The only downside about la Bandita is that the secret is getting out, & its necessary to book a room way in advance!
I had dinner with my family there one evening in July, but had to stay in a nearby Agriturismo called Luccio Bella, as la Bandita was fully booked.
Dinner was magical,sitting on a deck on top of a hillside watching the light change as the sun went down. At one point it felt as though we were dining on a stage above the clouds. Combine that with the wonderful modern Tuscan food & wines, & you are pretty close to Heaven!
Recently we stayed 2 nights at la Bandita.In November this time, so too cold to eat outside.We met the other hotel guests for wine & Apertivi then dined family style around a long table.Dinner both nights was Chef David's personal interpretation of local Tuscan dishes. Two outstanding dishes were Green lentils with white truffle oil, and Papadelle with white truffles.I would happily choose either dish as my last meal on earth!
Our room was very large , with a comfortable bed & wonderful modern bathroom with views of the beautiful Tuscan countryside from all the windows.
The location seems remote as it is up a winding dirt road in the middle of the countryside, but it is an easy drive to visit many local villages including Montacello, Montepulciano,& my favorite Pienza. We actually got to tour la Bandita's new venture, a townhouse that is still under construction in a former convent building in Pienza.Its going to be wonderful!

Was researching lodging in or near Pienza during a driving trip around Italy in August 2011. The reviews seemed positive, so I called to see if there was any last-minute availability. Francesca was vibrant and inviting starting with answering the phone. The drive up the dirt roads adds to the authentic experience. The interior of La Bandita is well done - contemporary, but in balance with the architecture and surroundings. We made friends with all of the guests who were staying there and chose to have dinner together (and lots of wine) one night. David's food was prepared on-the-spot - and fantastic. It was great to observe and learn how to make great pesto. I'm torn that I like to visit new places - and there is a lot still to see - but I'm hoping to make it back here many, many times. It's one of my favorite places to stay - ever.

We stayed three nights at La Bandita, a beautiful small resort situated on a idyllic hillside in Tuscany. The room itself is large and very comfortable, but I wouldn't recommend spending much time there when you could be sitting outside enjoying the scenery or visiting one of the many Tuscan hill towns in easy driving distance. The staff at La Bandita are all knowledgable and helpful when it comes to planning out your itinerary to check out farms, vineyards, restaurants, and wherever else you choose to visit.

The communal dinners are wonderful as well, as you get to enjoy the company of your fellow guests and the staff over wines from the extensive cellar (or whatever you bought on your day's travels). The quality of cooking, especially from David, is as good as any restaurant we tried in the area.

One word of caution- the road up to the villa is about 3km of rocky, hilly gravel. You can do it in any car, but if you have the option, something with a little clearance on the bottom is preferable.

We'll be back, hopefully soon!

A “magical dream” wouldn’t do it justice… La Bandita is an incredible place filled with the most amazing people who (from the moment you arrive) make you feel ‘at home’. When trying to decide where to ‘elope’, it didn’t take long to decide on La Bandita and the magic of Pienza. John, Paola, David and the rest of the Bandita family are truly amazing. We wouldn’t have had such a flawless wedding day if it weren’t for them. Having traveled extensively and to some of the most beautiful places in the world, it says quite a lot when we claim La Bandita to be at the top of our destination list… a wonderful journey and one you shouldn’t miss!

- Cheryl & Steve Foland, Sausalito, CA