Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Through the gates, down the straight white road, to a super-stylish retreat, an oasis in the middle of the Maremma, with long green views to far-off hills. Locanda Rossa, with its indoor and outdoor spaces, its soothing suites, its wine bar, restaurant, beautiful pool and intimate spa, runs on well-oiled wheels – all thanks to the manager, Barbara, with her boundless energy and a smile for all. Welcome to a terracotta-red complex of Tuscan buildings (some old, most new), elegant, harmonious and impeccable in every way. Not just a sophisticated, grown-up place, it is, cleverly and unobtrusively, family-friendly to a fault; away from the main complex – yet not too far – is an area devoted to children. And when they've tired of the football pitch, the Miss Kitty playhouse, the wonderful games and the infant pool, you can whisk them off to beaches and a boat from Argentario to the isles of Giglio and Giannutri, or a tour of the glittering mosaics of Niki de Saint Phalle. Return to modern bedrooms in tasteful hues – greys, whites, creams, browns – each with its own identity, many with private terraces. Unwind...