The 12 Most Stunning Settings in Tuscany

The chateau-style Saturnia Tuscany Hotel is one of the most romantic properties in Tuscany, thanks to its spectacular views, rustic rooms, and saltwater pool overlooking the hillside. The on-site restaurant receives good reviews and the spa has two hot tubs and both a hot and dry sauna. We recommend upgrading to a room with a terrace.

Il Pellicano is a luxurious, 50-room property perched along a hillside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rooms are spacious with pretty contemporary decor in neutral tones. Other features include an outdoor pool with sea views, a two-Michelin star Mediterranean restaurant, and a gorgeous man-made private beach. A spa, free breakfast, and tennis courts are additional perks.

About an hour from Siena, Etruria Resort & Natural Spa is a former villa built in 1800 that was inhabited by a noble family of Montepulciano until the mid 1900s. Rooms have classically elegant furnishings, but the real stand out is the on-site spa; the dramatic space has a waterfall whirlpool, a Kneipp path, waterbeds, a sauna, and a salt cave where you can breathe iodine. Though the location is a little isolated, it makes for gorgeous vistas of the countryside.

Though many hotels made this list for their setting amidst rolling hills and vineyards, the Grand Hotel Villa Cora fits the bill for its absolutely stunning interior. The luxury property has sumptuous decor throughout – the Hall of Mirrors has striking frescoes and gold details, while the White Hall has an intricate marble fireplace and elegant chandelier lighting. The 46 guest rooms are equally impressive; some feature frescoed ceilings, four-poster beds, chic marble bathrooms, and pretty city views.

Complete with vineyards, olive groves, a winery, and horse stalls, the mid-range Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio provides a quintessential Tuscany retreat. The 25 rooms are simple but cozy; there’s a large outdoor pool; and the on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine. Ceramics classes, truffle hunting, and wine tastings are just some of the activities offered.

Sure, the rooms here are dated and there are fees to use the chairs at the beach, but the main draw of Hotel Capo d’Uomo is its ideal location overlooking the sea. Most rooms have balconies with gorgeous views, and there’s a pretty garden area and free quality breakfast buffet. It’s not a great pick for families, but budget-minded couples will appreciate the romantic atmosphere.

The Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is an upscale resort with amazing panoramic views of Serchio Valley mountains and forests. The location is remote, but there’s plenty to do on-site – there are two swimming pools, sports activities, and three restaurants. The 180 rooms are elegantly finished and all have marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.

About a 15-minute drive from Siena’s main square, Hotel Garden is an upper-middle-range hotel with 125 rooms that have somewhat dated décor. As its name suggests, the property is surrounded by lush garden grounds with walkways and benches. A large outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant, and tennis court round out the amenities.

Combining luxury with history, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence is located in the 500-year-old Palazzo della Gherardesca. Outdoors, guests get exclusive access to the 11-acre Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the city’s largest private gardens; indoors, the lobby is filled with classic statues, bas reliefs along the walls, and gorgeous frescoed ceilings. All rooms are large and opulent, but for a real splurge, the Royal Suite is indeed fit for a king and queen.

Located in the spa town of Bagno Vignoni, the 36-room Hotel Posta Marcucci is a family-owned property providing a quaint, homey retreat. Its best features are the spring-fed thermal outdoor pool and the spa – containing hydro-massage, a Finnish and bio-saline sauna, and a Turkish bath. The on-site restaurant serves a buffet lunch and four-course dinner, and drinks are available in the lobby bar.

Located on the island of Elba, Hotel Hermitage -- Portoferraio provides a good value for the price and is an especially solid option for families with kids. The hotel’s private beach is sandy and lovely; there are two large outdoor pools, golf and tennis facilities, and four restaurants (one specifically for kids). Rooms are fairly bland, but many have terraces with gorgeous sea views.

The family-run Castello delle Quattro Torra isn’t your average bed and breakfast, as it’s an authentic medieval castle located on a quiet hilltop. A short drive from Siena, the three rooms are all uniquely styled; the Tower Room has a spiral staircase to connect the two floors, while the Blue Room has exposed wood beams, and the Apartment has its own kitchen. For an intimate atmosphere, free breakfast, and unique experience, this property is a top pick.