Villa Lena, Tuscany, Italy - Explore & Book
"Talk about remote. As we drove along ever-narrowing roads in the beautiful Tuscan hills, we began to wonder if we’d missed a turning for this hidden rural retreat. Then suddenly it appeared. Turning a corner, the magnificent salmon-pink walls came into view, backdropped against a cobalt-blue sky and surrounded by tall green cypress trees. Co-founded by Russian art consultant Lena Evstafieva, Villa Lena is a fascinating hybrid of hotel, organic farm and not-for profit artists' colony. Its 19th-century outhouses have been carefully renovated to create 18 rooms plus 5 apartments and a few self-contained houses dotted across the 500-hectare wooded estate, with spectacular views in all directions. Guests share the space with artists-in-residence, who stay here for a month-long creative retreat, and in return lead diverse talks and workshops. The main pool and restaurant are the heart of everything, a place to all come together and share stories over farm-to-table meals. We loved being swept up in the easy boho vibe of the place; you're continually interacting with the ethos of the Villa, joining debates, admiring donated art on the walls, perhaps listening to a candelit performance in the piano room. A rare find. Highs Inspirational workshops and talks with resident creatives, who may be painters, poets, photographers, conceptual artists, designers, botanists, poets, even meditation dancers We loved watching the mist rise from the valley during morning stretches on the yoga deck Although this is a sociable place, the accommodation is so spread out that it's easy to find peace and privacy if you need it Great for families: the Renacchi apartments share a separate pool and playground, and there's a cinema and games room. Bikes to borrow, too The Slow Food is an explosion of colour and flavour - there are chefs-in-residence, too Lows Remote. Nothing in walking distance and not for those seeking a buzzing nightlife on holiday The children’s splash pool is right next to the main pool and bar area, and excited little ones can get noisy Guests in Renacchi apartments, Casetta Bella and Maison Stento have a 10/20-minute (albeit beautiful) walk to the restaurant, or will need to drive Rates are on the higher side but do include some creative workshops" - Hannah Millbank
