L’Andana

L’Andana occupies a particularly auspicious parcel of land near western Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian coast — Tenuta La Badiola was once the summer residence of the Grand Duke Leopold II, and today is as picturesque a collection of vineyards and sun-drenched foothills as one is likely to find anywhere in Italy. Here you’re remote enough to hide out for a while, if that’s your style, yet equally well placed to see the sights, near enough to places like Siena and Lucca and the scenic Maremma coast to make for easy day-tripping.

This is the quintessential Tuscan landscape, where the sun hangs low over the foothills, casting its golden light over rows of grapevines and olive trees. And it’s apparent upon arrival that you’re on to something special — the half-mile driveway, lined with cypresses and umbrella pines, makes for a stunning first impression. The hotel itself amply delivers on this promise, with its rooms and suites spread across the duke’s old villa and the connected farmhouse. The interiors, by Ettore Mochetti, the chief editor of Architectural Digest Italy, are sophisticated, eschewing faux-rustic country clichés in favor of a more urbane and opulent look.

As for the atmosphere, it’s a disarming blend of professional hospitality and guest-house intimacy, with breakfast ordered in the kitchen, right over the cook’s shoulder; the and served in the drawing rooms or out on the patio. The relatively casual Restaurant La Villa serves classic Tuscan fare in the house’s dining room; the main culinary event is La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, set in the estate’s old granary.

In addition to a chic and luxurious spa by ESPA, the old estate boasts some thousand-plus acres to explore at your leisure, and closer to home is the pool, where it’s not uncommon to find your fellow guests passing entire afternoons soaking in the sunshine.

Please note: L’Andana is open seasonally April through October. A two-night minimum is required for most rooms on weekends in July and August.