TUSCANY has always called to me, but it’s the southern part of the region—the Maremma—that holds something more.
Less polished, more raw, this corner of Italy feels untouched by time. It’s as though the land here moves to a slower, quieter rhythm. At the heart of it lies L’Andana, a former Medici villa tucked in the rolling hills just a short drive from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
L’Andana
Arriving at L’Andana feels like stepping into a living painting. The landscape stretches out in lush green waves, dotted with ancient olive trees. The air is different here—crisp and clear, inviting you to take a deep breath and savour the moment. The villa itself, once a retreat for Grand Duke Leopold II and his court, still holds that sense of history. But now, it offers something subtler—a luxury that feels less like a hotel and more like a friend’s private estate.
L’Andana
The weekend begins with a quiet cycle through the estate’s vineyard. The vintage bike, the gravel paths, and the golden light cast by the setting sun make it feel like time has slowed. On this 500-hectare property, the world outside feels distant, even nonexistent.
As I ride deeper into the land, I pass La Scuderia—an elegant four-bedroom villa built in the former stables. Its beauty is secluded, almost secret. The views here, of rolling hills and distant peaks, are breathtaking, but it’s the silence that leaves the strongest impression. There’s something meditative in the stillness.
After a relaxed lunch at La Villa, the hotel’s more casual restaurant, I make my way to the ESPA spa. The treatments are exactly what I need—restorative, subtle, and soothing. The vitality pool eases my muscles, while the tranquil environment wraps around me like a gentle embrace. Soft music, the scent of lavender and citrus, and the quiet hum of the space make it easy to lose track of time. But the garden calls me next.
L’Andana
The spa’s surrounding garden feels like a dream—wild yet perfectly curated. Fragrant roses spill over stone walls, while ancient cypress trees cast long shadows over manicured lawns. It’s an oasis of calm, a place to stop and breathe, or simply admire the beauty in its quiet, fleeting form.
Dinner that evening is a celebration of Tuscany’s finest produce. At La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, each dish is a masterpiece: creamy burrata, and slow-cooked meats, all infused with the essence of the land. The atmosphere is understated, yet elegant, a perfect extension of the surrounding beauty—intimate, refined, and comfortable.
L’Andana
As the weekend draws to a close, I take one last stroll through the estate. L’Andana has a way of anchoring you in the present, while quietly whispering the stories of the past. With its blend of natural beauty, timeless elegance, and authentic Tuscan spirit, it’s no wonder the Italians themselves consider this a hidden gem.
Unpretentious, yet sophisticated; secluded, yet indulgent. As I prepare to leave, there’s a sense of reluctance. But I know I’ll return. Tuscany has a way of capturing the heart—and L’Andana embodies that magic perfectly.
by Adina Ilie
L’Andana, Tuscany, offers double rooms from €440 per night based on two sharing, including breakfast. You can book your stay at www.andana.it