The Villa La Principessa is a gorgeous and peaceful retreat just outside the Italian city of Lucca. Housed in the most ancient palace in the area, the Villa makes for a truly stunning hotel.

Lucca itself is a beautiful town in central Italy, that's famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls and wonderfully preserved centre. Visitors can also explore the gorgeous gardens of the Palazzo Pfanner, the Villa Garzoni and the Orto Botanico Communale di Lucca, as well as dozens of churches.

The facilities

Facilities are fairly minimal at the Villa, revolving mostly around the garden and the scenic pool area. The pool itself is large and kitted out with deckchairs, tables and bar service, providing an excellent place to relax after a day in the sun.

The rooms

Due to its historical premises, the hotel's 40 rooms vary in size, but are generally spacious and reasonably well-decorated in a relaxed, rustic style. Bathrooms follow the same pattern: not necessarily palatial in size, but handsome and traditional in aesthetic.