Il Pellicano

Set in scented terraced gardens above its own private rocky cove, this legendary seaside retreat was a magnet for international A-listers in the 1970s, and has never lost its allure.

Today it has a timeless, retro-glam vibe, with 50 airy bedrooms and suites divided between the main villa and cottages in the  garden.

By day, guests flop on sunbeds around the pool or on the famous bathing platform over the sea, while evenings are spent sipping Pelican Martinis before moving on to a Michelin-starred feast in the restaurant.

The hilly hinterland of the Maremma is close by if you want to explore and there are ferries (or private yachts) to the islands of Giglio and Giannutri.

The resort is situated at the southernmost tip of Tuscany, meaning the big draws – Siena, Florence and Pisa – are all around two hours drive or more; this is really for those who want to discover a different side of the region.