Named after the 16th-century artist and humanist Claudio Monteverdi, this more remote hotel in the rolling hills of Italy, specifically Val d’Orcia, is a Tuscan beauty. A car is needed to get around the area, but who doesn’t want to live out their Fiat 500 dreams of an Italian road trip? Once an old house, now a carefully restored retreat with bold colours, contemporary artworks and custom-made furniture crafted by local artisans (picture next to old wooden beams and four-poster beds). Find time, and space, by the pretty standout infinity pool (in front of those countryside views) and chase up with a long osteria-style lunch, ragu included.