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"Originally from Sicily, our family arrived in Tuscany in the late 1960s. This move transported us into an entirely different culture, a different land. In spite of the unfamiliar surroundings, it was clear that the region would become our home. We never left. That’s because the south of Tuscany boasts sublime villages, springs that were already exploited in Roman times, olive groves, lagoons, sheer cliffs, creeks and islands…"
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Skirting the sandy beaches of Forte dei Marmi, in the foothills of the Apuanian Alps, this 16th century olive oil mill has been artfully transformed into a gourmet traveller’s paradise. The harmony and comfort of the elegant suites, the artful combination of antique and modern furnishings and the excellence of its cuisine are crowned by the relaxation offered in the new Otzium Hammam to create a unique unforgettable experience. A subtle food made of perceptions and emotions can be enjoyed in suite or in the unmatchable surroundings. Enjoy the marble caves of Michelangelo in Carrara, the striking coastline of the Five Lands, and the historic cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence.
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The only festival in the world dedicated to the composer of Madame Butterfly, the Puccini Festival brings opera lovers together in the countryside that so inspired the musician. Giacomo Puccini long lived in Torre del Lago, where he settled with Elvira, the mistress who became his wife. Every year since 1930 in July and August, the greatest opera stars can be found on the outdoor stage of the Grand Théâtre, performing his greatest creations: Turandot, Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, etc.
Beaches and shops in Forte dei Marmi
Along five miles of sandy beach, the colourful booths of Forte dei Marmi are one of the postcard perfect images of seaside Tuscany. Here, visitors can enjoy the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the shade of palms trees. This former fishing village has become a resort where the clientele is both chic and trendy, and is known for its luxury brands and rich antique market almost as well as for its fine sand. In the evening, this small town comes alive with the rhythm of restaurants and later, nightclubs featuring the best DJs in the country.
Relais & Châteaux Arnolfo Ristorante
Chef Gaetano Trovato trained with the very best chefs in Europe and has returned to his native Tuscany to prepare cuisine using organic produce, imbuing the authentic flavours of the Crete Senesi with a contemporary spirit. “Territory and Quest” and “Contemporary Moments” are two seasonal menu suggestions. The menu features fresh pasta of the day, milk-fed veal raised in the hills of Siena, as well as langoustines, prawns and fish from the Tyrrhenian coast; a feast for the eyes and the palate. Expert sommelier Giovanni Trovato will guide you through a wine list featuring 600 vintages from Tuscany and further afield.
Hotel and restaurant in the country. A large stone-built house at the end of a drive lined with Cypress trees, rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, a garden stocked with different species and fragrances – this is the Tuscany of our dreams. It is sheer delight to stroll between the flower beds, and the infinity pool offers stunning views over the valley. The stone walls, that once housed a staging post for pilgrims, have retained their peacefulness, but the décor has been enlivened by antique furniture and murals, which gleam in the light of crystal chandeliers. As in the past, the garden provides aromatic herbs and vegetables and the bees offer honey from the flowers on the grounds.
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For over forty years, Guido Pinzani has been specialising in making cheeses from raw sheep’s milk. In a traditional cheese dairy, not far from the Carthusian monastery in Pontignano, he offers absolutely delicious aged pecorino cheeses. You have two main options: take a trip to the dairy for an on-site tasting, or… discover his incredible cheeses on the menu at Arnolfo Ristorante. 52 per Casole d’Elsa, Volterra
The crystal of Colle di Val d’Elsa
All the crystal glassware that you will find on our tables comes from the local factory. Colle di Val d’Elsa is the crystal capital of Italy, the Italian Bohemia. Throughout the town, engravers, master glassmakers and antique dealers display magnificent collector’s items. Over ninety percent of the country’s production is still manufactured here. Don’t miss the lovely Museum of Crystal, which recounts its history from the Middle Ages onwards. Via del Fossi 8, Colle di Val d’Elsa
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. This elegant property was the first Italian hotel to join Relais & Châteaux in 1973, and the Gallia-Ansaldi family has been welcoming guests for three generations. On the fine sandy private beach, in front of the island of Elba, La Pagoda restaurant reigns supreme, thanks to its unique architecture and spectacular sea views. Completely relax in the Turkish baths, pool or wellness centre and gym. Golfers will enjoy the 18-hole golf course, set in a pine forest that is over hundred years old. A private yacht awaits for memorable excursions to the Tuscan archipelago.
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Located in the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, Elba is only a few nautical miles from the coast. Climb aboard the hotel’s boat to discover its pebbled coastline and secluded little beaches, far from the madding crowd. The picture-perfect scenery of scrubland and orchards, vines and beech groves, enchants everyone who comes here. I witnessed one of the most memorable sunsets of my life here.
Golf course at Punta Ala
Opened in 1964, this 6168-metre-long eighteen-hole course (Par 72) is without a doubt one of the finest in Italy! Above the sea, the course meanders between oaks and pines, strawberry trees and bushes. The setting is the magnificent Maremma in Tuscany, where scrubland borders the sea. Play a few holes on its natural contours before enjoying the sunset over the water.
Saturnia and its hot springs
My brother Gaetano and I regularly visit the hot springs of Saturnia. Known since Etruscan times for its open-air baths, the town offers visitors the chance to luxuriate in waters that are more than 37°C all year round. The springs and their therapeutic properties were already well known to the Romans. It’s up to us to preserve and make the most of this heritage.
The Orbetello lagoon
This is a paradise for bird watchers. Managed by the WWF, the Orbetello lagoon is an exceptional site where you can observe nearly two hundred different species of birds, including ospreys, herons and flamingos. In the evenings, you can watch more magnificent sunsets over the lagoon and Monte Argentario. To see as many birds as possible, opt for a visit to the lagoon between September and April.
Caino Restaurant
On the route
The Palio Marinaro of Castiglione della Pescaia
Another picturesque seaside town: the silhouette of the huge Aragonese Castle towers over this pretty village with its narrow backstreets. Below, the azure sea is bordered by sandy beaches. In August you can attend the races during Palio Marinaro, a festival that features teams of local fishermen who compete against each other in small boats. Head to the quays of the little port to take part in this amazing festival.
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