Borgo Scopeto

In the lush Tuscany countryside just outside Siena, there is a beautiful traditional hotel that I first visited 20 years ago. Sometimes going back to a fondly recalled place can be a disappointment, no longer as special as you remember. So on a return visit to stay there last night, I was very glad to find it just as special and tranquil as ever.

At the back of the hotel is quite the most prolific wisteria I have ever seen. This is just a tiny section of it. The pool looked very enticing, but there was neither enough time nor ambient warmth to sample it. Maybe another time ...