Italy is the most romantic of destinations and Tuscany a jewel in Italy. But not all Romantic retreats are the same - here is a list of our five best Tuscan romantic retreats with notes.
Some are best for relaxing with champagne and romance, others perfect as bases for long walks in the hills, returning to a simple meal in front of a stunning view.
Ameglia, La Spezia | For romantic walkers Casa Guelfi was selected by Conde Nast Traveler as a special placeThis little honeymoon cottage with a private pool is on the slopes of a National Park, close to the village of Ameglia and within perfect reach of some fantastic walking paths around the cliffs and coves of the coast just south of the Cinque Terre. The paths and villages around Montemarcello, are special because they are just as interesting and beautiful as those on the Cinque Terre but far, far quieter. Should you decide to go to Portovenere and walk the 5 village of the Cinque Terre, there is an excellent bus and train service. And when you're not walking, the villa has its own private pool.
Argentario, Maremma | For a real getaway Casina Moresca has fabulous views over the Mediterranean sea A little house high on a ridge over the mediterranean sea, surrounded by olive trees and with views that go on forever. During the day you can see out to the Island of Giglio, then to Montecristo and even as far as Corsica. At night stars sparkle gloriously right over your outside dining table as well as over the nearby Jacuzzi - the owner told me with tongue in cheek that they had built it purposely exactly beneath the milky way for maximum effect! The access road to this property is narrow and windy!
San Giovanni Valdarno, Florence | For Tennis lovers Treggiaia is a rare find, a small villa with a Tennis court and poolThis little house has a swimming pool directly in front of the house and a tennis court just to the right, making it perfect for those who love to stay active on holiday. If Tennis and swimming aren't enough, there are stables nearby that will allow one to discover the surroundings slowly on horseback and shopping outlets within 1/2 hr. for those whose preferences turn to Italian styling and a good bargain. When you want to explore the famous cities there is a train station at the bottom of the hill with easy access to Florence, Arezzo and Rome by train.
Roccatederighi, Grosseto | For food and history loversScuderia is one of the apartments on an ancient convent and farming estate called Pieve di Caminino, south of Siena close to a village called Roccatederighi. The family that owns it are architects and have done a wonderful job of restoring the ancient buildings and carving out a variety of apartments in the ancient structure. This is our favourite, a spacious open plan apartment in the old stables, with a four poster bed as the centerpiece. The coast is nearby, with a charming port of Castiglion della Pescaia a 25 minute drive away. The estate makes its own olive oil and wine and the owners are wonderful hosts.
Scuderia is one of the apartments on an ancient convent and farming estate called Pieve di Caminino, south of Siena close to a village called Roccatederighi. The family that owns it are architects and have done a wonderful job of restoring the ancient buildings and carving out a variety of apartments in the ancient structure. This is our favourite, a spacious open plan apartment in the old stables, with a four poster bed as the centerpiece. The coast is nearby, with a charming port of Castiglion della Pescaia a 25 minute drive away. The estate makes its own olive oil and wine and the owners are wonderful hosts.