This luxury boutique hotel is small and intimate with a real family feel, a haven of tranquillity in an idyllic location in the Tuscan hills. Off the beaten track, you cannot fail to relax amid the olive trees and fragrant plants that fill the grounds, while the views over the beautiful landscape of Camaiore leading down to the sea will soothe your soul. Despite all its peacefulness, the hotel is still only an hour’s drive from Florence, 30 minutes from Lucca, and 10 minutes from the nearest beach. It’s also only a 30-minute drive from Pisa Airport. When it comes to making your travel plans, British Airways offers flights to Pisa from both Gatwick and Heathrow, while EasyJet also flies out of Gatwick.
Hotel
Locanda al Colle makes its home in a tastefully converted Tuscan farmhouse. The décor is modern and luxurious, yet in keeping with the rustic setting through the use of earth tones and a certain understated simplicity in design. Vintage and contemporary artworks add character to this twelve-room guesthouse. Simultaneously, the warm, friendly atmosphere created by owner Ricardo and his small team makes staying at this place feel more like a holiday in a friend’s villa than the usual hotel break.
Rooms
The hotel’s twelve guest rooms are spread over three floors. Designed to reflect the warmth and elegance of a country house and to promote peace, privacy, and harmony, each one is unique and features one of a kind pieces from the Art Deco period right through to the 1970s. Features in some of the rooms include a separate bathtub and shower, four-poster beds, and fireplaces. Rooms on the ground floor have private outside space, and each floor has a cozy reception room where guests can meet and mingle or simply curl up with a good book. The first floor also boasts a kitchen and dining area, and during the offseason, it’s possible to book the entire floor (also comprising two superior double rooms and one suite). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. All rooms benefit from an iPod dock, Erbario Toscano bath products, and a gourmet minibar with Skinny Champagne, Amedei chocolate, and free bottled water. Room Tips – Go for the ground floor if you want your own little garden or terrace, or higher up if you prefer spectacular views. All the rooms are excellent; it really just depends on your preference.
Restaurant & Bar
A buffet breakfast is provided from 9:00 – 11:00 pm, including fresh sourdough bread baked on the premises, fresh fruits, cereals, and preserves. Lunch is served from around 1:30 – 2:00 pm, and while there is no formal restaurant, guests are invited to dine at the guesthouse two evenings a week. Think of it more as a dinner party with friends! Served outdoors on the terrace, surrounded by candlelight, home-cooked Italian cuisine, and excellent local wine and prosecco are the order of the day – a treat not to be missed. For the other nights, there are some excellent restaurants in the local area, and Ricardo and the team are more than happy to provide recommendations. The hotel also has a well-stocked honesty bar.
Pool & Activities
In addition to the hotel’s own beautiful garden, heated outdoor pool, and sunbathing area, guests can take full advantage of a complimentary gazebo complete with beach towels at the nearby private beach club Bagno Cavallone. A whole host of other activities can be arranged, including massage, yoga, bike and Vespa hire, wine tasting, or a visit to nearby marble quarries. The beautiful walled city of Lucca is well worth a visit. Art lovers will enjoy Pietrasanta, while keen shoppers will love the boutiques in Forte Dei Marmi.
Insider Info
GPS cannot pick up the exact location of Locanda al Colle, but don’t let that put you off! When setting off on your journey, simply enter your destination as the road “Via Dietro Monte” instead. Once you arrive here, you will find signs to the hotel.
For a warm welcome, peace, tranquillity, and a beautiful Tuscan location, Locanda al Colle is a must.
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