COVETED MAGAZINE PAGE 55.
VILLA LA MASSA
CANDELI, ITALY
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World and located pretty
close from the historic centre of Florence and the Peretola Air-
port, Villa La Massa is a unique 16th-century architectural gem.
Initially built as a country home for an aristocratic Florentine
family during the Medici period, it was transformed into a luxury
hotel four centuries later in 1948. It sits majestically on the banks
of the Arno River, as a bucolic oasis, located at the intersection
of history between Florence and the Chianti Rufina wine region.
The background music is provided by the calm running waters of
the Arno and the scene is set in the olive groves, endless vineyards
and Cypress trees. As a member of The Leading Hotels of The
World, Villa La Massa became part of the Villa d’Este Hotels in
1998. Its three buildings, the Villa Nobile, the Mulino (15th Cen-
tury) and the Villino were lovingly restored to the splendour of
the grand Tuscan villas, which is reflected in its décor and atmo-
sphere. You can actually feel The Renaissance aura through the
solid wooden canopy beds; wainscoting; frescoes on the ceilings;
tapestries, custom drapery and linens in rich silks and brocades.
Modern day upgrades are included. Elegantly casual yet subtly re-
gal, Villa La Massa invites you to experience the art of living like
Florentine nobility. The Villino is the most recent and intimate
of the estate’s three buildings with 7 bedrooms in total includ-
ing the Presidential and the Parco Suites which offer more space.
Views, atmosphere and romance, its location on the estate offer
more independence for those seeking ultimate privacy.
ARNO SPA offers you the most wonderful inspirations of beauty
in accordance with the essence of Tuscany, a warm and informal
welcome in an original Tuscan atmosphere, combining heritage
with luxurious comfort. Tuscan cuisine and romance: a dream
comes true. Il Verrocchio restaurant is located in the Mulino, the
estate’s oldest structure. Its gorgeous windows allow guests to
enjoy views of the Arno and the surrounding Chianti hills during
any season. In the summertime, guests can enjoy dining and
watch sunsets alongside the Arno on the terrace. The cuisine is
Tuscan inspired. The olive oil is pressed using olives from Villa
La Massa’s trees. The cellar is rich with fine Italian and region-
al wines. Enjoy lunch poolside or a pre-post dinner cocktail in
the Medicean Bar. Options abound. You can enjoy a walk along
the river that leads to the discovery of the Chef’s aromatic herb
and vegetable gardens, the fruit tree orchards, the Iris garden and
Kingfisher birds that pose in full view. Another walk may lead
you down the aisle as it did David Bowie and Iman to a 16th-cen-
tury chapel surrounded by the estate’s gardens... purely roman-
tic. With this idyllic scenario, you are softly invited to allow your
mind to drift and dream into oblivion, as Luigi Comencini did
when he filmed “Incompreso” at Villa La Massa in 1966.