Postcards from... Booklet 2022

Nestled in 20 hectares of lemon and olive groves and on a lazy bend of the Arno River, lies the historic Villa La Massa. With its peaceful, rural setting some 20 minutes upstream from Florence, Villa La Massa will appeal to those seeking the best of both worlds. This Medici villa is to all intents and purposes a country resort, but in easy distance from Florence's artistic treasures. 37 rooms and suites decorated with baroque furnishings and a goodly number of four poster beds are distributed between the historic main building and a number of outbuildings giving a real sense of space and exclusivity to guests. Dining al fresco is a joy beside the spacious pool. Candeli, near Florence Out of town residence on the riverbank Villa La Massa Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel Fiesole, near Florence Hillside hideaway Just 20 minutes drive from the centre of Florence, Belmond Villa San Michele, is couched in the hills below the village of Fiesole. Originally a 15th century monastery, this boutique hotel has been thriving since the 1980s, and its stunning façade is attributed to Michelangelo himself. Offering a selection of lavish suites and rooms, this restful retreat channels the opulence of a bygone era with sumptuous fabrics, beautiful marble bathrooms and lush gardens to explore.The sweeping views of the city from the gardens, most of the rooms, the restaurant and the pool are magnificent, and the temperature up here is several degrees cooler in the height of the summer. When the heat is on head for the hills When the heat makes one’s appetite wane, Florentines go to dinner in the hills beyond the city. Located on one of the most panoramic terraces of Fiesole, La Reggia degli Etruschi (once a monastery and later a tearoom) is today one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city with breathtaking views over Florence. Gourmet sandwiches So you are right in the thick of the action, you’ve popped out of the Ufizzi Gallery and are a bit peckish, but you fear that there’s nowhere decent to get a quick bite ...wrong! You could find a restaurant, but all you really want is a gourmet panino and a refreshing glass of wine ...good news... pop into Ino. Located just steps from the Uffizi Gallery in Firenze, the 15 year old paninoteca serves inventive panini made with authentic regional ingredients, which are sourced from small-scale farms directly by the owner and founder, Alessandro Frassica. His creations are so good that he has featured on national TV and in 2022 came second in a national poll of sandwich makers. Can I make a proposal? The Golden View restaurant is situated on the very edge of the river on the Oltrarno with unparalleled views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Vasari Corridor of the Ufizzi. Whilst the main restaurant is pretty special, why not book a private dining experience on the terrace and let the sense of occasion work its magic, and if you have forgotten the ring don’t panic as you can dash to Fratelli Picini jewellery shop on the bridge! Truffles and sparkles Located among the designer stores of chic Via Tornabuoni, Procacci has been a classic Florentine watering hole since 1885. Now owned by the Antinori wine-growing family, it has retained an elegant, old-fashioned air. Sip a glass of Antinori house prosecco or Italy’s finest sparkles from Franciacorta whilst nibbling their irresistible truffle panini.