Review of L'Andana, by Kamin Mohammadi

Approaching L'Andana, you enter a picture-perfect world. The long drive, straight as a ruler, is bordered by alternating umbrella pine and cypress trees - an iconic image of the Maremma, this wild part of Tuscany, and endlessly reproduced on postcards. Formerly the Duke of Tuscany's hunting estate, L'Andana is part of Alain Ducasse's portfolio of luxury properties with gourmet restaurants and is set in 500 lush hectares with its own vineyards and olive groves.

Although L'Andana is a top-notch luxury hotel, set in a neo-classical villa and farmhouse linked together by an airy atrium, it has the friendly air of a country house with warm helpful staff and even a kitchen guests can wander in and out of and take cooking lessons in. With interiors designed by the Creative Director of Italian Architectural Digest, every space is as eclectic and chic as you would expect, with a Provencal feel and light wood giving a beach house feel that reminds you that you are also only a few miles from the sea.

A brand new golf course, tennis courts and hiking trails attract the active, while the new spa is world class, with Epsa treatments and a gourmet spa menu devised for post-treatment treats from the estate's own ingredients, all tasty and virtually calorie-free. There is a stunning black indoor pool which is overlooked by posters from classic Italian movies and the beautiful outdoor pool is set in the garden with stone lions' heads spouting water in an arc and framed by loungers where guests can lie back and be waited on hand and foot.

Trattoria Toscana, set across the grounds in the old stone barn, has a Michelin star for its innovative approach to Tuscan specialities, taking Maremman recipes and adding a French flair. The décor is relaxed and the service very friendly and wine from the estate makes a delicious appearance on the accomplished wine list. The restaurant has a terrace with views across the countryside to the sea, and overlooks a small turquoise hexagonal pool. All set in the most wonderfully tranquil gardens which are a riot of colour and scent with hundreds of lavender bushes, set with shady spots and paths to wander under the olive branches. It's no wonder so many couples choose to get married at this luxury hotel, in the small chapel on the grounds.

Each of L'Andana's 33 rooms has an individual feel although the overall theme is harmonious. Antiques - both Tuscan and French - are mixed with modern pieces in a seamless aesthetic that is sophisticated while not being intimidating. An annexe of 15 extra rooms has recently been added on the estate, sitting over the new golf course. Bathrooms are plush and views are sweeping - luxury country house style redefined.