Hotel Plaza e de Russie ★★★★★

My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Tuscany. When it came to planning our twentieth wedding anniversary, we were contemplating a special holiday. Before too long she brought up the idea of returning to Italy.

It had been so long since we had been that we almost forgot what was in store. Booking with VeryChic was easy, and we were sold on the Plaza e de Russie from the pictures alone. Upon arrival, our memories were stirred by the exquisite Liberty style architecture of Viareggio and our hotel. We were welcomed by Murano glass lamps and marble floors in the stunningly decorated lobby. Our room looked out over the Piazza d’Azeglio, whose charm brought us back twenty years when as newlyweds we discovered Italian piazzas for the first time. We were surrounded by elegant touches: antique floors, period furniture pieces, silk curtains…all combined with modern services, for modern times.

After unwinding, we headed to the rooftop restaurant for dinner after a long day of travel. Italian cuisine has always been one of our favourites, and La Terrazza did not disappoint. Our taste buds were treated to the finest in local Tuscan flavours, and the setting was simply magical. The panoramic picture with views of the Golfe de la Spezia as well as the Alps took our breath away. A nightcap at the American bar later and we were ready for a good night’s sleep.

The following day we spent exploring the town of Viareggio and lounging at the beach. The influence of the Renaissance was clear everywhere we went, which made us happily nostalgic for days past. We were lucky to be around for the artisan market, which showcases the local artistic flair. The shops were often luxurious and I found the perfect anniversary gift for my wife. Strolling about, we delighted in the architecture and Italian feel, feeling like kids again.

While Tuscany is best known for its landscapes and artistic legacy, it’s also a centre of culture and fashion. My wife absolutely did not want to miss out on the chance to go to Florence, and I was rather keen on seeing Lucca. After a lie-in and delicious breakfast, we headed down to the hotel desk to get information on these destinations. We got all the advice we needed, including where to rent a car, and off we went. Enchanted by the countryside, it took longer than usual to get to Florence, but we definitely were not complaining.

There was so much to see and do, we vowed not to wait another twenty years before returning. Some of the other spots we were urged to consider were Pisa, San Gimignano, and Pienza. I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Tuscany, and am happy to have found a hotel the calibre of the Plaza e de Russie, where elegant Renaissance design combines with a majestic natural setting for the perfect stay.