Villa la Massa
Florence, Italy
Bagno a Ripoli
Vibe
Twenty-two acres of olive groves and manicured gardens wrap around historic riverside villas on a peaceful bend of the Arno.
“Tuscan riverside oasis”
Solicitous riverside service paired with private Ponte Vecchio shuttles, tailored estate excursions, and unhurried terrace dining.
A sixteenth-century noble estate with converted olive mills, frescoed salons, and centuries of Tuscan riverside provenance.
Tuscan countryside living along the Arno, featuring Chianti cellar tastings, estate olive groves, and regional culinary traditions.
Along the Arno River in Candeli, fifteen minutes from central Florence by private shuttle.
“With just 51 rooms and suites it’s edging into real boutique territory, and its location is among Italy’s most desirable.”
Rooms
Spread across historic stone annexes and the main villa, rooms pair exposed wooden beams and terracotta floors with generous marble bathrooms.
“Comprising five buildings — Noble Villa, Villino, the Mill, Casa Colonica and the Limonaia, the latter two both recently restored — the bucolic property overlooks the Arno River.”
Wellness
Vaulted cellars house a Roman hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, complementing an outdoor heated swimming pool set among olive trees.
“Villa la Massa lies far enough from the city center to feel like a rural retreat, yet is close enough...”
Backstory
Built during the sixteenth century as a noble country retreat, the riverside estate became a luxury hotel in 1948.
“the decor here is classic, yet is restrained without the usual heavy Florentine flourishes.”
Eat & drink
Il Verrocchio serves regional Tuscan dishes from a riverside terrace, while Bar Mediceo shakes cocktails beneath frescoed vaulted ceilings.
The neighborhood
Tucked into the quiet countryside of Candeli, the estate runs a regular private shuttle directly to Florence and the Ponte Vecchio.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.