Villa Ottone: A Seaside Hotel on Tuscany’s Elba Island

Step back in time at Villa Ottone, a family-friendly hotel that is tucked away and perfectly nestled into Elba Island’s Ottone Bay. Once a lavish home to the family of the Counts Toscanelli, Villa Ottone offers a paradise escape from the crowds of Italy’s usual seaside destinations. With its own private beach and charm to surpass many other villas of its kind, Villa Ottone will take you back in time to an era where luxury was as much about service as it was about the accommodations. Families will find that their time here will not only be a holiday, but an experience.

With a wonderful blend of fun and tranquility, making for a perfect family holiday, it’s easy to see why the guests at Villa Ottone come back year after year.

Villa Ottone Family-Friendly Hotel Review

Elba Island

The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba sits six miles from the mainland covering an area of 100 square miles with a 70 mile long coastline. The island is well known for harboring French Emperor Napolean during his 1814 exile, though, it is most famous for its crystal clear blue waters and beautiful beaches. Elba’s landscape is a wonderful place to escape the summer crowds of the mainland beaches and is a true island paradise. Ferry service from Piombino takes one hour with the option to bring a car. The hydrofoil ferry takes only 30 minutes.

Property

The grounds hold a unique charm with old growth trees and a natural setting. With meandering pathways offering a peaceful and quiet feeling, the atmosphere is right off the pages of a summer holiday novel. Enjoy the sunset each evening sitting on the villa’s grand porch, while children play on the lawn, with the pleasant sounds of the pianist tinkling away while singing standards and classics. Close to the town of Portoferraio, everything you need is easily accessible. 

Guest Accommodations

Villa Ottone offers guests rooms in the villa and main hotel building, as well as cottage rooms. Accommodations in the villa are elegant and sophisticated with a real feeling of its history coming from is frescoed ceilings. Organdie, linen, and silk are used in the upholstery and bed linens. The rooms and suites in the main hotel are better suited for families; they all offer a terrace overlooking the garden or the sea, but are less formal in design than those in the villa. Meanwhile, the cottage rooms offer a more private experience with a garden terrace and also a more casual design.

Kids’ Mini Club

One of the best offerings at Villa Ottone is the Kids’ Mini Club, a delightful playground with an attendant available during the high season between June and September. There are shows put on each week and organized activities such as painting and sand sculpture crafts. The kids’ club is available free of charge for guests.

Beach and Swimming Pools

The beach of Villa Ottone is private and offers all of the services you will need. Loungers, umbrellas, beachside towel service, swimming floats and rafts, huts and showers are all available for guest use. There is even a charming bar and restaurant in the beach area.

Both pools over look the sea. One of the pools is shallow and optimal for children.

Dining

Offering one of the most abundant and delicious breakfast buffets we have seen, Villa Ottone serves breakfast in its garden dining area each morning. Dining in the evenings includes gourmet options and regional delicacies with seating available inside or outside.

The service is impeccable and children are always welcome with menu items made specifically to suit their needs. Make sure to take some time away and visit the villa’s bar area. The award winning bartender Paulo is a true gem and offers cocktails that could easily be taken for works of art.

Amenities

The Essentia Beauty and Wellness Centre is beautifully decorated in mosaic tiles with a Turkish bath, reiki, thai massage, and body and facial treatments. There is also an onsite gym and tennis courts with Italian Tennis Federation coach, Massimiliano Bianchi, available for personal instruction. Guests are also able to book a babysitter, piano teacher, extra housekeeping, luggage unpacking service, and washing and ironing. 

Excursions

Private boat excursions can bring you to the outer islands of Giglio, Capraia, and Pianosa. Boat or yacht rental are available, along with privately skippered water vessles. Windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are just some of the water activities available. There is a sailing center within close proximity to the hotel that offers sailing lessons.

An Italian Federation instructor offers regular swimming lessons to adults and free of charge lessons to children. The Ottone Bay is also home to a diving center that offers private excursions. Less than two miles away is the Acquabona Golf Club, offering a 9-hole course. Guests receive a 20% reduction in fees. 

Need Help Booking a Room at Villa Ottone or Planning a Family Vacation in Italy?

Want Help Booking a Stay at Hotel Villa Ottone or a Family Vacation to Italy?

We can help! Request availability using the Check Availability form on the Hotel Villa Ottone kid-friendly hotel review and one of our Family Vacation Consultants will follow up. This is a free service. We also offer full itinerary planning, including itinerary development, activity suggestions, and vetted kid-friendly guides (fee-based service). Request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links

Best family hotels and things to do in Italy

52 things to know before traveling to Italy with kids

Top things to do in Tuscany with kids

Kid-friendly tour guides in Italy

Italy family Travel: things to do in Siena

Best family beach vacations on Ciao Bambino

Editor’s Note: Laurel received a media rate at Villa Ottone. As always, our opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino.