Some holidays are about escape. At Le Pianore we felt more like we were being invited into a whole way of life. It's a life where food, family, slowing down and switching off are at the heart of everything. We were there for an extended family gathering (15 of us) so it was perfect to have so much space for everyone to do their own thing, then come together for great al fresco feasts and fun in the swimming pool. We picked fresh vegetables from the farm and learnt how to cook proper pizzas in the wood fired pizza oven. Elena, Erica and Francesco could not have been more welcoming, helpful or infectiously passionate about their home and the surrounding areas.

I have been going to Le Pianore for 16 years, first with my family as they grew up and now on Ladan's annual yoga retreat which is firmly in the diary every summer solstice! Elena and her wonderful husband, son and daughter run the farm in way that makes everything feel natural and effortless (as well as beautiful and delicious). It is utterly peaceful and 'balm for the soul' as my friend always says when we go. The position of the house is fabulous with valley views all around; the rooms are rustic and charming; the food is incredible. And of course Elena and her brother make all the wine, plus the olive oil, honey, mulberries (right outside the house), herbs, tisanes etc etc. Too, too wonderful not to go every year! Thank you Elena!

I met Elena the owner of Le Pianore in London and right from the start I was struck by her warm and rich personality. I have eagerly organised my first yoga group for a yoga retreat at Le Pianore three years ago and since then I have not missed a year. As soon as you step in on Le Pianore grounds you experience a deep feeling of calm and tranquillity. The views are absolutely stunning and the villas with the grounds have everything you need for a relaxing holiday. The large yoga studio is a beautiful open space equipped with everything you need for a yoga retreat of dance or meditation holiday etc. You can choose to stay during the day at the villa or go for a trip, in any case Elena and her family will give you lots of advice on what to see and do around the area. Elena has been extremely helpful to assist me with running the retreat smoothly and she personally connects with each guest making sure they are happy to such extend that they will even cook your favourite dish. Besides the amazing guests I arrived with my husband and 18 months toddler who also came with us last year when he was 5 months. They always has been amazingly helpful with providing everything our son needs (cot, high seat, special meals) and beyond that. My husband who is a very fussy eater has been getting special meals too and I have not even asked for it. That is the attention to detail you will have at Le Pianore. Food and wine is delicious and the majority grown in the family's farm down the hill. We had a generous tour of Elena 's house and farm this year and it is inspiring and humbling to see the love and dedication gone into everything around it: amazing garden, vineyard, olive grove and of course her two donkeys and two horses. All the produce is organically grown and the whole estate 90% electricity self sufficient. The highlights of the holiday this year must be: Enrika's deserts especially panna cotta, the birds singing in the night, the deer who came close to the house one evening, the two elusive white horses, the two ducks on the blue lagoon like lake and of course the two lovely donkeys whose touch of ears is like meditations. Please ask for info on the Alpaca farm. We had an absolutely amazing time there. Despite the growing family I plan to make it possible and return to Le Pianore next year and look forward to see Elena, Enrika, Rina and all the team.

Some holidays are about escape. At Le Pianore we felt more like we were being invited into a whole way of life. Its a life where food, family, slowing down and switching off are at the heart of everything. We were there for an extended family gathering (15 of us) so it was perfect to have so much space for everyone to do their own thing, then come together for great al fresco feasts and fun in the swimming pool. We picked fresh vegetables from the farm and learnt how to cook proper pizzas in the wood fired pizza oven. Elena, Erica and Francesco could not have been more welcoming, helpful or infectiously passionate about their home and the surrounding areas.