In this evocative personal essay, we partner with Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort to reflect on our stay in Tuscany while blending sensory-rich storytelling with themes of sustainability, reconnection, and conscious luxury. We invite you to rediscover what it means to travel with intention, where restoration meets responsibility and self-care is soul-deep.
"Il presente è l’unico tempo che possediamo."
"The present is the only time we possess."
Dante Alighieri, Convivio, Book II, Chap. I
When I first arrived at Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort with my husband, it wasn’t the Italian landscape as we pulled up the drive or the Tuscan breeze drifting through the impressive lobby doors that captured me. It was the reverie; the kind dream that doesn’t demand your attention, but a gentle transcendence.
As my husband and I raised our glasses of Prosecco di Treviso under the fading glow of a peach-hued sky, I realized this was no ordinary getaway. It felt like something deeper had been set into motion—a shift.
We chose Monte Argentario to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Also quietly, maybe selfishly, to recover a part of ourselves that had grown weary in the pace of everything. As publisher of a lifestyle magazine rooted in wellness and conscious living, I often write about living with grace. Yet somewhere between editorial deadlines and global headlines, I’d forgotten what it felt like to be in balance.
Reframing our mindset isn’t about rejecting the notion that time and place don’t matter. Our sense of presence is an intuitive knowing that stretches far beyond the here and now. We hold memory, longing, and connection within us, layering the present with the richness of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and all the places and people who’ve shaped us along the way.
Argentario reminded me of that.
The resort is set between the rolling Maremma hills and the Tyrrhenian coast, nestled into the landscape as though it has always belonged there. Its architecture rises with intention, chic yet modest, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Every detail is sleek, sustainable, and utterly unpretentious. From the reclaimed wood furniture to the discreetly integrated photovoltaic panels, the suite speaks to conscious luxury, not extravagance. The design of this place whispers its commitment to the earth, and it felt immediately clear that Argentario believes, like us, that sustainability isn’t a trend, but a way of life.
Our first full day began with lunch at the resort’s private beach. Children chased waves along the shore. The sand, soft and untouched, met the water in shades of jewel-toned blues fringed in pearl-white. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we walked hand in hand, soaking in the rhythm of the tide and the sensation of being completely at ease. No schedules. No phones. Simply the sounds of Porto Ercole and the sense of time standing still.
Later, we set out for a horseback ride through the olive groves and wildflower meadows. Our guide, a sagacious local named Luigi, pointed out cork trees and vineyards, speaking of the land as if it were a cherished friend. In that expanse, we began to understand how disconnected we are from nature in our urban home. How often do we move through and rush past rather than tune it all out to just be? On horseback with the reins familiar in my hands, I felt the joy of my inner child, a bond that is too often forgotten.
Golden hour brought us to the Marriott Bonvoy olive oil tasting experience, Fettunta & Olio EVO. Under an amber sky, we dipped fresh bread into olive oil that tasted like sunshine itself: fresh with a citrus undertone, earthy notes of pistachio, and a texture as delicate as chiffon.
Nicola, our host, spoke not only of flavor profiles but of deeper principles: processing, filtering, and refinement. With their commitment to heritage farming, sustainability isn’t a fleeting concept to them; it’s an honored lineage here.
That evening, dinner at the Club House Restaurant felt like another quiet seduction. It’s as though each dish is a testament to the richness of the land. Italian hospitality is the invitation to savor what’s local among good company. The tuna tartare and tagliata di manzo with sautéed field vegetables by Chef Emiliano Lombardelli made me question my humble culinary skills. Our sommelier, with the poetic charm only Europeans seem to possess, paired each dish with wines foreign to our American palettes. We lingered awhile after tiramisù for dessert, savoring espresso and watching the last golfers disappear into the evening.
The Tuscan Junior Suite where we stayed during our time at the resort, was the perfect embodiment of the refined elegance that Argentario offers. With its airy, spacious design, it felt like nature carved out a sanctuary just for us. The large windows framed sweeping views of the lush hillsides and gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Every detail of the room seemed thoughtfully curated, from the warm tones of the reclaimed wood to the luxurious cotton sheets that beckoned you to sink into them at the end of each day. There was a comforting simplicity to the space, a quiet luxury that was both inviting and calming. The suite offered rejuvenation, a place to unwind, rest, and recharge.
My husband, a devoted golf enthusiast, had been eager to experience the same 18-holes as the PGA Italian Open, and the resort didn’t disappoint. The course was manicured with the kind of precision that makes you believe the earth itself conspired to create lush carpets in verdant green. I’m no one’s caddy. I, too, attempted the long drives and challenging chips out of the sand, absorbing the rhythm of the fairways and flora. We don’t keep score when we golf with each other. We both win when we’re able to laugh at ourselves and with each other over our mistakes, while also celebrating our progress together.
After golf, we made our way to our couple’s massage in the resort’s world-class spa. Lina and Rosella’s signature olive oil treatment worked its way into our skin, easing away tension and stress. It wasn’t just the physical release that revived me; it was the emotional one. In the relaxation room, we lounged on the chaise while we recovered with a spot of hot tea. My husband sighed, eyes closed, and squeezed my hand. “You seem different,” he said, like a leading question. “As do you,” I teased in sweet reply. We understood that these moments between us went deeper than relaxation; it was an experience of renewal.
The hospitality and attention to detail shown by the staff truly encapsulates what Argentario is all about. Here, you'll find luxury that nurtures, a design that feels natural, and a space that invites you to truly be. It’s the perfect retreat after too many moments of everyday stress or neglecting self-care, offering the kind of revival that makes waking up in such serenity feel like a daydream.
Those inspired to experience this journey for themselves can explore more and or book a stay directly through argentarioresort.it, where the path to conscious luxury and quest for deep renewal converge.
Research in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism reveals that 68% of travelers express a desire to make more eco-conscious choices but often feel lost in a sea of options and misinformation.¹ Argentario helps to clarify that path. By sourcing local ingredients, minimizing water waste, and supporting the community, it proves that luxury and ethics can, in fact, coexist harmoniously.
The potential for personal behavior to impact the planet on a larger scale is profound. According to Environmental Research Letters, adopting sustainable practices collectively could reduce global emissions by up to 20%.² It’s a quiet, revolutionary act. Choosing sustainable travel isn’t just a responsibility. It’s an investment in a more balanced world.
What defines luxury today no longer tolerates wastefulness or overindulgence. It’s about health, with the freedom to enjoy experiences that ground us while connecting us to something greater. Mobility, a sound mind, fresh food, clean air, and spending time with loved ones. Living isn’t only about the body; life is soul-connected. When we are aligned within, we find balance with the world around us.
Argentario realigned me.
I came to celebrate 15 years of marriage. I left with a renewed sense of self: a loving wife, a curious inner child with insatiable wanderlust, a caring listener, and an ever-evolving person. When life constantly demands change, this is where you’re able to slow down, breathe, and feel free to take up space. It’s in that breadth you appreciate what truly matters.
A Note for Fellow Travelers
If Argentario finds its way into your journey, I hope it meets you in a moment where stillness is clarity and movement feels like becoming. When you return rested, inspired, perhaps even changed, we’d love to hear how the experience shaped you.
Share your reflections with the Echoes & Vine community!
At Arbor of the Vine, we believe that every shared experience expands the circle of meaning. Let’s keep growing together.
#EchoesAtArgentario and tag @arborofthevine | @argentariogo | @golfclubargentario | @espacewellnesscenter | @clubhouserestaurantargentario
Whether it’s a memory, a photo, or a quiet realization, your story may just become someone else’s inspiration to pause and savor the present moment.
References
Seraphin, Hugues, Sheena Carlisle, and Shirra Shukla. "Overtourism and the Impact on Residents’ Quality of Life: A Research Agenda." Journal of Sustainable Tourism 31, no. 1 (2023): 100–116. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2022.2076843.
Wynes, Seth, and Kimberly A. Nicholas. "The Climate Mitigation Gap: Education and Government Recommendations Miss the Most Effective Individual Actions." Environmental Research Letters 12, no. 7 (2017): 074024. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aa7541.
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For those who feel inspired to explore travel in a more intentional, conscious way, we’ve created a companion guide that builds on the spirit of this story. Eco Chic Travel Essentials is a curated digital resource to support your own regenerative travel experiences. We offer thoughtful self-care tools, wellness rituals, and sustainability-focused packing tips to help you depart with a sense of being light as air and arrive feeling grounded.
