Villa di Piazzano

Every part of Italy has its own unique identity, but Villa di Piazzano almost seems like it exists solely to prove a point: the dividing line between Tuscany and Umbria literally runs through the hotel’s grounds, which means that rather than represent some essential characteristics of one or the other region, it’s free simply to be itself. And what it is, whether Tuscan or Umbrian, is an extraordinary hotel, a Renaissance-era villa that’s been expanded to 31 rooms and suites and transformed into an exquisitely tasteful luxury boutique hotel.

Though it’s set just ten minutes’ drive from Cortona, its immediate surroundings are a protected natural reserve, which lends a distinctly pastoral flavor to this one-time hunting manor. And while the villa has been renovated and expanded, its style remains decidedly historical in aspect — though functionally modern, aesthetically the Villa di Piazzano is still a 15th-century throwback. Space is plentiful in the rooms and suites, and the estate, with its rambling gardens and its lovely little pool, offers plenty of opportunity for pleasant diversion. Naturally the food and wine is up to the highest standard as well — L’Antica Casina di Caccia, the fine-dining restaurant, is highly regarded, as is the more casual Bistrò, and cooking classes are available several days a week.