Imagine soaking up the Italian sun with an Aperol Spritz in hand, toes in the sand without a care in the world. Now, throw in a five-star hotel tucked away in lush greenery, a private beach club, and staff who seem to read your mind — and you’ve got the Augustus Hotel & Resort in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany.
We stayed at this dreamy Tuscan retreat and honestly? It’s the kind of place you’ll start planning your return to before you’ve even checked out.
The hotel, villas and suites
Augustus Hotel and Resort isn’t your average location — it’s a resort filled with charm and character. There’s the main Villa Pesenti, the elegant Augustus Lido (once home to the Agnelli family), and a sleek, modern building called La Nave (aka “The Ship”), not to mention a collection of private villas complete with gardens and plunge pools.
We stayed in Villa Pesenti, in a spacious third-floor room with a large balcony overlooking the gardens and driveway. The room had a comfy king-size bed, a lounge area, and not one, but two bathrooms. One had glass walls and dramatic curtains — a bold, bougie touch — and the other was more traditional.
There was thoughtful tech too — USB ports and plug sockets by the bed (take note, other hotels). Just remember to pack an Italian adaptor — or ask reception; they’ve got you covered.
The dressing area-cum-wardrobe, concealed by curtains, wasn’t overly spacious for guests with plenty of luggage, but for thrift packers or a shorter stay, it worked well.
Out on the balcony, we had space to relax with a morning coffee or enjoy an evening drink in peace. Room service breakfast out there? A great way to start the day!
The Food: Bellissimo
Breakfast at Augustus is an event. The buffet is bountiful: fresh fruits, pastries, breads, and proper vegan and veggie options — all clearly marked. There’s even a kids’ corner for the little ones to help themselves (adorable and practical). Hot food is made fresh to order if you fancy something heartier.
Dinner was just as impressive. Homemade pasta, fresh seafood, tender meats — the Beef Wellington was a highlight, perfectly cooked and paired with braised leeks. The sommelier helped match wines to our meals, and every dish looked as good as it tasted.
Dessert was playful, with Italian classics and a few fun surprises. The tiramisu was heavenly, and our waiter, Stefano, wowed us with a flambé performance. The restaurant was quiet during our midweek, early-season visit, but the service felt seamless — professional without being pushy.
Afterwards, we headed for the lounge bar. Contemporary and stylish, it’s a great place to wind down with a cocktail. In warmer weather, there’s plenty of outdoor seating that’s ideal for a sundowner (or two).
For lunch, we headed beachside to the Bambaissa Restaurant at the private beach club. Think sushi, soups, pasta, and plenty of seafood — with a cocktail list to match. It was the perfect place to relax as the sun filtered through the gaps in the dark clouds, creating a beautiful and dramatic seascape behind us.
Spa Days, Poolside Lounging & the Private Beach Club
If you need a proper wind-down, the Augustus spa has you covered with facials, massages, manicures and more (though treatments come at an extra cost). There’s also a gym and a hidden-away pool for peaceful lounging.
The jewel in the Augustus Hotel and Resort’s crown is the private beach club. A short walk through the peaceful grounds and a secret tunnel gets you there. Once you arrive, you’re met with 74 luxe beach tents, complete with one queen bed, two singles, and deck chairs, or 26 private cabins if you prefer a sand-free experience.
The beach club isn’t always included in your room rate, especially in high season, but packages are often available. There’s also a saltwater jacuzzi pool and, if you’re feeling adventurous, water sports. We stuck to swimming, sunbathing and sipping spritzes with absolutely no regrets.
Exploring Forte dei Marmi
When we’d done enough relaxing, we found that retail therapy was calling, so we hopped on the free hotel shuttle into Forte dei Marmi itself — a chic, charming town full of boutiques and high-end shops, paved precincts, and coffee shops full of perfect people-watching spots.
If you’re searching for something designer, the pedestrian-friendly shopping streets are littered with top-notch brands, but for a local bargain, the twice-weekly market has stalls packed with everything from socks to suits. The shuttle runs on demand, and calling for a return was a breeze. We ended up strolling back along the seafront — a 30-minute walk and the perfect way to end the day.
The Verdict: Augustus Hotel and Resort is a slice of Italian heaven
From the moment you pull into the tree-lined drive, Augustus Hotel & Resort oozes quiet luxury. The setting is stunning, the food is next-level, and the beach club feels like a sun-drenched oasis.
But what really sets it apart? The staff. Discreet, friendly, and somehow always there just when you need them — they’re what made our stay feel truly five-star.
Whether you’re craving a romantic break, a luxe girls’ trip or a high-end family holiday with a touch of glamour, Augustus
delivers. Tuscany’s calling — and she’s wearing a designer sunhat.
