With its captivating architecture, La Roqqa takes its name from the Italian word for fortress. Poised on a hillside with commanding views of Porto Ercole, the boutique hotel’s lively façade is encircled by impressive defensive structures that date back to the region’s former Spanish sovereignty. It offers an ideal setting to engage with the area in a secluded sanctuary, providing a haven for serene afternoons and balmy evenings as you embrace the essence of authentic Tuscan living.
In the serene seaside village of Porto Ercole, nestled on the Tuscan peninsula of Monte Argentario, simplicity reigns supreme. However, for discerning luxury travelers in pursuit of refined sophistication and top-tier service, La Roqqa stands as a beacon of understated elegance, revitalizing this enchanting, yet less frequented, Italian getaway destination.
Monte Argentario, a 23-square-mile island, is linked to the Tuscan mainland by two sandbars. Situated just 90 minutes from Rome and 2.5 hours from Florence by car, it offers the enchanting allure of Tuscany’s verdant scenery complemented by sparkling coastal vistas, medieval villages, a thriving maritime community, and recreational pursuits such as golfing. While Porto Ercole isn’t a hidden gem in Italy and has long been a magnet for celebrities and dignitaries, including Jackie Kennedy, Slim Aarons, Sophia Loren, and the Dutch Royal Family, it still preserves its authentic essence and local character.
Rooted in the Swedish-born Jonsson family’s fondness for summers spent holidaying on Argentario Island, La Roqqa has undergone a complete transformation over three years of renovation from its previous form to create something fresh and highly distinctive for this remarkable region. The 55-room boutique hotel seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, boasting a contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance crafted by the renowned Milanese design house, Palomba e Serafini Associati Studio.
The sleek and sophisticated design merges artisanal furnishings with iconic pieces from the 1960s and 1970s, while the color palette mirrors the characteristic hues of Porto Ercole’s local buildings, fostering a sense of harmony with the environment. Bridging the gap between the past and the future, the hotel is deeply intertwined with the social and architectural essence of a lively community, yet remains within easy walking distance of one of the area’s rare sandy beaches, set amidst pristine natural beauty.
This season marks the debut of the hotel’s penthouse – the epitome of luxury accommodations on the island, complete with a private terrace offering panoramic views – alongside a wellness space and artisanal boutique.
ROOM & SUITES
The rooms and suites are havens of calm. Their linear, handcrafted furniture was expertly curated, down to the smallest detail, by the Palomba e Serafini Associati Studio The colour-scheme reflects the landscape and classic outlines suggest a rarefied atmosphere of refined elegance. Natural light floods in though large windows, creating a sense of continuity with the outdoors.
There are 55 units, all with balconies and terraces. The rooms are decorated ton-sur-ton following three colour themes, one for each floor: Terra di Siena, which evokes the typical hue of Porto Ercole’s buildings; green, to match the vegetation; and blue to mirror the Argentario sea. The suites, meanwhile, are decorated in elegant sandy shade, with iconic furniture adding colourful flourishes here and there.
EAT & DRINK
Executive chef Francesco Ferretti and F&B director Andrea Notaro have curated a selection of simple, high-quality dishes that celebrate the local environment. The warmth and professionalism of the staff adds that special finishing touch to the experience.
The rooftop restaurant and bar serve as the hotel’s standout feature. It’s one of two venues poised to transform this establishment into a stylish social center akin to the renowned Il Pellicano further up the coast. Echoing the color scheme below, the rooftop exudes an ambiance of deep reds, navy blues, and whites. Checkered tiles adorn the tables, while on the far side, plush couches beckon guests to relax with negronis and martinis accompanied by delectable upscale snacks during aperitivo hour. Elevated against the backdrop of boats gently swaying in the harbor below, the rooftop creates an atmosphere of sophistication, precisely its intended effect. However, the adjacent restaurant steals the spotlight, boasting indoor dining and an outdoor terrace. Named Scirocco after the wind that traverses the Mediterranean from the Sahara, it pays homage to local flavors, particularly seafood and produce.
Chef Francesco Ferretti expertly employs delicate cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, evident in dishes like the lightly roasted local pulpo, which even a non-octopus eater like myself couldn’t resist seconds of. The standout dish, however, is the tomato pasta, featuring a variety of locally grown tomatoes prepared in different ways and served with al dente spaghetti. This restaurant is a destination in its own right, seamlessly attached to the hotel rather than being overshadowed by it.
ISOLOTTO BEACH CLUB
La Roqqa’s destination Beach Club sits just a stroll away in a secluded bay, offering views over the small island after which it is named. Unique to the region’s rocky landscape, Isolotto stands as the only sandy stretch of coastline on the island, serving as the new social hub of Monte Argentario. Here, two vibrant beachside restaurants serve a fresh and colorful menu of locally sourced fish and seasonal grilled dishes.
In true Italian ‘villeggiatura’ style, the shoreline is adorned with chic umbrellas and loungers. For the more active beachgoer, an open-air gym and yoga pavilion are perfectly positioned on the sloping lawn steps from the shoreline. With complimentary access to hotel guests-in-residence, Isolotto offers a plethora of activities both on land and water. Guests can explore the beauty of the destination by sea on bespoke boat trips to nearby coves, enjoy private pottery lessons, explore cycling and hiking trails, indulge in beachside spa treatments, and more.
SUSTAINABILITY
At La Roqqa, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The hotel prioritizes inclusive practices that not only benefit the local environment but also the community at large. With over 70% of its staff being locals, the property demonstrates a commitment to promoting local employment and fostering professional growth through innovative training programs.
In partnership with CARITAS, the hotel ensures that surplus food is redistributed to those in need daily, reducing waste and supporting the community. Additionally, the hotel proudly sources fresh produce from ORTO GIUSTO, a social cooperative in Orbetello that empowers young people with disabilities to cultivate organic fruits and vegetables.
Conscious of its environmental footprint, La Roqqa has eliminated single-use plastics throughout the establishment. Guests are provided with aluminum flasks for water, which can be conveniently refilled in their rooms or at specially designated taps in the lobby. Furthermore, the hotel has embraced eco-friendly transportation by using electric vehicles for guest transfers, minimizing emissions and promoting sustainable travel.
Every aspect of this beautiful hotel, from furnishings to amenities, is meticulously chosen for its sustainability. The hotel’s furnishings are certified and traceable, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
Photography:La Roqqa
