Villa Bordoni

The hotel is situated in a historic villa that was once a hunting lodge owned by a wealthy Florentine family. It was rescued from disrepair in the late 1990s and restored by a couple originally from Scotland. They maintained the soul of the original villa and made it charming and pleasant with help from interior designer Riccardo Barthel. The two-story building is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and olive trees overlooking the picturesque Tuscan countryside. It's a gorgeous setting that's peaceful and relaxing. Inside, the villa has a rustic character, yet it is elegant in an offbeat way. There isn't much of a lobby, just the front desk, but the restaurant and its open kitchen are on the ground floor. Upstairs, there is a cozy, welcoming living room where guests can hang out on the sofas in front of a fireplace and play chess or read a book from the shelves. This hotel is geared primarily toward couples looking for a romantic getaway, but a few families also make their way here on occasion. 

This rural villa sits on a hill that's a 15-minute drive from Greve in Chianti, the region that's world famous for its wines. Travel from Greve to the villa is on a narrow country road, among farms, vineyards, and olive trees. The hotel is pretty isolated and surrounded by a typical -- and typically gorgeous -- Tuscan landscape. The location is ideal for a relaxing stay in the Tuscan countryside, sitting in the garden, by the pool, or on the expansive grounds of the villa. Or it can be used as a starting point for exploring the area, as there's not much within an easy walk of the property. Panzano, the largest town in the region, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Florence and its airport are just under an hour's drive north, and Siena is about an hour away to the south. The province of Siena is home to Montalcino, another famous wine region, which takes about 90 minutes to reach by car. Pisa is an hour and a half to the west.

Rooms are all individually decorated by designer Riccardo Barthel, and are charming, elegant, and sophisticated. Common design elements throughout the eclectic rooms include Old World floor tiles, exposed wooden beams, heavy wooden furniture, rich fabrics, elaborate draperies, and canopy beds. It's a borderline exuberant look, with bold patterns in fabrics and color schemes that don't shy away from bright hues like orange and blue. Modern amenities are designed to be inconspicuous and include flat-screen HDTVs, Blu-ray players, minibars, and safes. The two-level Family Suite adds a PlayStation3 system for the youngsters. The Family Suite also has two bedrooms with bathrooms and separate living areas, one side with a fireplace for the adults and the other side for the kids. Other rooms are designed to appeal to couples, such as the Limonaia Garden Double, with a private terrace close to the pool. The romantic Montefioralle Room is referred to as the honeymoon room because of its bateau tub and gorgeous views of the hotel's gardens and the countryside. Bathrooms in all other cases are well done, with vintage tile work, fixtures, and detailing. They come with bidets, hairdryers, and the hotel's own branded toiletries. 

The hotel's restaurant is well-regarded for its classic Tuscan fare that's served for lunch and dinner. The menu changes seasonally, and in warmer months, guests can dine alfresco in the garden. When it's cool out, they can sit inside by the fireplace. The hotel operates the Chianti Cooking School on-site, and guests can learn the basics of Tuscan cooking from the hotel's chefs in its restaurant. Breakfast is free and includes a selection of Italian specialties like breads and prosciutto plus fresh fruits and pastries. The rectangular outdoor pool is surrounded by a grassy lawn and stone wall with lush plantings and trees. Views of the Tuscan countryside are simply stunning, and cushioned wicker lounge chairs invite poolside relaxation. Couples can even lounge side by side on the double chairs. The setting is idyllic and romantic. Guests also can gaze at this gorgeous view as they work out in the small open-air fitness area with three cardio machines in a separate wooden building overlooking the valley. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.