Hotel Villa Fiesole ★★★★

Driving through the Tuscan countryside is sensational; I feel the warm, Italian, rustic charm, the vineyards, olive groves, a million shades of orange and green soaking into my skin through the little rented car windows. I continue to revel in those lush, sunny surroundings even more from the hotel. As I step into the sweet, fresh air and look around from my lofty heights, I stop short mid-breath as I catch sight of the view just beyond my fingertips. A play of golden afternoon light is dancing over the rooftops of Florence, and I imagine myself reaching out to touch the domed roof of the cathedral from where I stand. It is strange to watch this magnificent city, so vivid and so close, yet to hear nothing but the rustle of leaves and occasional bursts of birdsong.

Upon entering the hall, I see the cosy armchairs and huge fireplace, and I am already pondering about returning in the autumn, this time with Tuscany aflame with reds and yellows, the fire roaring on a blustery evening. I think about the turquoise blue I glimpsed outside as we entered to check in, and remember reading about the heated outdoor pool, so I know what my first plan is once we've deposited our suitcases! 

That night we have our first Italian supper in the hotel's restaurant, La Terraza, and are not disappointed. Everything is delicious, especially my green ravioli stuffed with peppered beef accompanied by a light, creamy sage and butter sauce. The staff are very attentive and make a great point of helping us select the right wine. Tipsy and happy, we dance like Fred and Ginger along the corridor to bed, before rambling the ancient streets of Florence come tomorrow.

The Villa Fiesole truly is the ultimate artist’s retreat for those with a romantic heart and a penchant for silence, nature, beauty, quaint piazzas, timeless architecture, art, classical history, fine food, exquisite wine and blissful comfort all rolled into one.