Last year we enjoyed a delightful stay at Cala del Porto at Punta Ala on the Maremma Coast in southern Tuscany. When most people think of Tuscany, the rolling hills of Chianti probably come to mind, but Tuscany is much more than this.
The Maremma area is dotted with medieval towns, separated by thick chestnut forests and green fields with olive groves and vineyards stretching to the beautiful coastline.
I was invited by Baglioni Hotels to stay again at their very first hotel, Cala del Porto, founded by Lisa and Roberto Polito…lucky me.
It is easy to see why they chose the setting amidst pine forests high above the beautiful sea. In the distance you can see Elba and, on a clear day, Corsica.
Cala del Porto has 37 rooms and suites, each one decorated in exquisite style. Nothing has been left to chance. Every detail has been carefully chosen to delight the guests. There are intimate rooms and suites, most with private balconies overlooking the marina, pool or garden.
Belvedere restaurant offers superb regional Tuscan and Italian cuisine in both indoor and outdoor settings.
The garden is enchanting. Last year I was inspired to rush back to Casa Debbio and put in more flowering plants. It would be easy to spend hours just looking at the roses. Click here to see last year’s post to see the rose garden.
One thing we missed last year was the private beach owned by Cala del Porto. Alleluja Beach Club is 2 kilometres from the hotel (transport is provided). We don’t have private beaches in Australia, but when I see something as beautiful as this I can see the appeal.
We were there the day before the season began, so the beach was empty. I can imagine how popular this is in high summer. I love the bathing huts with the gorgeous brush roofs. The ones along the path are filled with little shops and galleries in summer.
We had lunch at La Spiaggia, the elegant and relaxed restaurant right on the beach. The region is known for its delicious, fresh, local food.
Nearby is the new development, La Vela Beach Club…all set to open for the season. It features a spacious wellness area with Turkish bath, massage treatment room and fitness centre with a view of the beach. It has a bar and terrace with panoramic views as well as a restaurant on the first floor…the perfect place to relax and dine after a hard day at the beach.
The Punta Ala International Golf Club is nearby and the marina the hotel below has everything for sailing enthusiasts. Cala del Porto will organise visits by yacht to local islands and beaches, visits to local wineries such as the amazing Rocca del Frassinello ( which I will tell you about in another post). There is also tennis, horse riding, mountain bike riding, water skiing lessons, diving and sailing on offer.
Baglioni choose the people who work in their hotels very carefully. Everything is done to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. Cala del Porto has many visitors who come regularly and are greeted by the same friendly faces. The delightful and very elegant Giovanna and equally charming Luigi made our stay memorable…I would like to become a regular.
Richard the Terrible…this is the place for you!
Chef Giuseppe Angelucci, sums up very well the philosophy of Cala del Porto.
“The Relais and Chateaux Hotel Cala del Porto, and our Ristorante Belvedere in beautiful Tuscany is a dream.
This is a land that gave birth to the great Italian masters with their creativity and ingenuity as well as a land of great farmers and fishermen and rich in fantastic products and flavours.
These are the components that drive my creative process. I Giuseppe Angelucci, as chef in this unique place, have given my passion and love and let my dishes remain an unforgettable memory of the Maremma. Sometimes being simple is the hardest thing.”
Hotel Cala del Porto … Via del Pozzo, Punta Ala
Ph 39 0564 922455