If you're looking to stay at a gracious medieval oasis that has been frozen delightfully in time, look no further than one of Tuscany's bestkept secrets, Locanda delI'Amorosa. Named after the fourteenthcentury Sienese village where it's located, the Amorosa is a serene country inn with fifty guest rooms featuring local rustic furniture, antique paintings and prints and all the modern amenities.

A tranquil country road flanked by cypress trees leads to the manor and panoramic views of ancient stone arcades, vineyards, olive orchards and farmland. Head to the elegant, welcoming dining room to sample regional specialties, such as excellent homemade bread and pecorino, and some 130 wine labels. And if you can't make it this year, not to worry. The Amorosa is not going anywhere; in the seven hundred years that it has been open, it has changed owners only once.

Marika Brose