THE CYPRESS-TREE hillside of Chianti-Rufina surround Villa La Massa, a 15-minute shuttle bus ride from the centre of Florence. This former Medici summer home is now a luxury country retreat set in 25 acres on the banks of the River Arno.
Villa La Massa’s 51 rooms and suites seamlessly blend the old with the new. Inside the original villa, a galleried hallway leads up three floors, supported with arches and pillars. Bedrooms are traditionally furnished with brocade curtains in muted shades that complement the ancient tapestries and wooden furnishings.
Historic Room
In contrast, the renovated La Limonaia building comprises 10 rooms and suites, each decorated in a contemporary style by local artisans. Rooms gain access to either a private balcony or the garden if on the ground floor. The building, dating back to 1600, has been fully restored from its former use as a greenhouse storing the villa’s lemon trees.
Step outside and marvel at the impressive 20 x 10-metre swimming pool set between the sun loungers. Onsite activities include a fully equipped gym and running path that meanders through the villa’s grounds. Off the property, there’s opportunities to play golf at the Ugolino Club; trek through the countryside on horseback; or tour the local vineyards.
I spend an afternoon at The Mall Firenze, a 30-minute drive from Villa La Massa. This expansive luxury discount shopping outlet, set in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, features some of the big hitters in Italian fashion, including Prada and Gucci.
Villa La Massa Main Entrance
Back at the villa, I unwind over a cocktail at L’Oliveto, named after the surrounding olive groves, that produce Villa La Massa’s oil, and as the sun sets, a bewitching atmosphere is conjured by the resident pianist, who never misses a note.
I end my perfect day with dinner at Il Verrochio, the villa’s formal restaurant, where I listen to the flow of the Arno River under the full moon. It’s from this very spot I can truly appreciate La Dolce Vita.
Villa La Massa
by Amanda Bernstein
Rates at La Massa start from €520 per night, including breakfast, VAT and service. City tax excluded.
villalamassa.com
For the Mall Firenze, go here