Dream of rolling, verdant hills alive with grapevines ripe for picking… a restored medieval village overlooking vast landscapes, which appear as if an artist has painted them. A bustling, ancient city lined with cobblestoned streets and handsome men on Vespas yelling something delicious in an unfamiliar language…the lapping waves of the ocean lulling you into a blissful state as you sip your Brunello and wait for the sun to set. Only, this isn’t a dream. This is Italy.

Image courtesy of La Posta Vecchia

Romance, culture, history, beauty, diversity and charcuterie unite in this paradise for lovers. The food is outstanding, the people and customs alone are worth coming for, and the accommodations rival anything you’ll find around the world. If you’ve contemplated celebrating your wedding or your honeymoon here – you’re in good hands. The Italians are experts in love.

Ultimately, the benefit of both Rome and Tuscany is that you can easily get married and honeymoon in either destination. Our suggestion is to marry in Rome and head to Tuscany for your honeymoon, but if you want to do just the opposite, you’re in good hands either way.

MARRY HERE: ROME

Roma

La Posta Vecchia Hotel is located just outside of Rome and is situated on the Lazio Coast. This 17th-century home (once owned by American oil tycoon, J. Paul Getty), turned luxury villa rental is the definition of Italian refinement. With a sea-view terrace and fastidiously manicured gardens, you could get lost in the endless beauty (and history) of this special place. The home is so special in fact; it’s thought Mr. Getty never truly left and still roams the halls.

Images courtesy of La Posta Vecchia

Because each of the 15 rooms are luxuriously appointed with artwork from around the world, unique décor and soaring ceilings, you and your guests could spend days just relishing what’s inside. The twinkling sea views by day and the moon’s reflection by night beg for you to spend the majority of your time on the grounds and terrace.

Also available for rent, this private, legendary villa by the sea has sprawling lawns and spaces for your guests to gather. Inquire for more details on the current number of guests allowed on the property, as restrictions may apply based on current regulations.

HONEYMOON THERE: FLORENCE

Castiglioncello del Trinoro

About a 90-minute drive from Florence and atop the medieval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, you’ll stumble upon Monteverdi Tuscany, a collection of restored 12th-century villas and boutique hotel. The property is so well integrated into the façade of the village, you may miss it completely if you don’t know where to look. Once there, you will realize the rare and unrivaled gift you have been given in visiting this one-of-a-kind gem. What’s lacking is the typical property signage and grand entrance of marble, pomp and circumstance. What is not lacking: personality, charm, heart and an effortless elegance, like a fine Super Tuscan wine.

Images courtesy of Monteverdi Tuscany

The gravel roads meandering through the village are lined with unassuming entrances that house the common areas of the property, although these areas are anything but “common.” The décor throughout the villas and hotel is a happy marriage between contemporary design elements and ancient architecture. Every décor decision from the linens (oh, the linens!) to the bathtubs is pure perfection. Each room at Monteverdi gives you the feeling that you’re stepping into a modern art gallery, surrounded by the vestiges of what history meant to leave behind.

Oreade is the restaurant on the property and offers sumptuous cuisine to delight even the pickiest of palates. Monteverdi’s stellar culinary team is lead by Chef Giancarla Bodoni, who firmly believes in a farm-to-table concept. The views from Monteverdi give a visual representation of how far the food has traveled, making it a truly “locally sourced” dining experience.

A honeymoon at Monteverdi Tuscany will give you seclusion, relaxation and romance in abundance. And if you choose to marry here, don’t stress as they host many grand events on the property.

Images courtesy of Monteverdi Tuscany

Don’t Miss:

• Enjoy a cooking class at Monteverdi and learn from the master herself, then dine on your creation, alfresco, with Val d’Orcia in the distance.
• Wine tasting in this region is a given. We suggest Tenuta di Trinoro (a well-known Super Tuscan producer) and Casanova di Neri (awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator and “97 points” by Decanter).
• Shopping in nearby Montepulciano is a must for fine Italian leather and keepsakes.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Winter/Spring 2022 Issue.