We all lead busy lives which often means not enough time to focus on the things that really matter, mainly our relationships with family and friends. While someone’s idea of a holiday in Italy might mean hitting up every hot-spot mentioned in Rick Steves, aimed at checking it off a dream bucket-list. We suggest otherwise. The things is, you have the rest of your life to hurry to the next big thing, ideally, coming to Italy should be a lesson in taking it slow. Embrace a bit of quiet time, and make one weekend this year a truly romantic getaway in Tuscany, complete with your own private outdoor jacuzzi.

Because why not?

Imagine just the two of you, in a beautiful Tuscan villa that is anything but rustic or dreary, this one is completely restored with the best modern amenities. And yes, that includes actual working WiFi. All you have to do is linger over a cascading sunset with a glass of local Chianti Classico wine, one of the many advantages of holing up in this area, and we can take care of the rest.

Our top choice for this kind of experience is a place that is very near and dear to us, Il Padiglione, a charming two-bedroom estate in the heart of Chianti wine country, just 12 kilometers from UNESCO-heritage site Siena. This makes it the ideal base to discovering the surrounding countryside with jewels like Montalcino, Florence and San Gimignano an easy drive away. Artistic heritage and gourmet cuisine mingling perfectly in an area where for centuries local factions have been battling for a piece of the pie.

In addition, this particular spot lies on a 50 hectare historic National Registered Estate which is also a vineyard estate, growing Sangiovese grapes. The villa produces 40,000 bottles of year of Chianti Classico and IGT Toscana 100% organic wines and a special ‘tasting for two’ can be arranged by request. There are also options for arranging cooking classes, tours by helicopter or hot-air balloon and horse-riding.