This romantic hideaway on the Argentario Coast of Tuscany reflects the timeless elegance of the Italian Riviera. Situated on the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the hotel offers breath-taking views and a serene atmosphere at the glamorous beachfront location. Originally a private residence, the property was transformed into a hotel in the 1960s by American socialite Patsy Daszel and her husband, British aviator Michael Graham and over the years has maintained its exclusive charm thanks to the management of their daughter. It is one of the most photogenic hotels in the world, highlighted by famed photographers Slim Aarons and Juergen Teller. Rooms and suites are designed with a luxurious yet minimalist Tuscan aesthetic, and many of the rooms offer sea views and private terraces. The hotel has beautiful grounds that boast an outdoor pool and tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art spa that will take relaxation to new heights. Il Pellicano boasts several dining options, including the Michelin-starred Il Pellicano restaurant, known for its gourmet cuisine and exquisite presentation of Tuscan and Italian classics. Chef Michelino Gioia is at the helm, so expect fresh seafood, local meat and great people
watching: a mix of old Italian money and young, creative millennials.
Pricing: From £400 per night
Vegan-offerings in Italy are few and far between, but this countryside retreat is paving the way for plant-based
escapes. Vegan Agrivilla I Pini is an eco-friendly, vegan agritourism hotel located near the medieval town of San Gimignano, Tuscany. The unique property emphasises sustainability, organic farming and vegan living, and provides
guests with a holistic and eco-conscious experience in a beautiful setting. Stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills mean you’re fully submerged in the serenity of nature, and the rooms and suites reflect this with eco-friendly materials, natural furnishings and organic linens adding to the tranquillity of the escape. Food is the main event here, with an on-site restaurant serving exclusively vegan cuisine, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients sourced from the property's own gardens or local suppliers.
Meals are crafted to highlight seasonal produce and traditional Tuscan flavours, with a focus on health and sustainability at the core of everything they do. An enriching stay for those interested in sustainable values, guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as yoga, meditation, and cooking classes, and workshops and tours are available to educate guests on organic farming, vegan living, and sustainable practices. Be at one with nature here, and adopt a more mindful and eco-friendly lifestyle to take back home with you.
Pricing: From £300 per night
A rural retreat with gourmet cuisine best describes Poggio Alla Sala, a luxurious estate and winery located near the
historic town of Montepulciano, the heart of the Tuscan wine country. You’ll be fully submerged into the Tuscan way of life here, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves whilst enjoying exceptional service and warm
Italian hospitality. The 18th-century Neoclassical Villa displays the perfect blend of history and modernity. Simple, elegant decor with neutral hues style the light-filled rooms, but it’s luxurious to its core, so don’t let the minimalism fool you. There’s plenty to do at the estate, from relaxing by the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and walking the extensive manicured gardens to soaking up the spa, which offers Ayurvedic healing treatments and oud-scented rituals.
If you’re after a more immersive stay, guests can participate in cooking classes, wine tours, and other culinary experiences that highlight Tuscan traditions and flavours. If you’re visiting as a family, there’s a kids club with an array of children’s activities available, ensuring junior guests are spoiled just as much as the grown-ups. Discerning travellers with a penchant for good food and wine will be pleased to know the property is renowned for its winery, producing high-quality wines such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and other Tuscan varieties. The stunning La Via Della Seta restaurant has cinematic interiors and magnificent frescos that really are the crown jewel of the hotel. Marvel at the decor whilst dining on a fusion of East meets West dishes that will take you on a sensorial journey through fragrant oriental and European cuisine with a unique Tuscan twist.
Pricing: From £360 per night
Villa Lena puts the cool into countryside with a creative, cultural residence located on a hilltop in the province of Pisa, in the heart of Tuscany. Blending hospitality with a commitment to the arts and sustainable living, the 500 hectare estate provides an ideal setting for those looking to unwind, explore their artistic side, and enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
Villa Lena is not just a hotel though, it’s also an art foundation with different artists taking up residency each month, offering guests the chance to enjoy workshops and leaving a piece behind for the hotel, ensuring it’s an ever-changing art gallery. The atmosphere is friendly and warm here, as guests and artists gather in the hotel’s restaurant Osteria delle Tre Panche for a communal dining experience based on a seasonal organic menu that is rooted in Italian cuisine. There’s plenty of immersive activities too, from yoga classes, truffle hunting, al-fresco film screening and creative workshops. Colour is of the essence throughout the property, with character-filled rooms in the main San Michele building speaking to a generation of design-conscious travellers, through fresh colourways, raffia furniture, and clashing tropical prints. Choose between rooms and private villas, which are dotted around several buildings, including a 19th-century villa and renovated farmhouses.
This creative hotspot will certainly spark your senses.
Pricing: From £200 per night