From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

A thousand-year-old monastery on 2,000 acres of Tuscan countryside, La Badia di Coltibuono recently opened its eight guest rooms to the public (previously, they were available only to participants in its residential cooking courses). Though simple and absent of high-tech gadgets—you won't even find a cell phone signal—the five renovated monks' cells and three larger rooms are full of charm, with original terra-cotta floors, shelves of books, pretty cotton drapes and bedspreads, and stuffed armchairs or chaise longues. With its cloisters and massive downstairs fireplaces, the monastery is architecturally impressive, and rooms take full advantage of the region's breathtaking vistas. After a stay that includes walks in the woodlands and hearty Tuscan meals in La Badia's restaurant, you'll be completely recharged. —2006 Hot List

When to go: Late March through early November.

Which room to book: No. 12 is roomy; No. 11 has a coffered wooden ceiling and a huge wrought iron bed; the corner No. 1 comes with a dressing room (doubles, $180–$215).