TRAVEL NOTEBOOK

Marie-Louise Sciò on the pleasures of Porto Ercole

Three words that describe Tuscany

‘Beautiful, wild and undiscovered.’

Best place to stay

‘Our hotel, Il Pellicano (www.hotelilpellicano.com) in Porto Ercole, is hidden in a secret cove between Rome and Pisa. It’s a truly unique place, surrounded by unspoilt nature.’

Favourite restaurant

‘Il Frantoio (www.frantoiocapalbio.com) in Capalbio, which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel. It’s a cosy space serving simple but excellent Tuscan cuisine, such as tortino di patate con Taleggio e funghi (potato pie with cheese and mushrooms).’

Ideal travelling companion

‘My son, because he is extremely curious and passionate – he’s exactly like I was at his age.’

Top tip for relaxation

‘An hour of sunset yoga or meditation overlooking the glittering Pellicano bay.’

Where to go for an adventure

‘Rent a boat from Nautigest (www.nautigest.it) to visit the archipelago’s unknown islands: Giannutri, Montecristo and Giglio are paradises that only the locals know.’

Insider secret

‘After visiting the Lake of Burano, a coastal lagoon surrounded by sand dunes and Mediterranean maquis, stop for lunch at La Dogana beach club.’

What’s in your carry-on luggage?

‘A Faliero Sarti cashmere scarf, Master & Dynamic headphones, a Chinti & Parker jumper, my Smythson journal and an iPad to sketch and read.’

What do you pack?

‘La Double J silk palazzo pants, M Missoni T-shirts, a Giuliva Heritage Collection suit, Birkenstock x Il Dolce Far Niente sandals, Manolo Blahnik flats and Nike trainers.’

Beauty essentials

‘Biologique Recherche eye cream, Dr Barbara Sturm Glow Drops, Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream and Evian water.’

Your holiday soundtrack

‘Billie Holiday on repeat.’