Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - 281
villa la massa Florence, Italy Villa La Massa comprises three villas dating back to the days of the Medici, and inside you’ll find 35 individually designed guestrooms with historic fabrics, Carrara marble and antiques. Dine indulgently on Tuscan regional specialties and Mediterranean delicacies, all complemented by 250 Italian wine vintages. A brand-new fitness center and treatment room offers the latest high-tech equipment and pampering massages. Cooking lessons, wine tastings and a children’s playground are onsite; while golf, horseback riding and tennis facilities are close by. Take the complimentary shuttle to Florence’s Ponte Vecchio. DistancE fROm flOREncE aiRPORt (flR): viRtUOsO amEnity Welcome transfer from airport or rail station via Mercedes car, gift book about Florence and complimentary parking for duration of stay. in tHE KnOW After a delicious dinner, take a walk through the garden along the river – it’s the perfect dessert. 18 mi/30 km villa san micHElE Florence, Italy At Villa San Michele, an Orient-Express Hotel, you’ll live as peacefully as the monks who once called this 15th-century monastery home. A wooded park surrounds the hotel, and the hilltop location affords dramatic views of Florence, the city of the Medicis. Lounge by the gorgeous swimming pool, with panoramic Tuscan views; grab a bicycle for a trip into Florence or tee off at a local championship-quality golf course. No day is complete without a meal at The Loggia Restaurant, one of the city’s finest dining establishments – of course, you’ll find the finest local wines on offer. DistancE fROm flOREncE aiRPORt (flR): viRtUOsO amEnity Full American breakfast daily, flowers and fruit in room and $100 resort credit per room, once per stay. in tHE KnOW The kids won’t mind attending the special cookery school for children ages 8 to 14, at which they’ll learn how to prepare savories and sweets. 281 E U R O PE 8 mi/13 km tHE WEstin ExcElsiOR, flOREncE Florence, Italy You’ll feel you’re among family at The Westin Excelsior, Florence – the friendly staff waits behind the wings to create a gracious and hospitable atmosphere. The concierge easily arranges memorable excursions to Pisa, Siena, the Chianti region and more – whatever you request. By day, walk to famous Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace, then return for the UnwindSM tradition at the hotel, where you’re invited to relax with other guests, enjoying food and drink in a comfortable Florentine setting. Later, award-winning chef Giuseppe Dalla Rosa tempts your taste buds with Mediterranean fare at the ORVM Restaurant. DistancE fROm flOREncE aiRPORt (flR): viRtUOsO amEnity Full breakfast for two daily and late checkout at 4pm, if available. in tHE KnOW For the utmost in privacy and relaxation, the hotel offers an extensive menu of in-room spa treatments. 5 mi/8 km