The Magic Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi, now a glamorous seaside resort, has an interesting connection to Italian art history. This Tuscan town, close to the Apuan Alps and their marble quarries, was an important trading hub for the region’s famous white Carrara marble — the very same used for Michelangelo’s David, among many other treasures. It makes sense that the Magic Collection Retreats, a hospitality brand inspired by art, should set up shop here. The Magic Forte dei Marmi is a modern villa that doubles as a showcase for contemporary Italian artists, featuring site-specific installations, original artworks, and one-of-a-kind design pieces inside and out.

The hotel has just a handful of suites, and each is unique. The minimalist décor is gallery-like — with white flooring, white walls, sophisticated lighting systems, and large windows letting in abundant sunshine — creating an ideal backdrop for the colorful art collection. One has a bathroom whimsically tiled in a yellow floral pattern, another has an art installation built from paperback books, and a third has a large private terrace with deck furniture covered in vibrant textiles. There’s a creative twist, too, to the hotel’s stylish cinema, open-air spa and fitness center, and quirky, mosaic-lined swimming pool. The Magic Forte dei Marmi is just a block from the beach, but complimentary bicycles make it easy to explore town.