If you're after seductive beauty, deserted beaches, abundant vineyards and mouth-watering cuisine, try Tuscany. Our friends at Black Tomato take us on a tour

If Tuscany were a workmate, we have to admit we wouldn't be so keen: gorgeous, cultured, relaxed, easily accessed and surprisingly cheap - it would be an unsettling combination of attributes in any colleague.

Luckily, it's a holiday destination and in that capacity it's pretty much perfect. With all that and more going for it, it's no wonder that Tuscany has been the retreat of choice for discerning travellers for decades. If you're in need of a break (and who isn't?) there's no better option than this gorgeous idyll.

Something for everyone

Tuscany's charm lies in the fact that it offers something for everyone. The timeless beauty of Pisa, Siena and Florence have enchanted visitors for centuries and their enviable collection of stunning renaissance architecture and world-class museums and galleries mean they're a must-see for art lovers, or any type of lovers - these are some of the world's most romantic cities after all.

As well as seriously seductive beauty, Tuscany offers miles of virgin countryside awash with golden pastures, abundant vineyards and deserted beaches, all in all the most serene setting you could ever imagine. Given Italians' legendary love for delicious food and fine wine this is one destination where you're allowed to ditch the diet, so toast the region's incomparable beauty over dinner and a glass (or two) of red at a family-run trattoria near the wine-producing regions of Montepulciano and Montalcino.

And if all that over-indulgence starts to make you feel guilty, follow our lead: we can always justify an extra serving of homemade lasagne or creamy tiramisu by saying we're supporting the local economy.

In a setting this relaxing you'll want to linger so make sure your accommodation is as beautiful as your surroundings. Our tip is La Bandita, an elegant private villa and country inn, set deep on a 2,000-acre nature reserve in Tuscany's spectacular Val d'Orcia. We love La Bandita so much because with its stunning setting and focus on laidback luxury, it seamlessly bridges the gap between decadent hideaway and welcoming retreat.

A tired farmhouse this is not. And whether you want to spend your evenings lazing in the infinity pool or gossiping over a hearty meal in the kitchen, you've got complete freedom to indulge your every whim.

Get raucous

We wouldn't blame you for spending days cocooned here but should you wish to explore your surroundings, take a stroll through rolling pastures and fragrant olive groves to discover perfectly preserved medieval towns and ancient monasteries. This is the same mesmerising landscape that featured in Under the Tuscan Sun and The English Patient so don't be surprised if it seems strangely familiar.

We recommend savouring this kind of environment with your significant other, but if you want to turn it into a family affair, complimentary children's cots are provided and the limitless open space means your kids will have plenty of room to roam free. For an altogether alternative experience rent the entire villa with a group of girlfriends.

La Bandita's private gourmet chef will rustle up an Italian feast while you take advantage of the villa's wine cellar and put the world to rights. We know that evenings like this can sometimes get a little raucous but don't worry, with no neighbours for miles around you can make as much noise as you want.

Designer outlets

And if all that's not enough to convince you, there's one more thing you should know (just don't tell anyone else): Tuscany is home to Italy's textile industry, and consequently to some of Italy's biggest designer discount outlets. From La Bandita you can easily make your way to the dedicated outlets for Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci to snap up some heavily discounted designer wear.

Guaranteed to be far cheaper than at home, these outlets will let you snap up enough bargains to save back the cost of your holiday (well, sort of).

If that's not all the incentive you need to spend a week exploring gorgeous surroundings and eating delicious food while basking in the Tuscan sunshine, then we don't know what is!