Fonte De' Medici

The two separate hamlets of Fonte de' Medici date back to 1400. They stand surrounded by manicured vineyards and are built from that iconic honeyed stone of Tuscany. A grand monastery stands nearby, and once housed pilgrims heading towards Rome, a hint at the historical importance of the area. I sometimes think it's my parents’ fault that I'm addicted to Italy; my father would take me traipsing around soggy fields hunting Roman roads and my mother passed on her love of Italian culture and food to me. Driving through the idyllic Tuscan countryside to our destination, my husband and I let our senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of our beloved Italy through the open windows of our car. Hello again, dear Italy.

We chose a suite with plenty of outside space in the in the Santa Maria a Macerata hamlet. The wellness centre, tennis court, swimming pool and restaurant are all located here. There's even an ancient chapel and its adjoining square. Our suite was just incredible, so homely and sophisticated, elegant and luxurious, yet with a country cottage feel. The kitchen was fully equipped, with a complimentary bottle of wine waiting for us. The cupboards were cornflower blue, and decorative tiles chimed with them perfectly. An abundance of warm wood created a rustic feel. We had a solid kitchen table where we could enjoy our culinary creations. The fabrics were delicate, floaty and in pretty floral designs. The living area had large comfortable sofas in a raised platform area placed on oriental rugs, and graceful lamps created a relaxing atmosphere. Our bedroom was in beige and dusty pink tones, with draped curtains over large windows and an original fireplace. The bathroom was bijou but warm, with a rain shower and fluffy towels. Though the interior was splendid, it was the way it opened onto a view of the undulating Tuscan hills which added the wow factor! With our own private garden, it was possible to imagine that this was our own little holiday home.

The Chianti region is something of an epicure's heaven. You'll be spoilt for choice for fresh, delicious, home-made food. Still, with a restaurant like Trattoria on your doorstep, you may find it hard to expand your experience beyond its walls. The rustic-chic interior is enlivened by intricate murals of olive leaves trailing up the walls. Original brick is exposed in the arches and wild flowers adorn the tables. The service is genuinely hospitable and warm, and the ambience is simply wonderful. We had good weather, so dined on the terrace at lunch. The food is really a celebration of what Tuscany is synonymous with – the appreciation of the simple pleasures of life. How can things go wrong if those essential basics – good food, good wine, and good surroundings – are perfect, and a source of joy? Well, my week at Fonte de' Medici proved they can’t!