Resort Spotlight: Argentario, Italy

The backstory

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is located in the heart of the beautiful Maremma in Southern Tuscany.

It is only 90 minutes north of Italy’s capital yet is achingly remote, sitting like an island among forested hills that climb high above the neat, eco-friendly resort.

It is edged by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Orbetello Lagoon – a WWF-managed nature reserve – as well as vineyards and pristine sandy and rocky beaches. The boutique hotel at the centre of the resort is the epitome of opulence.

What to expect

Argentario’s course was designed by former Tour player Baldovino Dassu and architect David Mezzacane and in keeping with the environmentally-friendly nature of the resort, the course has been set down on natural terrain so has plenty of idiosyncrasies and character.

The 16th green – tiered and hard to a centuries-old tree – is one of the funkiest you’ll ever three putt on.

Where you stay

The Argentario hotel has 73 design rooms and is the only golf resort in the Design Hotel group.

It mixes breathtaking style with state-of-the-art facilities to offer a preposterously decadent Tuscan retreat. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, an elegant outdoor pool area, gym, tennis and a huge spa.

Dama Dama restaurant serves authentic Tuscan cuisine with many ingredients grown on site.

Off the course

On Monte Argentario you have tiny-but-adorable Porto Ercole – perfect for an Aperol Spritz at sunset then a pizza in one of the handful of restaurants – and slightly bigger Porto Santo Stefano, with a stately castle and captivating narrow streets to browse.

In two hours you can soak up the iconic sights of Florence, while UNESCO World Heritage site Siena and the incredible skyline of towers at San Gimignano are even closer. All five are utopia for an Instagrammer.

Getting there

Rome Fiumicino is 90 minutes away. Ciampino is south of the city so is an extra 30 minutes’ drive. Or fly to Florence and drive south.

Want more details?

In addition to the hotel, villas on the course are available for sale or holiday rental at Argentario Golf Residences. Visit the resort’s website for more.