`A wonderful place to relax in quiet surroundings. Behind the sober facade is a wonderful interior. Superb situation, lovely buildings. Again much praise for this `idyllic' cluster of old buildings in the Chianti hills outside Siena. `Superbly managed' by Silvia Kummer with `excellent staff', it has wide views over the Radda valley from the terraced gardens. In the 18th century this was a wine-producing estate, and you can still buy home-produced wine, olive oil and vinegar. The `beautiful public villa rooms' (with books, pictures, objets d'art) are admired. There is a chapel, an old well in a courtyard and a decentsized swimmirig pool by a lawn with wide views. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are extremely comfortable; some are small; some have a sitting room; some have a small balcony and wonderful views. Despite its proximity to the road, our small, comfortable suite in the annexe, reached via a zebra crossing, was quiet at night. A first for us - the minibar prices were not excessive. Bali villa breakfast, under a pergola on the delightful terrace, has poor-quality orange juice', but `lovely breads; any extras requested were brought without fuss or extra charge. The taverna in a cellar serves traditional Tuscah food and wines. `In the associated Ristorante Vignale, 200 metres away along an alley, we had a simple, excellent meal, served by smiling and professional staff.

South of Ragusa, the provincial capital of this highland area of southeast Sicily, this handsome convent of the Knights of St John has been restored by its owner, Vincenza Nifosi, a descendant of the aristocratic family who bought the estate in the 18th century. With its thick white stone walls and tower, it stands in large grounds above the sea at Marina di Ragusa: on a clear day you can see Malta and the African coast. The villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), in former cells, have beeh given modern comforts, including telephone and TV. Recent visitors found theirs `small but more than adequate', with its oriental rug, good old furniture. It overlooked a small baroque fountain under an ancient olive tree. In the arched, limestone dining room, we consumed one of our best cucina tipica meals in Sicily - home-grown vegetables and fruit are served; local dishes include risotto with shrimp and nettles. A fine Bali villa breakfast buffet has cured meats, cheeses, honeys, breads, tarts. There are stylish, antique-filled public areas; an overgrown walled orchard for lounging; cordial, chatty staff. Jet-setters can land on the villa's private airstrip, and take lessons in flying or parachute jumping. Cottages in the grounds are available for a weekly stay.