Ever since the 1920s, Forte dei Marmi has drawn artists, intellectuals, aristocrats and businessmen to its secluded pine woods and sandy beaches, scenically set against the backdrop of the Apuan Alps. In 1926, Edoardo Agnelli, son of FIAT founder Giovanni Agnelli, purchased a neo-Renaissance villa which led to the beginning of the legend of Villa Agnelli which the family went on to use as a summer residence for over thirty years. In the meantime, other notable families began to build their summer residences nearby, including the Pesenti family whose eponymous 1930s villa, an architectural medley of Modernist and vernacular elements by architect Osvaldo Borsani, subsequently became the Hotel Augustus in 1953 with the addition of one extra floor.

Right from the start, the driving force behind the hotel was Nino Maschietto, its first manager and later owner, who oversaw the construction of seven villas nestled amid the pine trees of the property’s park-like grounds, each showcasing a different architectural and interior design. A large swimming pool and a modern complex reminiscent of a cruise ship, named La Nave (the Ship), soon followed. In 1969, Nino also acquired the Villa Agnelli giving it a new lease of life as well as access to the sea and it’s the private beach via an underground passageway leading directly from the garden to the sea, thereby avoiding the road and the public. Built to ensure privacy for Agnelli and his guests, the tunnel is the only one of its kind along the entire Versilian coast.

Under the helm of the Maschietto family, who still run Augustus today, with one of Nino’s grandchildren, Giacomo, serving as CEO since 2013, the resort has been meticulously restored over the years to the highest standards. Recently, a salt-water heated swimming pool has been inaugurated on the beach alongside a plethora of spa treatments, water sports, 75 beach tents and two restaurants. Overseen by Discreet Architecture, Villa Ala Anita and Villa Ala Bianca are the latest chapter in the resort’s legacy of luxury and innovation that take a page from the historic Villa Pesenti combining Modernist and vernacular architectural elements with graceful interiors by Milan-based studio De.Tales offering a modern reinterpretation of the Liberty-Deco style.

Spread over two floors, each villa boasts spacious living areas with a kitchenette, three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and an elegant patio with direct access to lush private gardens. Delicately balancing a sense of contemporary sophistication with nostalgic elegance, the airy, light-filled interiors are swathed in terracotta, sand and mocha hues reflecting the abundance of nature that surrounds them. In combination with warm textures and a the use of a curvaceous design language of arched openings and round forms, the earthy colour palette imbues the rooms with a soothing, dreamy ambiance.

Bespoke furniture mixed with modern classics such as Desalto’s Clay dining table channel the geometric sensibility of 1920s decorative arts; lighting by Vibia, Artemide and Foscarini celebrate Italian contemporary design; terrazzo floors add to the scheme’s decorative flair, while custom-made linen, towels and bathrobes by the prestigious brand Frette enhance the luxurious experience. Stepping outside, a magnificent plunge pool nestled in the garden further encapsulates the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

Augustus’ expansive grounds and exceptional amenities ensure that guests can enjoy their stay without ever needing to leave the resort, making it an ideal destination for families with children seeking a retreat on the Tuscan Riviera. Nevertheless, it would be a shame not to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of Forte dei Marmi. Whether it's a visit to the renowned art exhibitions in Pietrasanta, an awe-inspiring tour of the historic marble quarries once used by Michelangelo, a trip to the village of Colonnata to taste the famous lardo di Colonnata at Giannarelli, a family-run butchery founded in 1953, the same year Augustus opened its doors, or a stylish evening at La Capannina, an indulgent shopping spree at the famous boutiques in the town centre, the resort offers easy access to all these experiences and more.