#Villa La Massa │ Firenze _**The Property**_ Built in the 13th century as an enchanting country house for an aristocratic Florentine family, Villa La Massa was the property of eminent European aristocrats until 1948, when it was ultimately transformed into a luxury hotel. After a complete renovation, it reopened and its hundred-year-old history live on, with every nook telling us tales of Renaissance splendor and the lifestyle of Florentine aristocrats. A member of The Leading Hotels of The World, Villa La Massa has been part of Villa d’Este Group since 1998. Majestically sitting on the banks of the Arno River, in the heart of Chianti wine region, Villa La Massa is just a few kilometers (15 minutes by car) from Florence’s city center. This five-star hotel, an architectural gem of the Medicean era, is a world away, an oasis of peace and serenity immersed in a 25-acre park. The Tuscan countryside extends all around as far as the eye can see: olive trees, vineyards and cypresses fill the landscape with their unique colors and scents. The elegant restaurant “Il Verrocchio” is the only one in Florence with a magnificent terrace overlooking the Arno River. It is perfect for having breakfast and al fresco dining, surrounded by the Tuscan countryside. “Il Verrocchio” offers gourmet dishes from the Italian and Mediterranean tradition paired with exceptional wines. Lunch is served at the brand new “L’Oliveto” Bistrot where Guests can enjoy traditional Tuscan and zero-km dishes in a more informal atmosphere by the pool. The Medicean Bar, with its 19th-century frescos, is the ideal place for sipping an aperitif or one of the signature cocktails prepared with the exclusive liqueurs by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. At the new Pool Bar, Guests can relax while enjoying fresh beverages, cocktails and snacks. The 15th-century wine cellar stores the finest Tuscan wines and is the perfect location for wine tastings and private events.** The calm running waters of the Arno River, the charming melody of the birdsong, the fragrances expanding from the olive groves, lemon trees and endless vineyards make the experience at Villa La Massa truly magical. Total relaxation is ensured at the Arno SPA: Turkish bath, sauna, Roman pool with hydro-massage, sensory showers, 2 SPA suites for massages and facials. For more active guests: outdoor heated swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, space for yoga and floor exercises, jogging tracks, bikes, Tennis Club (0,3 miles from the hotel), horseback riding (3 miles), Golf Club Ugolino (6 miles). _**The Gardens**_ _The Park_ Villa La Massa is surrounded by 25 acres of gardens, where blue agapanthuses and cream-colored peonies enliven the brilliant green lawn and where every path leads to the river. The Tuscan countryside extends as far as the eye can see; olive trees, vineyards, cypresses fill the landscape with their unique colors and scents. _The Iris Garden_ In the park of Villa La Massa, the Iris Garden celebrates the floral symbol of Florence and – more widely – Tuscany. Along picturesque paths, the collection of high, medium and small irises with their yellow, white and blue shades overlooks the Arno river like a scenic painting. A truly quiet and inspiring place, which invites guests to linger and enjoy the wonder of nature. **** ###Explore our World _Rooms & Suites_ Villa La Massa features 51 luxury rooms, all different from one another and divided into 5 classical Tuscan-style buildings: the Noble Villa, the Villino, The Mill, Casa Colonica and La Limonaia. The décor of the Noble Villa, the Villino and The Mill evokes the Renaissance atmosphere: canopy beds, elegant fabrics, boiseries, frescoed ceilings, tapestries, refined marble bathrooms. Each room is a perfect combination of classic sophistication and warm elegance with all the modern comforts. Casa Colonica and La Limonaia are both completely restored and refurbished, the style is typically Tuscan, in harmony with the atmosphere of Villa La Massa, but with a luxurious and more contemporary touch. The furniture and the various interior details, such as lamps and pictures, were masterfully designed by local craftsmen. The colors are earthy with bright dashes, giving the atmosphere a lively and fresh touch. Each room offers wonderful views of the park, the Chianti hills or the Arno river; fairytale-inspired surroundings allowing guests to immerse themselves in peaceful relaxation and romanticism. _Private Villas_ The Villino, the most intimate building and the most recently built (early 20th century) offers luxurious and romantic spaces. A few steps from the hotel’s olive grove and blooming Iris Garden, it absorbs the amber light of the Tuscan countryside. The Villino can be rented in its entirety and is comprised of 7 rooms: 1 Double Deluxe, 2 Junior Suite Top, 1 Suite, 2 Suite Exclusive and the Arno Suite with its breathtaking terrace facing the river. ****