Fontelunga Hotel and Villas

Casual comfort and convivial atmosphere is the aim behind this Tuscan villa hotel, sitting a bit off the beaten path.

• The comfortable nature of the hotel, inspired by the generosity of the owners
• Aperitivo hour on the terrace under oversized canvas umbrellas or in the Moroccan-inspired lounge
• The beautiful pool and hot tub with views of the valley

The salmon-pink Fontelunga villa sits majestically on a hill overlooking sweeping views of the Val di Chiano and surrounded by rambling, pale purple wisteria. Owned and managed by an English/Italian couple, the property is casual, comfortable and welcoming—and the kind of place where walking around barefoot and flopping down on a sofa with a book is encouraged—and the owner's dogs will probably hop up and join you.

The main house has nine bedrooms, a tennis court, pool and Jacuzzi and is outfitted with brightly hued decorations with Art Deco influences (some outlandish, all very vibrant).

The hotel acts more as a bed and breakfast than a full-service hotel, but the owner is delightful, knowledgeable and eager to help with arrangements and recommendations. The property can schedule on-site cooking lessons, dinner parties, touring and transfers, but most guests tend to enjoy their time by the pool, in the Moroccan-inspired lounge area and the gravel al fresco dining area, relying on their own devices for exploration around the area. Cortona is nearby and Siena is a 45-minute drive away, plus the area is famous for being home to Italian brand outlets like Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo.

There are two nearby stand-alone villas for those looking for privacy. The two-bedroom Villa Gallo has its own kitchen and one-bedroom Villa Galletto boasts a private deck and garden. The two villas share their own pool separate from the main property.

Travelers who enjoy meeting fellow guests and who prefer to plan out their day over drinks the night before rather than follow a strict itinerary. The two separate villas are a great budget-friendly option in the area.