Abode2 Reviews: Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort

Just a leisurely ninety-minute drive from Rome airport, through Italy’s lush rolling countryside, you find yourself in Porto Ercole, a small, chic destination located on the Monte Argentario peninsula in the south of Tuscany, one of Italy’s much-loved regions. 

Discreetly tucked away in a sleepy quiet corner is Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort which I had the pleasure of visiting, just before they prepare to host the Italian Open tournament at the end of June. A real coup for Augusto Orsini, the owner and founder of this exclusive golf resort.

It was Augusto’s dream, way back as a child, to build his own golf haven in a location he regularly used to visit on family holidays. Twenty or so years ago his dream came to fruition and the rest, as they say, is history. Surrounded by a plethora of olive trees and mature woodlands this private and eco-friendly resort spans over 77 hectares and complements its green surroundings beautifully. This is a place where luxury and nature brush shoulders and where sustainability is a way of life.

I was fascinated to discover that the golf course isn’t shaped to perfection like many courses. All the fairways are ‘naturally imperfect’ and all part of its charm and eco-friendly approach. There are no pesticides used to deter wildlife. For example, their tactic of sprinkling chillies across the greens seems to do the trick in stopping birds pecking holes in its velvety putting greens.

Perched adjacent in the hillside with stunning views over the fairways are 22 luxurious villas - perfect if you’re a golf enthusiast looking for a property investment and if not, a private retreat with an enviable vista and peaceful location. All villas are bespoke, but with a cohesive style. Some are sold and some in the process of being completed, with owners having the opportunity to rent them out, via the hotel, when not in residency. There are still four plots available and building and design doesn’t commence until the plot is purchased. Starting from around 3 million euros, you can design your own Tuscan abode with resident designer Andrea Fogli on hand to turn your dream concept into reality. Villas come complete with your own golf buggy to access them, with all cars left behind in the hotel car park.

With extensive views over the golf course, designer Andrea has come up trumps with an impressive and stylish design for the five-star hotel which uses earthy tones and striking furnishings throughout all the communal areas. The reception area is vast and spectacular, its space set off by the high ceilings and ambient lighting. The sweeping white staircase, which takes centre stage, leads you down to the bar and restaurants and down again to the conference rooms, the outdoor pool and wellness spa. The hotel encompasses 73 rooms - suites, junior suites and superior rooms - set on three floors.

The 7 luxury suites are all impressively designed with eye catching features, fixtures and fittings, some with enormous slipper baths as the centre piece of the bedroom.

The gorgeous spa is extensive, offering a multitude of signature treatments and uses local products such as lavender and organic olive. There’s a sauna and steam room as well as an indoor swimming pool with access to the larger outdoor pool and sun loungers.

As well as the well-equipped gym, there are outdoor tennis and padel courts and running and walking trails on the estate. For those looking to brush up on their golf technique or simply have a starter lesson (me for example), the club’s pro couldn’t be more helpful and supportive.

The Golf Club House restaurant and terrace is just a few moments stroll from the hotel and a fabulous place to spend an evening or a great spot for a delicious light lunch. Pre-dinner drinks and cocktails on the terrace, as the sun sets across the golf course, provides the perfect backdrop before venturing inside, or staying out, depending on the weather, to sample some fabulous food. To be honest, the food throughout my stay was some of the best Italian food I’ve eaten.

And if this wasn’t enough, my final evening’s experience in the hotels ‘fine dining’ Dama Dama restaurant took gastronomy to another level.

Some of the signature dishes here include wafer-thin pink shrimps, olive oil ice cream and herring caviar, button-shaped pasta with caldero fish soup and lemon and liquorice meringue. Presentation of every dish was exemplary, and my mouth is still watering at the gastronomic brilliance displayed and artistic presentation of every dish – worthy, in my opinion, of a Michelin star.

The Italian Open’s exposure and will undoubtedly put Argentario firmly on the ‘golf map’, but I hope all the publicity in the end doesn’t take away from its simple Italian charm and understated charisma.

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By Alan Cox.

Explore Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort.