L'Andana

The feeling you get when you enter the long tree-lined drive to the hotel is just a fragment of the sense of pure delight when you actually enter the hotel reception. L’Andana is absolutely perfect and the most superb hideaway from the troublesome world. My girlfriend and I were transported into a world of chic opulence served by charming hosts. The hotel pool is a wonderful place to relax but you must try the spa treatments where you are pampered into sublime serenity (sorry to use so many superlatives but the hotel and its experience warrant them!). Breakfast in the garden is a must and the surrounding views show the Italian countryside at its best, with thoroughbred horses play in the nearby paddocks. We hired an open top car and bought Italian sunglasses to add to the enjoyment. We took the opportunity to visit the private beaches nearby. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant is exquisite with a wine list that would have Jancis salivating. If you want to allow you and your partner to fall in love all over again then I suggest you pay a visit. You will not want to leave! PS Make sure your room has a big bath from which you can share the wonderful views.

Mr & Mrs Smith found us this place at the last minute as I turned up with my new wife at Florence airport. Just on the edge of the city, but easily walkable and they also have bikes too, although the traffic in Florence is a bit mad. A beautiful small boutique hotel, fabulous duplex room and a private swimming pool which I think is rare for the town. Staff are very knowledgeable and filled our city map with recommendations of places they would go to and not necessarily tourists, which is what we like. We'd definitely go there again.