Tuscany 2025

After landing at Rome Airport, our Smart Friends were whisked away through the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning Casa Newton, where their Italian escape began in true dolce vita style. Arrival cocktails and a vibrant aperitivo set the tone, serenaded by the soulful sounds of the Cinelli Brothers curated by our friends at 8Ray Group. A relaxed lunch followed, featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh, locally sourced salads, enjoyed poolside with a glass of the region’s signature PopNat, an organic, naturally sparkling wine. The afternoon unfolded in the villa’s picturesque gardens, with guests soaking in the architectural beauty, lounging by the pool, and enjoying garden games, including a lively match of Italian bocce.

As golden hour approached, everyone freshened up for a quintessentially Tuscan evening. Casa Newton hosted a beautiful BBQ feast, accompanied by a live DJ providing the perfect summer soundtrack. Guests dined al fresco under an unforgettable sunset, before heading to Monteverdi for a late check-in and a nightcap at the bar. In their rooms, a luxurious surprise awaited: a bottle of Monteverdi’s signature perfume, setting the tone for a truly indulgent stay.

The morning began with a serene breakfast overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills at Monteverdi, a peaceful start before the day’s adventure kicked into high gear. Guests were transferred to the starting line of The Italian Job, a thrilling treasure hunt across the region in a fleet of vintage Fiat 500s. The route took them through the charming town of Bagno Vignoni and other scenic landmarks, as they scoured for hidden clues, snapped shots of the Smart Group logo, and picked up curated items along the way. One unforgettable stop: the iconic gates of Gladiator, a cinematic moment in itself.

The journey came to a delicious pause at Biancacamicia, a local wine and olive oil farm nestled in the Tuscan countryside. There, guests were welcomed with a refreshing Moretti beer, a perfectly chilled Aperol Spritz, and a rustic picnic made entirely from locally sourced ingredients. A bottle of Biancacamicia’s olive oil was gifted to each guest, a flavourful memory to take home. The afternoon finished on a playful note, with kite-flying over the hills under the warm Tuscan sun.

That evening, after some free time to unwind back at Monteverdi, guests were invited to a beautifully curated dinner on the villa’s manicured lawns. Welcome cocktails and canapés set the mood, followed by a four-course culinary experience paired with exquisite wines. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a breathtaking performance by soprano Ellen Williams captivated the audience. Her renditions of Now We Are Free from Gladiator, O Mio Babbino Caro, Cinema Paradiso and Time To Say Goodbye created an unforgettable soundtrack to the evening.

But the night didn’t end there. Guests were guided up to the Monteverdi courtyard, now transformed into a vibrant Italian piazza. Cocktails were served as the chapel bells rang out and the doors dramatically opened to reveal High On Heels with Spencer Kennedy, bursting into Madonna’s Like A Prayer. The chapel was filled with dry ice and shots of holy water (aka Vodka shots), setting the tone for a truly divine party. The celebration carried on into the early hours, finishing with nightcaps and a Smart Friends favourite, an impromptu piano singalong led by Matt Ryan in the cosy piano bar.

Guests eased into their final morning in Tuscany with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a laid-back brunch around the pool. A spritz and Bloody Mary station helped to gently revive the spirits after the previous night’s celebrations, offering the perfect send-off before the journey back to Rome Airport.