Find contemporary ambience at Argentario Resort Tuscany. On the drive past gratuitously pretty Tuscan towns that look like dolls’ houses perched on the hillside, the motorway is simply an aside to getting you from the bustle of Rome airport as swiftly as possible to the tranquil sound of nature.
As you speed down the highway, the olive trees become sparser and the farms more distant as you become engulfed in the scenic Tuscan countryside. After a zippy ninety minutes, you are transported past a seemingly endless stream of olive trees, which wind down to the 5 star, luxury Argentario Golf Resort and Spa. Surrounded by luscious terrain, the resort nestles in an exclusive location between Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, just minutes away from the breath-taking beaches of Monte Argentario.
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town, visitors to the Argentario Resort are welcomed to a peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by a PGA 18 hole golf course designed by architect David Mezzacane. However, it’s not just the golf which attracts guests year after year. The experienced (or not) golfers soak up the unique atmosphere of the distinctive decor which oozes unique concepts. Steering away from the region’s artistic legacy and high culture- it is after all regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, interior designer Andrea Fogli has created a contemporary ambience at Argentario Resort Tuscany complete with retro charm.
Everything from the airy, whitewashed main building, complemented with neutral colours, spiral staircase, huge sofas and animal prints, has been composed to flatter the natural surroundings. Even the designer elements such as the eye catching desk by Bertjan Pot and the ‘furry’ lobby chairs by Patricia Urquiola have been carefully chosen for their aesthetic appeal, which blend seamlessly in with the hotel’s eco approach to design.
The intimate setting oozes understated decadence, and you can almost imagine Isabella Rossellini emerging in an oversized pair of sunglasses from one of the restaurants or heading off for a canter in the adjacent ranch, however guests are sophisticated enough not to stare.
The rest of the dragonfly-shaped property features a limestone façade, with a central lift taking guests to the wellness area with spa, gym and indoor and outdoor pool on the lower level. The hotel’s two restaurants provide a different experience for day and night, with the Club House offering panoramic views from its terrace, and seducing diners with traditional Maremma and Tuscan dishes such as tortelli al ragù, pizza and seafood spaghetti; Whereas the Dama Dama restaurant offers a more intimate space and a sophisticated menu using a “zero km” philosophy. Chef Emiliano Lombardelli creates seasonal dishes using fresh produce from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden and surrounding farms. Both restaurants are extremely generous with their olive oil. Not only do Tuscan people worship it, and use it daily, the Argentario Resort proudly produces its own blend. Eaten with traditional bruschetta as an aperitif, locals and visitors can’t get enough of drizzling their bread chunks with olive oil and a little salt, so be prepared and don’t get too carried away before your main event! Also perfect for celebrations, the area to the rear of the restaurant has a large social table, designed by Vincent Van Duysen with complementary chairs by Marcel Wanders.
The resort’s cocktail bar has a speakeasy vibe. Situated next to the breakfast room at the bottom of a wide spiral staircase, it’s impossible not to feel like a movie star as you make your entrance under the sparkles of the Ron Gildas chandelier. Either take a seat at the bar to watch the bartender work his magic or cosy up behind one of the distinctive ‘pig’ tables by Marcel Wanders for Moooi and enjoy the atmosphere and live piano. I would suggest starting your evening with one of the head bartender’s specials – I loved the triple taste of ‘Date in Tunisia’ – designed to represent all good things about Tunisia; but Franciacorta also known as the “Champagne of Italy”, is also worth a mention, made in the “metodo classico” (classical way), I’m not sure I can tell it apart from its French cousins!
With the main hotel offering a range of suites – all with views of the impressive viesta of the Orbetello lagoon, it’s the exclusive villas which have the ultimate WOW factor. Blending in with the valley, each of the five secluded villas are meticulously designed to create a unique home from home setting, with additional luxury touches such as private decking jacuzzi, home cinema and state of the art kitchen facilities which can be booked with or without a chef. The villas are ideal for families or groups of friends and they are perfect for groups of six or ten, and come complete with golf carts to get guests around the site and enjoy the hotel facilities too. Conveniently, the Argentario has its own heliport for VIP guests, and is just 30 minutes from Grosseto which caters for private jets.
It would be tempting to spend your whole time by one of the pools, but the resort is surrounded by stunning scenic walks and marked running trails for fitness enthusiasts. There is a fully equipped Espace wellness centre, personal trainer and tennis courts along with access to e-bikes and stables, and the beach is a short car journey away.
Many guests enjoy a leisurely 5km stroll to the surrounding village which gives a typical taste of Tuscany. Here you can experience the traditional red, tile-roofed buildings sitting on top of layers of volcanic “tufa” stone. Orbetello is a bustling town, reached by one of the three spits of land that create the two unique lagoons, which are inhabited by pink flamingos and white herons in season, and is a great place to watch the sunset. Also within walking distance are two impressive stretches of sandy beach: Giannella and Feniglia. Ten minutes further by car is the pretty harbour of Porto Ercole, which is celebrated as Caravaggio’s final resting place. With classy marina facilities, this glamorous port town is the home of super yachts, boutique shops and divine dining, and only a short taxi ride back to Argentario after you have enjoyed a sundowner in the plentiful bars.
Whether you have come for the food, scenery, golf or nature, the Argentario offers a base to enjoy a panorama that eclipses any preconceived ideas of Tuscany, and delivers much, much more than your typical fly and flop.
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Sara Darling
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town, visitors to the Argentario Resort are welcomed to a peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by a PGA 18 hole golf course designed by architect David Mezzacane.
