Hotel Byron

Forte dei Marmi, the refined Tuscan seaside between the Cinque Terre and its more popular neighbor, Viareggio, has been a favorite of the Tuscan and Milanese elite for the past century. The Hotel Byron is a classic luxury ex-private residence where one can become a part of this privileged milieu. Daily life of the summer residents includes lounging at one of the many beach clubs on the long stretch of beach directly in front of the hotel, lined with chairs, canopies, restaurants and night clubs. The scenic backdrop of the town are the towering Apuan Alps standing tall in the distance. An afternoon bike excursion as the locals do is a must as is dining around the hotel’s pool in the evening by candlelight at the notable La Magnolia restaurant lead by creative chef Andrea Mattei. The Madonna family from Pisa has placed the management of  their three hotel properties in the very capable hands of congenial son, Salvatore, who welcomes guests to the hotel as would be in a private home. Luminous rooms and suites are either appointed in understated classic or very tasteful contemporary styles with yellow and black accents, all with marble bathrooms from local Carrara quarries, many with terraces. Several inviting sitting areas with card tables, piano and a bar lead out to a large terrace in the lush garden where an aperitif is served. Pisa, Lucca, and the Ligurian coast including the Cinque Terre are all easily reached as well as the artist’s colony in Pietrasanta.