La Bandita: A Tuscan Paradise

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!