"The hotel and its extensive grounds—comprising a 12th century Medici villa, its outbuildings and 62 acres of parkland—stand on a quiet bend in the river Arno, four miles east of Florence. There’s nothing to see or do in this semi-rural, under-the-radar neighborhood aside from admiring the gentle countryside, so guests tend to hop on the complimentary shuttle bus into Florence for entertainment or to stay put and enjoy the pool, spa and lovely gardens. On warm summer evenings, a regular program of events and live music at the pool bar and restaurants draws in the locals. Riverside restaurant Il Verrocchio is a lovely spot for dinner, especially on a warm summer evening, and the chef makes good use of produce from the kitchen garden and the estate’s own olive in his menus of creative Tuscan and pan-Italian dishes." - Nicky Swallow, Erica Firpo