Overview
When you think of Italy what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Food, are we right? A bonafide bolthole for gourmet-gravitating groups, impeccable cuisine is definitely one of the reasons to check into L’Andana. Enrico Bartolini, one of the country’s most highly esteemed chefs, heads up the Michelin-starred trattoria here, where fresh local produce is magically transformed to palate-pleasing-paradise on a plate. Meals are also accompanied by an extensive wine list – much of which is homegrown on the postcard-worthy estate
A stellar location is another magnetic pull. Located on Tuscany’s lesser-trodden southern coast, this historic home allows guests to tap into both classic countryside charm and a beautiful beach backdrop. The cypress lined driveway, landscaped gardens and verdant vineyards nail the quintessential panoramic views guests flock to this neck of the woods for, but idyllic surrounds are matched with plenty of pursuits too. The hotel’s tagline is, L’Andana: experiences that stir up emotions, and it sure doesn’t disappoint. Active appetites are catered to with tennis courts, pools and a golf practise course, while serenity-seekers can hunker down in the spa. The spacious Kids Club is complimentary for those 3 and older, while the younger set are still welcome to attend with parents or babysitters. Creative juices are encouraged to flow with afternoons spent in the art workshop, while the pools, outdoor playground, tennis courts and football field ensures family time can happily be spent together too. We’re not going to lie, it’s very tempting to check in and not step foot outside the hotel’s grounds, but we urge you not to miss out on the fantastic sands at Castiglione dell Pescaia (where the hotel runs a free shuttle to the vibey beach club with a toes-in-the-sand restaurant), or sightseeing the ancient local towns
Storybook-style accommodation comes courtesy of comforting rooms, where ease-inducing touches have been woven into the delicious design. We’re talking: kitchenettes, interconnecting options, and even an exclusive 4-bed villa with a private pool. This phenomenally good looking estate, with safe & secure grounds, provides a hard-to-beat base for an authentic Italian adventure
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Flight
Just over 2 hrs from England to Florence & Pisa airports and 2hrs 30 mins to Rome
Transfer
Approximately 90 minutes from Pisa airport, or 2 hours from Florence and Rome. The hotel can arrange transfers, with age appropriate car seats, starting from 300 euros from Pisa and 400 euros from Florence and Rome
Best time to visit
The hotel is open from April – November. To make the most of the coastal location we’d recommend visiting between June-September. You’ll find our Tuscany temperature guide below:
April: highs of 18 degrees
May: highs of 25 degrees
June: highs of 28 degrees
July: highs of 30 degrees
August: highs of 30 degrees
September: highs of 25 degrees
October: highs of 22 degrees
November: highs of 16 degrees
Favourite room
Rooms here are found in 4 different buildings (each a minute’s walk from the other); La Villa, La Casa, Il Granaio and La Scuderia
Families will want to book one of the 10 suites at Il Granaio, which can be converted into two-bedroom apartments. All overlook a large patio and communal pool (choose one of the 5 on the ground floor for direct access), plus they come equipped with fully equipped kitchenettes
The Deluxe Con Mezzanine room 26 is our favourite choice for families of 3, while we’d recommend the Garden Junior Suite 34 for families of 4. Groups of up to 5 will want either 44 or 45 Terrace Suite
Extra beds and cots can be added to all rooms and there are interconnecting options
If you’re looking for the ultimate home from home, check out the 4-bed (all en-suite) La Scuderia villa, with a private pool, sprawling garden and bright kitchen to make any Nonna happy
Price & Special Offers
from £500 p/night in low season and £1500 p/night in high season
FAQs
What family facilities are there, and how much do they cost?
A sensory playground, for adults and children alike, the safe & sprawling grounds at L’Andana are brimming with family facilities
Starting with the Kids Club. Open from 10am-1pm and then 2pm-7pm 7 days a week it’s free to attend for those 3+, while any younger tiny travellers can stay and play when accompanied by a parent or babysitter (who can be booked for 35 euros an hour)
The Kids’ Club garden has a children’s swimming pool, swings, slides and a child-friendly vegetable garden. On the estate you’ll also find a tennis court, five-a-side football field, bocce court and library stocked with games. There’s free bikes to borrow for cycling around the grounds, or heading down to the beach, with child-friendly seat attachments and helmets included. Other highlights include horseback riding, cooking classes (at an extra charge) and complimentary use of the 4 holes golf driving range
One of things we love most about L’Andana is their brilliant concierge service, which really is akin to the ultimate genie in a bottle. From arranging kite surfing for teenagers to gelato-making courses, sailing lessons, boat trips, or cookery classes, any wish, whim or desire can be arranged!
Which equipment is available to borrow for babies & children?
L’Andana can provide cots, highchairs, prams, bouncers and potties
What are the pools like?
There are 6 pools at L’Andana; 1 adults-only pool, 1 outdoor family pool, 1 handily located outside the Il Granaio suites (exclusively for guests staying there), 1 indoor pool (with family swim times from 10am – 2pm), 1 pool in the Kids’ Club garden and a private pool for guests of the Villa La Scuderia. The indoor pool is the only one of the 3 heated, at a glorious 28 degrees
Is there evening entertainment?
L’Andana does not offer evening entertainment
What’s the protocol for allergies?
The chefs will happily accommodate any dietary requirements, please inform staff at check in
What’s the dining set up?
Epitomizing the essence of an epicurean escape, the food at L’Andana really is something to write home about. There’s 2 restaurants onsite, both open from 12.30-2.30pm and 7pm-11pm, with children’s menus available at each
La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini is the star of the show – a sublime culinary experience, headed up by Italy’s top chef Enrico Bartolini himself. A Michelin-Star holder, expect a creative spin on traditional Tuscan dishes, with the accompanying wine cellar boasting more than 600 labels
Restaurant La Villa is a slightly more low-key affair, with a cosy, informal atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here, with a strong emphasis on sensational seafood and shamelessly scrumptious desserts
Tots too tired to make it out of bed? Room service is also available
L’Andana operates on a bed & breakfast basis, with meals not included in the room rate. Fancy a local recommendation? The hotel’s top picks are below:
La Fiumara Beach Club
Meet the family...
Patty
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 4 months old
L’Andana is a resort created inside an old aristocratic villa. The decor/interior is classic Italian but with a modern twist in some of the furniture - it has been curated by the editor of a very famous architecture magazine. The resort offers a Kids Club for children older than 3 and a babysitter service for children younger than that. The food was amazing! There are two restaurants inside L’Andana: one is a Michelin restaurant, the other is the main dining area of the resort. We only tried the Michelin one and it was one of the best dinners of my life! I would definitely recommend it to other parents because even with babies or children it is still a very relaxing experience
Worth waking the baby for
01
Cala Violina Beach
Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach on Tuscany’s coastline, the stunning white sands of Cala Violina are just half an hour from the hotel. Completely unspoilt, the vistas are bound to take your breath away (although it’s worth noting there are no loungers, parasols or bars – so come equipped for the day!) To maintain the undisturbed ambience visitors are limited from June to September, so make sure to book your spot in advance on the Cala Violina website
02
Il Tasso Scatenato
Just 30 minutes from L’Andana, nestled in the forest, is Il Tasso Scatenato adventure park. Enveloped by nature this is far from your standard theme park. A veritable maze suspended among the trees, sky-high activities include, zip lines, pulleys, wobbly walkways and Tibetan bridges. The ‘Unleashed Badger’ offers courses for younger children, while teens and adults can challenge themselves with more thrilling runs
03
Acqua Village
A Hawaiian-themed water park, families say Aloha to aquatic adventures here. Whether whizzing down the snake slide, racing each other on the multi-track flumes, or plummeting down the most famous rafting descent in Italy (in special inflatable dinghies), thrill-seekers will be in their element. Not just for adrenaline junkies, those looking for something a little more sedate will love the whirlpools, sensory showers, water games, splash pad and wave pools
