As a couple in our forties who think of ourselves as foodies and art lovers, but aren’t keen on long-haul travel, we couldn’t quite believe it had taken us this long to discover Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany , a dreamy destination just a two-hour flight away. After landing in Pisa and picking up our hire car, we couldn’t miss out on paying a quick visit to the famous Leaning Tower before setting off to the coast. Any grumbles about our 6am flight were soon forgotten as we managed to nab a parking spot in the city centre, just a two-minute walk from this busy tourist attraction.
We captured the iconic “holding up the tower” picture (of course) and grabbed a quick bite to eat in the square before the crowds flooded in. We then set off to our accommodation, the trendy La Serena hotel in Forte dei Marmi, a 40-minute drive from Pisa – and a place that was to take us by complete surprise. As you drive into this Tuscan coastal town you’re instantly blown away by the stunning views: mountains to one side, a long beachfront to the other and a bustling, upmarket town in the middle.
It was like we had stepped into a VIP village; lined with rows of exclusive beach clubs, it had a buzz that oozed glamour. One of the highlights of La Serena is the huge range of sculptures and artwork inside; it really is an interior design lover’s heaven. These are created by various artists in residence, and sometimes you can even see them in action.
From the impressive wine cellar to modern .
