Borgo Santo Pietro, Palazzetto, Italy

Borgo Santo Pietro is a luxurious villa, built in an elegant, Italian palazzo style. It is furnished throughout with antique pieces and has chalk-painted frescos decorating the walls. The atmosphere is relaxed.

Borgo Santo Pietro is set in thirteen acres of land, overlooking the Serena Valley. There are six acres of landscaped gardens that encompass formal fountains, rose-beds, medicinal herb gardens, flower beds, fruit trees and a swathe of parkland surrounding a lake.

The estate benefits from a fresh water pool overlooking the valley, close to the tennis court and bocce pitch. Spa treatments to relax and invigorate the mind, body and soul can be taken either in the holistic hub or outside under the Tuscan sky breathing in the herb and rose infused air. The spa is situated in the former bakery, an 800-year-old building where the fires are still lit on chillier days.

Room types range from doubles to deluxe to junior suites and suites to pander to the weekend romantic, holiday goer, wedding celebrator or spa guest. Each bedroom has been individually designed, inspired by the search for ultimate comfort and the rich, warm colours of the Tuscan landscape. Exquisite antique furnishings, customised beds and character fireplaces set the atmosphere, whilst hidden top-end technology offers the best modern touches. All have i-pod docking stations and LCD satellite televisions allowing guests to stay in touch with the real world.

The cuisine is off-the-vine-fresh, prepared with seasonal herbs and vegetables from the estate’s gardens with chefs combining Italian simplicity with international creative flair to tantalise the taste buds. Amongst the best sommeliers offer suggestions from the notable international selection of wines to compliment the gastronomical yet accessible menus.