Arriving by car you wind through the countryside, crest the brow of a hill and suddenly it feels you have discovered something rare. A bay of pristine clarity glitters in the sunlight, the scent of rosemary drifts across the air and as you approach the Retreat you catch a sense of its playful energy.

This luxury boutique hotel in Porto Ercole is a familiar romantic getaway for discerning guests all over the world and those seeking exclusive weekend breaks from Rome, on the Tuscan Coast.

Their drivers will collect you from any airport. It is approximate 90 minutes from Rome, 110 from Pisa. Porto Ercole has an excellent marina and is 10 minutes from the Hotel.

The property is composed of a main building and a cluster of cottages scattered around the hotel’s gardens. The heated swimming pool is filled with seawater, and there is also a tennis court with personal trainer. Behind it, the new indoor/outdoor state-of the-art-gym includes a complete set-up for fitness activities and is outfitted with the latest in Technogym equipment.

The Tuscan rooms are air conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV with DVD player. Guests will also have free Wi-Fi access, plus a minibar and satellite and pay-per-view channels.

Breakfast à la carte and guests have a choice of two restaurants and two bars: The restaurant serves gourmet dishes and has 1 Michelin star, while the Restaurant Grill is a Tuscan restaurant with sea and pool view.