Poggio ai Santi

Set above the seaside town of San Vincenzo, Poggio ai Santi has sweeping views over the Mediterranean and the islands of Elba and Corsica in the distance.

• The pool
• The destination restaurant
• The nearby beaches

This 11-room hideaway is perfectly positioned between spectacular waterfront villages like Popolunia and Bolgheri, as well as a number of the additional hidden gems along the Tuscan coast. Its own wonderful destination restaurant, Il Sale, and its garden-surrounded pool make it a tempting spot for just staying put.

The 11 suites are divided between the early-20th-century main house and a series of buildings in the landscaped gardens. All have enormous bathrooms with double sinks and walk-in showers, and several come with sea views or their own secluded private outdoor area. If you can, splurge for one of the Royal Suites, which claim spectacular vantage over both the sea and the village of San Vincenzo.

One of the biggest draws here is restaurant Il Sale: a seasonal- and local-focused spot with excellent seafood, grass-raised Chianina beef and plenty of veggie options on a spectacular terrace. Wines from the local estates are excellent too.

Poggio ai Santi caters to couples looking for a quiet, kids-free spot (children under 14 are not accepted). It’s the perfect combo of countryside and sea: it is close to the beach and to the nearby islands, including Elba, which is a 30-minute boat/ferry ride away.