If you decide to hire a car or even heaven forbid drive from another European country it is quite likely you won't find La Bandita at the first or even second time of trying, indeed you will probably need to call La Bandita to get directions it is that well hidden away up a track needing four wheel drive.

You can stand outside La Bandita and look to all corners of the compass and you will see nothing but hills, some sheep and perhaps some sheepdogs. Try listening for the roar of traffic, or the sounds of other people in the vicinity, and you won't hear much if anything at all.

That pretty well deals with the retreat aspect of luxury retreat, so now what about the luxury at La Bandita.

This isn't a typical Tuscany farmhouse conversion, all rustic, wood, and exposed brickwork.

What you have to do here is think of infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, giant beanbags, huge sunken bathtubs, massive waterfall showers, white sofas, eight huge soothing minimalistic bedrooms, and this gives you an idea of why it is a luxury retreat..

In fact they are so big, the conversion could easily have been sixteen bedrooms, but then it would lose that romantic getaway package, luxury retreat aspect that makes La Bandita so absolutely wonderful, and such a great place to stay. By the way there is also a converted outbuilding called The Pigsty which with its own sitting room and kitchen making it perfect for honeymooners

This is real solitude and tranquility, stood within its four acres of land, and yet you can if you choose nip in and out of nearby villages, which is ideal, because for most people a luxury retreat means getting away from others, yet able to see people as and when you want.

The atmosphere at La Bandita is really a cross between an hotel, and someone's home, where you are staying with friends over a long weekend. This atmosphere really works so it may not be right if you are a recluse, and a luxury retreat means privacy as well. Part of the charm of La Bandita is the quality of the dinners that the chef produces, and they are eaten in a large open plan space in the garden, dinner party style. It can be nice to meet other guests in this way, and the quality of the wine certainly helps to make conversation flow. For the less sociable, then a private dining area is arranged or else a quick and easy drive to Pienza a beautiful Renaissance town with a lovely piazza, and good restaurants.

Exploring further afield from the luxury retreat that is La Bandita is no problem when you tire of the isolation, if you ever do, and Siena for example is but an hour away, and in truth there are at least half a dozen small medieval towns to explore within easy reach. The infinity pool and a glass of wine could well be enough instead.

La Bandita is a real Luxury Retreat in Tuscany, and perfect as part of a Romantic getaway weekend package.

For More Information on Italy go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/European-Hotels/Italy/