Marignolle Relais & Charme

The best of two seductive worlds: ten minutes’ drive takes you from the bustling heart of Florence to this classic country villa hotel. After a hectic day’s sight-seeing it’s heaven to unwind by the pool, facing olive groves and wooded hillside, the scent of lavender, rosemary and roses rich in the air.

Manager – and sommelier – Lorenzo organises and guides vineyard and general tours (it’s only 30 miles to San Gimignano) and his sister, Silvia, runs brilliant cooking lessons. Buffet breakfasts are elegant in the glazed gazebo, with homemade cakes, local jams and breads; eggs and bacon too if you wish. A light Tuscan evening meal can be arranged, perhaps lingering afterwards with a brandy by a winter fire.

Traditional, super-comfortable bedrooms have parquet floors, coordinated floral fabrics and big, white-tiled bathrooms. There’s a little spa too with hot tub and sauna – with those beautiful views over the hills.