Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi

Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi takes a distinctly contemporary approach to luxury on Tuscany’s Versilia coast. Among the palms and pines of Forte dei Marmi, its minimal interiors, bright rooms and exclusively Italian-made furnishings favour clean lines over decorative grandeur. This is a hotel for travellers who want their seaside stay to feel modern, with design, dining and wellness given as much consideration as time on the beach.

Room choice deserves attention, particularly if outdoor space matters to you. The Spatio, the 90-square-metre presidential suite, has a private balcony overlooking gardens and the Apuan Alps, with both a dining table and an outdoor sitting area. Inside are a generous living area and a marble bathroom with a bath, shower and twin basins. It can connect to a Junior Suite: a useful option to discuss with the hotel when travelling together but wanting separate spaces.

Egoista Spa provides a substantial reason to slow down. Its facilities include a 14-metre heated indoor pool, a whirlpool, Finnish and biological saunas, a steam bath and a relaxation area with tea. The beach club and rooftop pool offer a different setting for unhurried hours. Dining moves between Lux Lucis, Ristorante Principe’s local and international dishes, and traditional Forte dei Marmi cooking served with feet in the sand. Chef Valentino Cassanelli’s stated philosophy centres on local produce, avoiding waste and accommodating dietary needs.

For a more involved encounter with the hotel’s food and wine culture, consider the Lux Lucis cooking lesson, built around three recipes from Cassanelli’s menu. Alternatively, Sokol’s private tasting explores Tuscan wine traditions through a virtual journey among vineyards and hills, rather than an excursion to an estate. Both are worthwhile experiences to enquire about before finalising plans through the official website.