I have a lovely villa in the hills above the Mediterranean. The views from the different levels of terraces sweep across the landscape down to the water and it never fails to relax me. Sunset is especially gorgeous from here, particularly with a glass of local rose’ in hand, as the sky turns the same color as the wine in the glass. This villa is a piece of paradise. Read more
lodgings
Albergo Diffuso Borgo di Sempronio
When we visited the fabulous hot springs of Saturnia as a winter getaway, we looked at many agriturismi and holiday homes, but decided to try out the appealing Borgo di Sempronio. First, I’m a sucker for all things “rustic” and liked the looks of the apartments, and second, I’m also a sucker for grass-roots types of efforts, a category the albergo diffuso movement would fit into.
Locanda della Valle Nuova
Fermignano, Le Marche
This place is as near to idyllic as you’re likely to find: a farm stay with all the amenities you could want, in the hilly countryside of Le Marche with welcoming hosts and silent nights for perfect sleeping. Oh, and home-cooked meals by mamma, fresh jam and juice from their orchards, and every imaginable amenity in the apartment. This is what an agriturismo is supposed to be! Read more
Masseria Spartivento
A secluded masseria farmhouse in Puglia’s Salento area, this is a place that looks and feels upscale but without an uptight price. Set in a restored house among olive groves, its tucked-away location seems like the type of place celebrities would seek out to have some privacy. It is near Otranto and the a few minutes from the lovely beaches of Baia dei Turchi, an undeveloped coastal landscape of low cliffs and sandy coves with natural brush and pines. Close by are the Laghi di Alimini, a nature preserve with two lakes, one is salt water and the other is fresh spring-fed water, surrounded by interesting rock formations and flora. Read more