Localita Podere Lucia 14, Pienza, Italy | (586) 210-9239
Secluded Tuscan countryside location (con for some)
Modern rooms with canopy beds; some have nice soaking tubs
Infinity pool with gorgeous views
Small steam room
Full-time gourmet chef
Free Wi-Fi throughout and iPads for guest use
Free coffees and soft drinks
Communal dinners
Accessible only via a long, bumpy dirt road
No TVs in guest rooms (only in the suite) -- pro for some
Closed from mid-November to just before Easter
La Bandita is a high-end countryside inn with eight rooms and a pool with gorgeous views of the Tuscan landscape. It's in an old country house that was refurbished in 2007 to have a more contemporary look, and unlike many other rural lodgings in the area, it's not a working farm. Although it normally functions as a B&B, the entire property can be rented out. The property is isolated, and can only be reached via a long drive on a bumpy road. The owners also have a second property -- La Bandita Townhouse -- a stylish, less remote hotel in the center of Pienza.
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Scene
A contemporary country house owned by a couple from New York
La Bandita comprises a big stone and brick country house and a pigsty; the latter has been transformed into an independent suite with its own garden as well as a gazebo for al fresco dining and a fire pit. The property is surrounded by country views that are particularly striking from the infinity pool, which is set among olive trees. Interiors are modern yet home-like, and instead of a lobby with a front desk there's a living room with a TV, a large record collection (one of the owners is a former Sony exec), and a big table where communal dinners are served. A large open kitchen is used by the chef to prepare meals and for cooking classes. The couple who renovated the property in 2007 are New Yorkers, and one is contributing editor for "Condé Nast Traveler;" it's clear that she has brought her hotel expertise to bear in the creation of this special, intimate hotel. Guests can expect lots of personalized attention, and thoughtful extras from a free glass of wine upon check-in to free all-you-can drink cappuccinos. In a region known for its rustic, traditional properties that still operate as working farms, La Bandita stands out for its decidedly contemporary look. Guests should expect to pay a premium for style; a charming agriturismo such as Cretaiole di Luciano Moricciani can cost half as much.
Location
Isolated in the Tuscan countryside
La Bandita is isolated in the middle of the countryside, south of Pienza and Montepulciano and next to the Crete Senesi. Getting here takes some effort; guests must drive down a bumpy dirt road lined with Cyprus trees for about 20 minutes, and are better off with a larger vehicle or one with four-wheel-drive. Multiple sheep farms share the hotel's hillside, and guests can watch the sheep farmers and even visit the nearby barns. The nearest villages -- Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino -- are ideal for shopping, wine tasting, and dining, and take 20, 30, and 40 minutes to reach, respectively. Florence and the airport take under two hours by car.
Rooms
Modern, minimalist rooms with canopy beds
Rooms have modern minimalist decor that's upscale, if a touch spartan, but the streamlined, understated look allows the beautiful countryside views to take center stage. White is the dominant color and rooms have canopy beds with terra-cotta frames and green, wall-mounted drop-leaf desks. The only traditional, rustic element comes from the whitewashed wood-beam ceilings. There are no TVs (except in the Suite) and rooms lack minibars, although soft drinks and coffee (including cappuccinos) are available in the common area for free. Bathrooms have big, blue rain showers. Deluxe Rooms have in-room tubs and the suite in the former pigsty has its own garden and kitchenette.
Features
Communal dinners and a full-time gourmet chef
La Bandita provides all guests with a free basic breakfast, and other meals are available on request. All guests eat all together at the communal dining table in the main building, which is either a pro or a con depending on whether guests are in the mood for privacy or a more social experience. Past guests report that lunches and dinners (prepared by the full-time gourmet chef) are fresh, delicious, and of a high quality. There's also a small steam room and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests who don't have laptops or tablets can borrow iPads free of charge.
