but a few have been refurbished in the last year or two; expect vivid carpets on dark oak floors, sleek country-style soft furnishings, pops of pistachio green and sunflower yellow against neutral walls, and enveloping beds dressed with the finest Egyptian cotton linens.

Many rooms have separate dressing areas, and the contemporary bathrooms are finished in travertine marble; most include tubs, showers, and double basins.

Il Poggio Rosso, a Michelin-starred restaurant, serves exceptional modern Tuscan meals prepared by chef Fabrizio Borracino utilising food from the hotel's extensive organic kitchen garden as well as farm-fresh beef and fowl.

In the summer, tables are put out on the candlelit, pool-facing terrace for dishes such as duck-stuffed tortelli with butter and thyme and local lamb with braised lettuce, garlic cream, and marjoram. The wine selection is enormous, encompassing all of Italy and beyond, but why not try one of the great in-house riservas?

For a more casual (and far less expensive) supper, the Osteria del Grigio serves exquisite traditional delicacies like cinta senese cold cuts, panzanella bread salad, and bistecca di Chianina made in an open kitchen.

Breakfast options include Greek yoghurt and fruit salad, smoked salmon, savoury flans, bruschetta with tomatoes, and made-to-order eggs and bacon. and six different types of milk.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

The hotel is located on the busy, north-eastern length of the 'viali', or avenues that circle old Florence, and is only a 15-minute walk from the Duomo. This may be a disadvantage for some, but in the summer, when Florence's tourist hordes are at their worst, the 11-acre garden is a welcome respite after a long, hot day of sightseeing, and a complimentary shuttle bus runs between the hotel and the city centre.

The vibrant Sant'Ambrogio market and the Basilica of Santa Croce are also a 10-minute walk away. Under-the-radar landmarks nearby include the Gothic English Cemetery, the final resting place of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and the church of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi with its Crucifixion painting by Perugino (both five-minute walk).

Florence's Four Seasons is located in the Renaissance-era Palazzo della Gherardesca and La Villa, a 16th-century monastery across the park. It is a grand-style luxury hotel, a living museum of stunning works of art and original architectural details that meet you as soon as you go through the front entrance into the lobby, a loggia covered with an original bas-relief frieze and stucco work.

The interiors were created by Four Seasons fave Pierre-Yves Rochon (who also designed the George V in Paris), and they have a hint of Old Paris about them.

It doesn't get much better than this, especially in this city, and as expected, the Four Seasons Florence delivers on all levels. Staff are competent yet charming, and they remember your name.

The concierge crew, lead by Welsh-born Paul Lydka, a wealth of local knowledge and off-the-beaten-path tidbits, can organise anything from a hot-air balloon ride from the hotel to a sunset boat journey down the Arno to a romantic meal for two on a private patio on the Ponte Vecchio.

This is a true resort, with exceptional facilities such as a large pool area with a summer restaurant and bar, as well as Florence's premier hotel spa, which uses Santa Maria Novella, Rephase, Arangara, and Black Pearl products. Black Pearl sells the 'Luxe Perfection' 24-carat gold face mask, which is as pricey as you'd expect. Last but not least, there is on-site parking (for an additional fee), which is unusual in Florence.

This is a true resort, with exceptional facilities such as a large pool area with a summer restaurant and bar, as well as Florence's premier hotel spa, which uses Santa Maria Novella, Rephase, Arangara, and Black Pearl products. Black Pearl sells the 'Luxe Perfection' 24-carat gold face mask, which is as pricey as you'd expect. Last but not least, there is on-site parking (for an additional fee), which is unusual in Florence.

The 116 beautifully decorated bedrooms are fully equipped with all the necessary conveniences and facilities. Expect antique furniture and pictures, silks, velvets, and brocades, thick carpets, and massive, enveloping beds dressed in immaculate white linens, feather duvets, and the softest pillows. Lorenzo Villoresi, a Florentine bespoke perfumer, supplies goods for the splendid marble baths.

The opulent piano nobile suites include unique frescoes, antique wallpapers, and museum-quality antiques. La Villa's 37 rooms (which have their own street entrance) include butler service, a breakfast room and a bar (a restaurant is planned), and may be suitable for individuals who prefer a bit more privacy or who plan to stay for an extended period.

Chef Vito Mollica runs the luxurious, Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant, which is popular among Florentines. His dishes make the most of fresh, seasonal, local products while also experimenting with flavour combinations and new techniques. A recent supper had his specialty 'cavatelli cacio e pepe' pasta with marinated prawns (a twist on the cheesy staple) and rack of lamb with truffle mash and bitter spring greens.

The more casual poolside Al Fresco restaurant serves pizza, spaghetti, grills and sandwiches, while the pleasant Atrium bar, a favourite among wealthier locals, offers afternoon tea and great drinks.

Breakfast (served in the garden during mild weather) is a feast that includes pancakes with maple syrup, a wide variety of fresh fruit, cakes and pastries, real French croissants, and omelettes; try the one with tofu, mushrooms, and grilled asparagus. And if the weather is nice, you can even arrange a picnic lunch in the garden.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

This estate is so large that it takes fifteen minutes to drive across. So there is some off-road driving between here and Montalcino. However, the white roads are well-maintained, and the payoff, once you arrive at the Borgo in the estate's middle, is stunning vistas of Montalcino, combined with a sense of aristocratic rural isolation.

It is both a working wine estate and a meticulously maintained luxury resort. This multitasking character, I believe, keeps Castiglion del Bosco from feeling like a protected, gated version of rural Tuscany marketed for affluent consumers. From the chef's kitchen garden to the Daniela Steiner Spa's grape-must treatments, this establishment truly embraces the Tuscan lifestyle. And the interiors are truly stunning, with their rustic opulence and comfort.

The check-in and concierge personnel are pleasant and fluently bilingual, the spa attendants are friendly and professional, and the resident golf professionals are top-notch. Only in the restaurant, particularly at breakfast, have I noticed some uncertainty and garbled orders.

The Borgo, the restored agricultural hamlet at the estate's core, has 23 suites, the smallest of which is the size of many Italian city apartments.

Nine massive villas, each a renovated farmhouse, are scattered over the grounds. The overall style is what you might call coffee-table-luxe interior design: if you enjoy browsing through books of contemporary country Tuscan interiors, you've undoubtedly seen them. But the attention to detail is stunning.

There are two restaurants: the more upmarket Ristorante Campo del Drago and the intimate rustic-chic Osteria Canonica, both run by a brilliant and charming southern Italian chef. Ristorante Campo del Drago is a charming date spot, but the service and inventive Italian food are nothing special.

The Osteria is more of a Tuscan trattoria that serves all day, every day. Both employ fresh foods from the big kitchen garden. The wine list is as impressive as you'd expect, and there's a Culinary Academy for aspiring Tuscan chefs.

Monteverdi Tuscany

It may feel like you're on top of the world, yet the hotel is only about a 10-minute drive from Sarteano on a paved road.

Monteverdi is around two and a half hours from the Rome airport. The location is more suited for individuals who prefer to spend a few days relaxing at the resort rather than going on day trips every day.

The meticulous devotion to reinventing this modest Mediaeval village is evident in the nuances. Interior designer Ilaria Miani has added a sense of brightness and modernism to the building's exterior while keeping its uniqueness.

Custom beds, independent baths and rain showers, iron-wrought lanterns and mirrors, and local stone floors have established a new standard for style in the valley. The terraced gardens are as charming: a lap pool is surrounded by lavender plants, fig and olive trees give great spots and shade for reading, and tables and chairs are scattered around to enjoy the views while sipping a local vintage.

In addition to the amenities (spa, restaurant, gallery, bars), there are many special events planned seasonally—a lecture by Wes Anderson before a screening of one of his films, for example, or a classical music concert in the village church—itineraries can also include wine tastings at local vineyards, guided tours of Etruscan ruins, and even a day in Florence at the Uffizi or one of the fashion outlets, depending on your preferences. The spa is tiny but beautiful, with a separate treatment room for couples.

The 11 guest rooms and suites were renovated from former village homes and feature stone flooring, linen linens and drapes, canopy beds, fireplaces, one-of-a-kind spas, and massive rainshowers. The combination of design elements, such as exposed rafters, soft bedding, and colourful textile-covered sofas, creates a sense of style without detracting from the overall Tuscan vibe.

Room nine was our favourite—with a fireplace and stand-alone baths, it could possibly be one of the most romantic locations to stay in the area. Families may want to explore renting one of the three on-site villas, which have modern kitchens and private gardens or terraces for outside dinners.

For such a small property, there is a lot of gastronomic options: an enoteca that serves plates of salami and local cheese coupled with Brunello and Vino Nobile wines, the Library Bar, private chefs who can be called for special parties and the destination restaurant, Oreade. Standouts at the latter, which specialises on local and seasonal ingredients, include the vegetable flan with pecorino and shaved truffles, the pici with cacio and pepe, and a pig pair with a very soft pork belly.

Continental breakfast is included, but cooked items are extra. During the summer, reserve a table on the terrace in advance.

Hotel Il Pellicano

Il Pellicano is located in Porto Ercole, on its own private length of coastline, and stands spectacularly above the sea. It is one of the world's most photogenic hotels, which attracts famous photographers such as Slim Aarons and Juergen Teller, as well as joyful Instagrammers of various nationalities.

The Argentario is the popular hangout for affluent Romans and VIP yachters who moor out front and stop in for lunch, but the resort nevertheless feels isolated from its surroundings. The hotel is around 90 minutes from Rome's airport and the same distance from Florence. If you dislike winding roads and do not intend to travel frequently, a hotel transport is a better option than renting a car.

The history of this property is like a fairytale: in the 1960s, a British ex-pilot and an American actress fell in love with each other and this part of Italy, and carefully converted this coastal site into a hotel before selling it to its current owner.

The sense of history is preserved in the details, such as the beautifully framed shots that serve as a visual testament to its past, the perfectly grown-in garden and landscapes, and the saltwater pool, which has served as a temporary home to film stars and style icons for generations of visitors looking to unplug.

Under the direction of the owner's daughter, designer Marie Louise Scio, the resort has expanded to include a spa, a boutique offering beach essentials such as sexy cover-ups, and one of the hotel's two Michelin-starred restaurants. But maybe my favourite element of the resort is the cement sunbathing area at the bottom of the cliff, which features a long wooden dock that extends into the brilliant blue water.

The staff is friendly and sympathetic, and they are happy to assist with everything from a late check-out to arranging lovely bouquets of flowers for a special occasion. They also have plenty of recommendations for local experiences, such as hiring a boat for the day or visiting surrounding restaurants. However, many guests never leave the resort due to the tennis courts, pool, spa, two restaurants, and oceanfront terrace. Details such as a beachside bar and its now-iconic beach bags give the facility a modern feel while maintaining five stars.

Designer Marie Louise Scio's redesign has given the rooms greater elegance without detracting from the classic sense of place. Headboards are available in shades reminiscent of the surrounding Mediterranean and Tuscan terracotta tones. Many rooms have patios, some with breathtaking views of the sea, and one even has a private pool, although the view of the water comes at a much greater cost. In the huge and updated facilities, I enjoyed the bath items named after the property, such as 'a warm summer breeze' or 'windswept hair'.

There are two restaurants on site. One is Peligrill, the more informal option where most guests go for every day dining, which serves items such as delicious grilled fish. The Pellicano is the property’s Michelin-starred spot, with chef Michelino Gioia at the helm. Expect fresh seafood (try the John Dory with Gallinacci mushrooms and wild sorrel sauce) and local meat from Lazio and Tuscany (like a pigeon chest with foie gras, a Gioia special). The raw red shrimp in bottarga cream is unmissable. Part of the fun of eating here is for the parade of old Italian money and young hipsters dressed to the nines.

Breakfasts include seasonal fruit, fresh pastries and scrambled eggs at the buffet (items like eggs Benedict or omelettes can be ordered à la carte). 

Hotel Savoy

Centralissima. The Savoy is located at the heart of the city, overlooking the café-lined Piazza della Repubblica. The Duomo is a pigeon's spit away, and the Ponte Vecchio is a short walk south. This is ideal shopping territory; the fine designer stores of Via Tornabuoni are a few blocks to the west, while more accessible main street fashion retailers spread out to the east, and the San Lorenzo market is immediately to the north. Palazzo Strozzi, located directly across the piazza, hosts a rotating array of exceptional exhibitions.

The Savoy is the first cooperation between Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, and Laudemia Pucci, the daughter of the iconic designer Emilio Pucci. Pucci's influence is immediately apparent in the foyer, where jazzy fabrics in characteristically vibrant hues stand out against cold white paintwork and a pale marble floor.

The restaurant patio tables feature a custom designed Pucci scarf in fuchsia and brilliant blue. Beyond the foyer, the hotel has a more classic character, which Polizzi has enhanced with stunning Italian fabrics, locally produced cabinets and custom-made soft furnishings.

The superb service is traditional but with a modern twist, much like the hotel itself. The absence of a public lounge is unusual, but the bedrooms are large enough to relax in, and how often do you want to sit in a city-center hotel lounge anyway? There is no spa, but there is a fantastic underground gym, unquestionably the best hotel gym in the city core.

There are eighty bedrooms. Aside from the massive Presidential Suite, the greatest rooms in the house are the fourth-floor Grand View suites, which have sitting areas and panoramic views. However, even the entry-level doubles are spacious enough to accommodate an armchair and/or a small sofa. The rooms are sleek yet cosy, with a relaxing colour palette (courtesy of Farrow & Ball) of soft greys, greens, and dusty duck-egg blue.

The floors are bleached oak, the walls are covered in beautiful papers, and the magnificent textiles on the cushions, soft furnishings, and bedheads are all manufactured in Italy. Local artisans were commissioned for as many items as feasible, including lamps, cabinets, and iron fittings. Marble bathrooms have in-house Forte Organics products, soft robes, and slippers.

Irene, a relaxed bistro-style restaurant with a retro appearance and a piazza-facing terrace, is ideal for cocktails, lunch, and dinner; breakfast is also served here. Executive chef Fulvio Pierangelini, a star in Italian culinary circles, has forsaken expensive, gimmicky food in favour of fresh, seasonal dishes that you actually want to eat: classic'spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico'; sea bass with a 'ragù' of young broad beans; and beef fillet. The Friday night 'Fish & Spritz' slot is a lively, informal event including beverages and fish-related specialties.

Breakfast consists of plenty of fresh fruit, a nice assortment of bread and pastries, mozzarella, ricotta, and cold cuts. Made-to-order alternatives include scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, pancakes, and maple syrup.

Conclusion

In the enchanting area of Tuscany, where every corner holds a bit of history and beauty, the adventure does not end with touring, it continues to the doorsteps of its best hotels.

Tuscany has a wide range of hotel options to meet any traveler's preferences, from villas tucked among vineyards to quaint boutique hotels in mediaeval villages.

Whether you want to relax in the rolling hills, find romance in a historic city, or go on an adventure in the vineyards, Tuscany's best hotels are ready to make your stay unforgettable. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in Tuscany's timeless charm, and let the greatest hotels serve as your home away from home in this intriguing corner of Italy.