Villa La Massa
"Why book? To get the best of both worlds, Villa la Massa lies far enough from the city center to feel like a rural retreat, yet is close enough to be able to get in and out (on the shuttle bus) for sightseeing and restaurants. Set the scene The hotel and its extensive grounds–once a grand country estate—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. The backstory This 12th century Medici villa, its outbuildings and 62 acres of parkland was once a grand country estate. Since the late 1990s, it has been owned by the Villa d’Este group, and the traditional, rather dated decor in the main villa dates from that era while the more recently-converted annexes have a mod-country look. The development of the large pool area is the latest stage of an ongoing program to transform Villa La Massa into a classy country resort. The rooms The rooms in the main villa have a classic look (think canopied four-posters, thick carpeting, lots of rich brocades), but if neo-Renaissance style is your thing, it’s fine. Rooms in the Villino and Mulino annexes have a lighter touch, while the huge, top-of-the-range and very stylish suites in the Casa Colonica come with glowing hardwood floors, Loro Piana fabrics, and fabulous bathrooms. These are good for families or for anyone who prefers to be removed from the main action. For river views and private gardens, go for a room in the Limonaia building. Food and drink 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. He also whips up a mean bistecca alla Fiorentina. The poolside Oliveto restaurant is good for a lazy lunch of pizza, pasta, and salads after a morning’s sightseeing in town, and excellent cocktails are served in the retro gem of a bar in the main villa. The spa The Arno spa, with Turkish bath, sauna, and Roman tub with hot tub, uses delicious products from the Florentine-made Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella range. The neighborhood/area The straggling suburbs to the east of Florence have nothing much to attract the visitor except for the fact that they are quiet, and few tourists venture this far. Modern, residential apartment blocks eventually give way to hilly green countryside which follows the course of the Arno up to its source. The plus? It’s only a 20-minute hop into downtown Florence on the complimentary shuttle bus. The service Old-style, charming, and efficient. For families Families will love the extensive grounds (with playground) and the generous pool area; there’s lots of space for letting off steam. Kids’ activities include pizza-making and painting classes. There are interconnecting rooms, and many of the annex suites are spacious enough for an extra bed. Accessibility Just one fully-adapted suite in the Limonaia annex and the public spaces are all accessible although the gravel paths are not very wheelchair-friendly. Anything left to mention? Cool fact—David Bowie and Iman stayed in Room 45 after their Florence wedding in 1992." - Nicky Swallow
