Hotel Montecatini Palace ★★★★★

Housed in an elegantly white Art Nouveau building in the centre of Montecatini Terme, the Hotel Montecatini Palace oozes modern style with its minimalistic design, clean lines and natural shades of stone and biscuit.

Having only just opened at the end of June 2014, the hotel exudes a fresh and new aura, with its glossy finish and lustrous hues. Step inside and you can even smell that it’s fresh too – like when you open up a new gift.

Rooms keep up with the style, decorated in stark black and white tones, intermittently splashed with hues of beige or mustard yellow. Sumptuous and comfy, these are the types of rooms that want to make you throw yourself down on the soft cloud-like bed the moment you enter, jumping into the mountains of pillows. Luxurious extras include bathrobes and slippers, mini bars and accessory sets by Marie Danielle. Also provided are satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and heating and air-conditioning controls. Superior rooms also come with their own private balconies, which look out across the town.

A delicious breakfast buffet is served each morning in the hotel's bright reception hall, providing views of the pretty garden outside. The attractive spread includes freshly baked pastries, cereals, yoghurts, sliced meats and cheeses – served with obligatory Italian coffees (there are of course teas offered too).

During the day you will undoubtedly want to get out and ‘take the waters’, as they say. Montecatini Terme is home to many different spas, the most famous of which is Terme Tettucio. Built in the 18th century by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, this majestic building is full of graceful marble columns, delicate frescoes and intricate stonework. Walking in here will take you back to the glorious golden age of Montecatini. This spa is not about bathing or massages or even treatments though, it’s all about drinking the health-giving spring waters that are said to cure a range of ailments from reducing cholesterol to bladder and bowel disorders. Music is also seen as part of the healing process, and live orchestras play here every afternoon in the beautifully manicured gardens. It is even said that Puccini composed parts of La Boheme while here. You’ll find plenty of other spas in town where you can relax in hot bubbling pools or bathe in mud if that’s the type of spa you prefer.

The hotel of course has its own spa – a relaxing haven of saunas, Turkish baths, heated pools, hydromassage jets and revitalizing showers. There are also a range of treatments and massages to choose from for unwinding or rejuvenating. The attached gym provides plenty of equipment if you want to take your healthy holiday really seriously.

In the warmer months of the year, the heart of the hotel lies in its enchanting roof garden with its large pool and stylish bar. Providing spectacular views across the town and Tuscan hills beyond, it’s perfect for chilling out during the day and indulging in an afternoon tea or a glass of wine in the evening.

Besides the rooftop bar, the hotel also has another bar in its stylish hall area, where you can sample Italian aperitifs and appetizers during the colder months, or when you simply want to escape indoors. For something a bit more substantial, try the hotel’s restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean inspired dishes and special meals to complement your wellness retreat to the city – ideal for detoxifying and cleansing.

The Hotel Montecatini Palace for now is a well-kept secret, but with its chic designs and impeccable service, it won’t stay that way for long.