Best food & drink

1. Zamparina

The ingredients of Zamparina’s dishes come directly from the surrounding nature and from local farmers. With a focus on zero mile organic suppliers, you know immediately that you’ll be eating the best Mediterranean ingredients from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.

There’s special evenings and wine and cheese tastings; imagine watching the sun go down over Versilia and the sea beyond with a glass of wine after a beautiful day in this lush haven.

When you wake up you are greeted by a rich buffet, everything is made in house; pastries and focaccia baked that morning, teamed with fruits and cured meats, with fresh coffee naturally. Lunch and dinner are as bespoke as you would like them, with the focus on the immediate area, there is the option of a true Tuscan lunch. Dinner is an opportunity to taste the incredible wines available at Zamparina, with local vineyards providing impeccable pairings for your meal in the dining room or on the terrace, and there’s the opportunity to request your private dinner with an exclusive chef which is highly recommended.

2. Al Bocconcino

Located in the heart of Forte Dei Marmi, it’s no coincidence that the “Al Bocconcino” pizza restaurant has been one of the simplest but also most requested restaurants in the town for almost 40 years.
From post market lunches to summer evenings in the square, its pizza and pasta dishes appeal to both locals and tourists alike.

The prices also do not reflect its location, surrounded by the likes of Gucci and Prada, they always remain fair here, we have visited many times over the years and it’s never changed from doing simple dishes well.

The large portions and fresh ingredients mean that sometimes there’s a wait for a table in high summer, but it’s totally worth it.

Address: piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 6/N – Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)

3. Spiaga Alpemare

Translated as the ‘beach and the pine forest’
I had to include this, this is THE ultimate beach club.

At the entrance to Alpemare you are welcomed by a wonderful pine forest, you are immediately immersed in the scents and greenery of this incredible place. As you make your way to the beach.

As if this wasn’t beautiful enough, there’s no umbrellas, but 48 splendid tents, each of which equipped with a safe, USB connections and courtesy kit whilst still creating the most aesthetic backdrop.

From breakfast to Aperitivo, this is not your classical beach club, Chef Mirko Caldino creates the most beautiful dishes inspired by the nature around him. And as for the music, well; considering the owner is no other that Andrea Bocelli you can imagine how atmospheric this whole visit could be.

Address: Viale Italico, 69, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU

Stay

Each of the 6 suites of Tenuta Zamparina are unique.

As you make your way to the main building, you’ll pass the Tinetto suites, with private gardens, Jacuzzi and saunas; The garden surrounding the suites is a verdant paradise, meticulously landscaped with an array of aromatic herbs. These sway gently in the breeze, releasing their calming scent, creating a tapestry of green providing a natural frame for the sea view whilst relaxing in the warm waters of your jacuzzi.

The main house has more suites, each room is characterized differently but all are distinguished by brightness, views of the coast and Gulf of Poets, designer furniture with deco pieces, and of course Carrara marble details.

With elegant free standing baths to while away the moment and totally relax before retreating to bed amongst fine linens and pillows chosen from the selection on the ‘pillow menu’ it truly is THE place to relax and unwind.

Explore

As you approach Tenuta Zamparina the attention to detail greets you before you even step into the resort. Greeted by bespoke artisan gates, they open out onto the most incredible views.

The resort hugs the side of the hill, overlooking the gardens, the infinity pool and the town of Viareggio and the beaches beyond. As well as the pool, there are saunas and hot tubs for selected rooms, secluded by lush greenery.

At Tenuta Zamparina , there’s a wellness experience called, “En plain air”, which will make you feel in harmony with nature. With the careful guidance of a private teacher, you can practice pilates and yoga outdoors, immersing yourself in the surrounding beauty. Allowing you to develop better awareness between body and mind.

If you’d like to venture from the resort, Tenuta di Ghizzano , a historic Italian residence dating back to 1370, belonging to the Venerosi Pesciolini family, in nearby Pisa will introduce you to their organic wines, accompanied by a magnificent lunch.

If wine isn’t your thing, Immerse yourself in a postcard experience with the Estate. You can book a boat with crew and skipper, or a dinghy, and set off from Cinquale or Bocca di Magra to explore magnificent coasts up to the Cinque Terre.