Recently opened after a loving restoration, La Bandita offers a refreshingly contemporary take on Tuscan hotels. Only a few years ago the traditional stone farm house was home to a flock of sheep and a couple of white shaggy sheepdogs; now it is home to an ultra trendy, cool and original hotel. The owners John Voigtmann, a retired music executive and Ondine Cohane, a well respected travel journalist have made this a labour of love and this is evident in the exquisite attention to detail and the warm welcome that all guests receive.
With only eight bedrooms and the Pig Sty (a separate little cottage perfect for honeymooners or children), La Bandita also works beautifully as an exclusive rental for entertaining friends and family. Once you have overcome the long bumpy stone track that leads up to the house, there is very little reason to leave this stunning retreat. The views are to die for, stretching as far as the eye can see over the moonscape of the Val D’Orcia with glimpses of fairy tale hilltowns such as Pienza and Montichiello. Bedrooms are huge and airy with whitewashed walls and four poster beds. Some rooms have sunken bathtubs, others have waterfall showers and all are stocked with ultra spoiling products from the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella.
The infinity pool is a reason in itself to stay there – it was the last pool to get a permit in this part of Tuscany and was worth the battle with the Italian planners. It would be impossible to tire of the glorious sunset which is all you could ever want and expect from Tuscany at its best.
Dinner takes place a few nights a week and is an informal affair; most guests choose to eat at the communal table. There are some excellent trattorias and restaurants within a short drive of the hotel and the owners are more than happy to recommend their favourites and book them for you.
La Bandita is a place to escape from every day life. We could not recommend it more highly.
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