Captivating visitors with its rugged beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage, Tuscany is a region in central Italy existing in perfect symbiosis with nature. It is famed for its wine and olive oil production, but is also a treasure trove of art and architecture.
The region’s gently rolling hills, dipped in a soft mist amongst sculptural cypress alleys, offer a blissful prelude to its medieval hilltop villages, coastal expanses, and soaring verdant valleys.
Tuscany’s idyllic rural setting is graced by a bountiful array of soul-soothing hotels, ranging from quaint hillside boutiques to stunning architectural wonders. I’m living in the region so have chosen my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Tuscany, Italy (in no particular order)…
1. California Park Hotel – a hip and trendy boutique-style hotel perfect for Instagrammers, Millenials and Gen Zs
Surrounded by a vast expanse of scintillating greenery, yet situated a mere 300 metres from the beach, California Park is a peaceful Tuscany retreat where nature and elegance coexist in perfect harmony.
The white-washed guestrooms ooze comfort and sophistication, and some are equipped with spacious balconies overlooking the glimmering outdoor pool. After a day out meandering through the bucolic surrounds and sampling world class wines, a graceful wellness area with hot tub awaits with a spot of pampered serenity.
The hotel houses one of my favourite ever Tuscan restaurants, which also serves a delicious homemade breakfast each morning.
2. Podere GIUSTI – a beautiful, unique and chic gem with a backdrop of the Tuscan mountains
Nestled within the verdant Tuscan hills, Podere Giusti is the perfect union between the refinement of old farmhouses and the modernity of a luxury resort.
This is the perfect spot to enjoy not just the food and wine of Tuscany but also its soul-soothing landscapes, whether you’re on a couple’s romantic retreat or on a family getaway. I stayed in an apartment, which came with a private terrace furnished with tables, chairs, and parasols.
A more budget-friendly option is a standard guestroom, which also offers a life-lasting opportunity to relish the peace and tranquillity of the region. I thought the welcome kit with olive oil-based beauty products was a great touch!
To book, check prices or availability for Podere GIUSTI
3. Hotel Stella Della Versilia – a chic, trendy and modern hotel surrounded by gorgeous pines not too far from the beach
Set on the beautiful Apuan Riviera, this oasis of wellness brings together the scent of the sea and the silence of the maritime pine forest to craft a hospitality concept rooted in total tranquillity.
I found that lots of light was the common thread of the architectural style, which filtered through floor-to-ceiling windows in the guestrooms to unite the inside and outside worlds.
The surrounding nature is a key point of inspiration here, suffusing not only the materials used in the rooms and communal spaces, but also the wellness rituals, and the products incorporated into the restaurant’s dishes.
4. Resort Miramonti – a cool, funky and fun hotel housed within a gated property surrounded by pretty gardens perfect for low-key partying in the Tuscan sunshine
Every day is transformed into a special story at Resort Miramonti. Situated a mere 700 metres from the sea yet less than a kilometre from the centre of Forte dei Marmi, this prestigious hotel is nestled within a 6000 m2 park expanse.
At the centre of the hotel lies the glittering pool, beside which many sunbeds are positioned for optimum tanning. The pool also features a lush swim-up bar, allowing you to sip a crafted cocktail during your refreshing dip.
I loved the family feel of Resort Miramonti, which gave each communal nook an uplifting, graceful ambiance. The elegant restaurant and the lavish bar are offered delightful spots to mingle with like-minded travellers.
5. Il Nido d’Amore – Lorenzana Colombaie – a unique, impressive and beautiful retreat surrounded by lush countryside
This elegant resort is surrounded by lush manicured gardens, bringing a bucolic flair to your Tuscany vacation. On-site, you can take advantage of high-end barbeque facilities, and cook up a feast with family and friends.
The seasonal outdoor pool is dotted with sun loungers, inviting guests to relish a balmy atmosphere as they kick back and relax. Many of the guestrooms exude traditional intimacy through wooden vaulted ceilings and an ambient lighting system, and some even boast an indoor candlelit Jacuzzi.
Others are clad head to toe in bright colours and are draped in luxury materials, adding an air of luxury.
6. Antico Podere San Francesco – a unique, creative and relaxing boutique-style hotel with cool design touches and a fabulous outdoor swimming pool
This enchanting oasis is nestled in the heart of nature, and offers a serene garden with a shimmering pool, as well as games for the children.
Set near the Wine Road of the Etruscan Coast, guests can revel in scintillating views of both the sea and the rolling hills from a delightful room or apartment furnished in a Rustic Tuscan style. In my opinion, the deluxe double rooms are an idyllic option, especially for a romantic couple’s getaway, and it even comes with an in-room jetted Jacuzzi.
The hotel’s Honesty Bar offers a beautiful breakfast buffet overlooking the pool, where you can enjoy the freshness that only a calm sunny morning in Tuscany can offer.
7. San Giovanni Terme Rapolano – a unique and gorgeous boutique gem with some quirky-chic design details surrounded by beautiful Tuscan countryside
This sprawling resort is set in the heart of the Crete Senesi, putting Siena and the Chianti region’s medieval towns at your fingertips.
From the Thermal Springs Park to the Wellbeing Centre, every aspect of the resort is rooted in a philosophy to maximise wellness. I really enjoyed hiring a bike on-site and cycling through the peaceful surroundings, and there is even a tennis court within the property’s grounds. The Thermal Spring Park offers 4 pools, where water emerges naturally from the ground, and solarium spaces ooze comfort and serenity.
Further on-site facilities include an open-air Sunset Bar, a terrace with panoramic countryside views, and a bistro bar serving delicious gourmet cuisine.
8. Sce Quiríc – a stunning, trendy contemporary boutique-style retreat housed in an ancient farmhouse
Caressed by a contemporary soul, this ancient farmhouse is situated in the heart of the Val d’Orcia – a place where history and nature blend to radiate an enchanting charm.
Being surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills created a soothing atmosphere during my stay, and brought a beautiful backdrop to my afternoons spent lounging around.
The solarium area, equipped with sunbeds and parasols, offers an on-site spot of serenity, and the private balconies enhance relaxation whilst overlooking the gorgeous hinterland scenery.
The property has been totally cultivated in harmony with nature, and the splendour of the surrounding vineyards truly sets the tone for an unforgettable stay.
To book, check prices or availability for Sce Quiríc
9. Villa I Barronci Resort & Spa – offers stylish contemporary interiors housed in a charming and old-world hilltop Tuscan villa and beautiful views of the Chianti countryside
There are moments in life where you simply have to embrace the essence of beauty. For me, this resort provided just that moment! Nestled within the open countryside on the highest hill of San Casciano, the luxuriant atmosphere of the property is second to none.
Whilst it is refurbished to a dreamlike aesthetic, the charm certainly reflects its 13th-century roots, blending tradition and modernity to the point of perfection.
The classic flavours of the region are gracefully embedded into the hotel’s restaurant, which sits on a panoramic terrace, offering an exaltation of the senses. Guests can also soothe the soul in the relaxing spa, as well as in the glistening swimming pool.
10. Cuprena – a beautiful, chic retreat surrounded by fragrant gardens and an outdoor swimming pool located in Arezzo
Located in the heart of the Arezzo countryside, Cuprena impresses with its gorgeous domed architecture, set before a beautiful background of verdant scenery.
I truly enjoyed peacefully strolling through the property’s grounds and soaking up the hinterland charm, before savouring delicious wines in the in-house cellar. The property is dressed head-to-toe in a boutique style, where high levels of love and care has caressed even the smallest detail.
The property boasts various open-air hangout spaces, where you can recline on a swinging chair or in a hammock. The guestrooms, dressed in neutral tones and soft wooden hues, ooze luxury and intimacy and accompany modern, state-of-the-art bathrooms.
11. Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat – The Leading Hotels of the World – a wow-inducing and very Instagrammable resort complete with excellent upscale wellness and spa facilities
Born from a Renaissance portico on a thermal spring, Fonteverde is a tribute to the regenerating power of thermal waters. This timeless jewel invites you to discover a new dimension of well-being, with a blissful wellness complex blending in beautifully with the surrounding valley, affording panoramic vistas.
My room was in the historic building and was dressed in a classic old-world style with soft carpets and marble travertine bathrooms.
There are, however, also many contemporary rooms in the adjacent and more recent construction. The on-site Restaurant Ferdinando serves a menu based on rustic Tuscan delicacies and offers a laidback Mediterranean-style ambiance.
12. Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze – a hip, trendy and exclusive seafront hotel with upscale cosmopolitan vibes
With its elegant spa, refined gastronomic proposal, and cosy rooms, Versilia Lido offers a distinct hospitality experience overlooking one of Italy’s most gorgeous coastlines.
Nestled between the building and the sea is an expansive outdoor pool, where the charm of the Tuscan sun will soothe you into a blissful sense of relaxation. I have returned to this property on a number of occasions, and I always choose a room with a garden-view balcony, where the cacophony of ocean waves and tweeting birds create a blissful serenade to my peaceful mornings.
The restaurant invites you to embrace an alfresco setting and watch the sunset over the Tuscan hills as you savour local delicacies in the evening.
13. Tenuta Cortedomina – a chic and stunning boutique winery and kitchen serving award-winning wines located on the hills of the Pesa valley in Chianti
Tenuta Cortedomina welcomes guests with the warmth of home along with the beauty of Tuscany. I stayed in the Pompeii Suite, which invited me to rediscover the luxury and voluptuousness of ancient Rome, enhanced by a personal outdoor space.
Other options include The Rock room, which befitting its nametag, comes with a relaxing corner carved into stone, where a freestanding tub awaits.
Also the Renaissance Suite, which is dressed in typical Italian opulence. Evenings here are a lavish affair, whether you choose to indulge in a themed candlelit dinner in the winter garden or savour a delicious picnic in the vineyard.
14. Relais Torre Mozza – Dimora d’ Epoca – a striking and unique gem with a private beach area lcoated in beautiful Follonica in the Tuscany
Housed in a fortified 16th-century structure, Relais Torre Mozza offers, in my opinion, the most authentic style of luxury in the whole region.
This historical residence overlooks the sea, and offers 8 exclusive suites designed for you to live and breathe the essence of the Tuscany.
In each unit, the charm of prized historic artefacts is blended with luxury designer furnishings and precious fabrics, and many hours will be spent gazing across the crystal-clear and the Island of Elba.
The hotel’s Jacuzzi is backdropped by the whole archipelago, offering moments of total relaxation. From 1pm, you can savour a menu of fresh Italian dishes and aperitifs.
15. Agriturismo Pensieri di Cavatina – a tranquil, trendy and rustic chic gem with some impressive design features surrounded by the gorgeous Tuscan countryside
Situated on a resplendent 20-hectare farmamong the rolling hills of Siena, the majesty of this hotel is complemented by the centuries-old olive trees, scented gardens, and Mediterranean flora.
This gorgeous landscape frames the cottages, which have been renovated to encompass the elegance and comfort of a high-end resort. During your stay here you can embrace outdoor dining, high attention to detail, and the charm of a bespoke, family-run service.
Additionally, you can restore your senses in a large Jacuzzi under the warm rays of the Tuscan sun, and harmonize with the calming sounds of nature from a comfortable deckchair in the lush garden.
16. Il Castelluccio Country Resort – an impressive, romantic and intimate boutique-style gem housed in a historic 11th-century Tuscan farmhouse located in the Florentine hills
The pleasures of well-being, conviviality, and harmony are ever-present at this peaceful oasis. Located in Florence, the hotel is surrounded by nature, and the interior decorations exude intimacy and warmth.
An air of eccentricity radiates through the guestrooms, in the form of ambient lights, vivid colours, and quirky wall art. The use of primordial natural elements such as artistic terracotta, solid woods, and wrought iron that characterizes the hotel’s wellness concept creates a soul-soothing spa experience.
The three on-site swimming pools and panoramic Solarium carved into the rock further enhance the sense of relaxation. Additionally, the Tuscan recipes and renowned wines at the restaurant are some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to taste!
17. Abbadia Sicille – chic Tuscan boutique accommodation housed in a historic stone castle dating from 1180 for a very unique and romantic stay
Here we have, in my opinion, one of Tuscany’s most quaint and traditional hotels. In an ancient village in Trequanda, this stunning abode nestles amid rolling hills, and abounds with historical and artistic charm.
The tranquillity of the Sienese hills can be relished from the outdoor pool, which is dotted by soaring trees. The hotel’s Fondo restaurant uses local materials and great attention to seasonality crafts delectable regional dishes, which during the winter, can be enjoyed by a roaring fireplace.
Next to the hotel lies the church of Santa Maria a Sicille, which looms in the backdrop with its stone ashlar façade and a pointed arch.
18. Adler Spa Resort Thermae – a striking and chic health-orientated thermal spa resort in lcoated a Tuscan country house
A sister property to several Dolomite hotels, this health-orientated thermal resort combines the glorious setting of the Val d’Orcia with state-of-the-art facilities.
The scent of cypresses fills the air, and the freshness of the steaming thermal water induces total relaxation. The neo-Renaissance architecture radiates timeless elegance and is surrounded by extensive green lawns, oozing beauty and enchantment. Lots of wood and glass adorn the modern interiors, and floor-to-ceiling windows allow the essence of nature to set a picturesque backdrop for the 90 guestrooms.
The large loggia-style restaurant is topped by a retractable glass roof and serves organic cuisine sourced from local ingredients.
19. Villa Barberino – a stylish and romantic upscale boutique-style stay set on the former grounds of the 14th-century Barberino Castle not far from San Giovanni Valdarno
Dating back to the 14th century, Villa Barberino reflects a storied past, and offers an extravagant boutique retreat nestled within landscaped gardens.
The hotel’s buildings form a large countryside estate, situated in the former grounds of Barberino Castle. The property is above all a farm, dedicated to the production of wines, oil, and honey.
All rooms boast original features which include wood-beamed ceilings and antique furniture, while the apartments offer the added convenience of a fully equipped kitchen.
A traditional restaurant, a swimming pool with solarium, and a tennis court also feature at this property, offering plenty of spaces to soak up the Tuscan charm.
20. Montebelli Agriturismo & Country Hotel – a tranquil Tuscan farm stay located in a historic 19th-century Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards
Grounded by a love for nature, Montebelli Agriturismo & Country Hotel respects the principles of eco-sustainability and is surrounded by endless verdant hills and vineyards. I spent a weekend in the Farmhouse, where the rooms are furnished in a classic Tuscan style and the essence of country living is deeply embedded into the décor.
You can however also book a room in the Country Hotel if you’re after a modern design and a feeling of spacious elegance. Whichever you choose, your stay will be complemented by access to meditation classes and the free use of mountain bikes.
Further on-site facilities include a tennis court, a swimming pool, a holistic spa, and a relaxation lounge with a herbal tea corner.
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
