Certosa Di Maggiano by Gemma Pitcher

A 14th century monastery a mile outside Siena, Certosa di Maggiano still has cloisters and a bell tower, but since its conversion to a hotel has added tennis courts and a helipad. Breakfast and lunch are served in the old monastery kitchen, next to a crackling fire, while dinner – superb Italian cooking – is taken in the more formal surrounds of the restaurant. In warm weather, guests eat on the patio in the lovely gardens.

Lounge and library are traditionally furnished with heavy wooden and leather furniture. Bedrooms are on the small side, with wooden beams, antiques and bright rustic fabrics in bold prints and colours. Beautiful views over the spires of Siena. There’s a small heated pool.