Hotel Lupaia
The Lupaia Hotel is located high in the Tuscan hills and sits in a rolling green valley that’s gently punctuated by cypress trees, ordered vineyards and the occasional farmhouse. To the east you look up to majestic Montepulciano, a quiet town of wrapped in a cocoon of birdsong and peace. There are 8 rooms decorated with enticements and bold colours. The overall impression is one of lavish design, comfort and space – a joyfully mix that seduces from the word go.
Lupaia’s kitchen is the heart of the hotel, a warm, inviting place with copper saucepans hanging from the ceiling, rainbow pottery, and delicious smells wafting from the oven. Guests can wander in and help themselves to coffee, and breakfasts are a delight: fresh feasts elegantly served out on the terrace or in the dining room. There are homemade fruit tarts and cakes, croissants, fruits, cheeses – including a fine pecorino from Pienza – and soft, round, sugar-dusted bombe alla crema.
Montepulciano is the highest of the classic Tuscan hilltowns offering a lot of interesting activities from cycling, cooking classes, food and wine, golf, hiking, historical sites to tennis and wine tasting.
Location: southern Tuscany, midway between Siena and Perugia, about 4km northwest of beautiful Montepulciano. When to go: Tuscany is a joy for much of the year, though it can be very hot in the summer, as well as busy and expensive. May is a lovely time to come, as is September, when sunny weather is still guaranteed, but you avoid the soaring temperatures.
