Under the Tuscan Sun

Picture the perfect Tuscan villa: all warmth, Mediterranean charm and relaxed Italian beauty.

Add in a touch of Provence with the scent of drying lavender and perfectly chosen Parisian antiques. Finish off with a hint of the English countryside: the comfortable elegance of a grand old country pile with its fabulously classic opulence.

Oh and don’t forget to modernise (ever so slightly) with hidden flat screen TVs, personal ipods and some seriously cool lighting. And there you have it, our latest fantastic discovery – allow me to introduce Borgo Santo Pietro.

Just south of Siena, in the stunning Tuscan countryside, this new luxury villa is truly a dream.

The feel of the place is a combination of a friend’s country house and a luxury bed and breakfast; the atmosphere is so friendly, inclusive and relaxed you’ll feel like a house guest, but an honoured guest as every care is erased and every need already thought of.

Each individually designed room is fitted with everything you could ever want, from gorgeous marble rain showers to stunning working fireplaces (though you’d be hard pressed to use these in the summer months!). In other words, this is the crème de la crème of high end – no pretension, just comfortable, effortless luxury.

Whatever type of escape you’re looking for, Borgo Santo Pietro will deliver. Fancy yourself a bit of a foodie? The owners have spent the entirety of the last year developing what is set to be one of the best gourmet restaurants in Tuscany.

And not only is the food sublime (not to mention locally sourced and visually stunning – thank the young talented chef Thomas) but the wine cellar is nothing short of a marvel, with head sommelier Cesare recommending only the best pairings.

Looking for a quiet escape where you can relax and recuperate? You’ll fall asleep in your massive bed (the mattresses are handmade in Denmark and believe me, you can tell) with the sound of the frogs as a lullaby.

Days can be spent lounging in the infinity pool or in the shade of the cherry orchard – take your pick – and are best rounded off with a visit to the on site holistic spa.