Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1525926
C O U R T E S Y O F L A C H A R T R E U S E D E C O S D ' E S TO U R N E L /G R ÉG O I R E G A R D E T T E ; A R G E N TA I A TUSCANY: ARGENTAIA Maury says that one-time commodity trader Paolo Vico "poured everything into this estate, which is exquisite beyond exquisite." The monastery-turned-farm was virtually in ruins when he snapped up the site, and he agonized over every detail of the reinvention, dragooning a team of 30 stonemasons to restore its walls and terraces and upcycling wooden planks to retain the weathered feel. There's room for up to 18 people in its nine bedrooms and suites, which are spread out across the property in various towers; and with a full-size infinity pool and multiple spaces for dining and entertaining, this is a place to party. Vico has a winery a couple hours' drive just south of Rome, but if you'd rather explore locally, check out the small-batch producers in the surrounding Maremma: try organic specialist Poggio Cagnano or the ultra-modern Podere La Pace. BORDEAUX: L A CHARTREUSE DE COS D'ESTOURNEL Food industry veteran–turned-hotelier Michel Reybier is the man behind the luxe chain La Réserve. He also operates a trio of spectacular villas, the standout being the eight-bedroom La Chartreuse de Cos d'Estournel (say it Coss, not Co) in the heart of Bordeaux, which was originally built for his family before he decided to allow others to stay, too. The other quirky buildings onsite are a legacy of the original owner, Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, an eccentric with an obsession for Asia that he indulged here while creating his vineyard. Maury has booked two families at La Chartreuse already, attracted by the superb interior design by Jacques Garcia—who has worked on most of Reybier's hotels. Once you've had your fill of the estate's own claret, Reybier can wrangle access to off-limits châteaux nearby for tastings as well. The 11th-century Tuscan monastery underwent a meticulous nine-year restoration under owner Paolo Vico. An indoor and outdoor pool, hammam, spa, library, wine cellar, and gym are among some of this property's amenities.