Suite Luxury In Tuscany
Enjoying three fabulous hotels as he goes, Finbarr Toesland rolls from one of Europe’s most iconic cities to a land of idyllic vineyards and olive groves
As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a fashion hotspot, and a place of unrivalled artistic legacy. Tuscany is a region for those looking for an elevated experience. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the capital city Florence continues to have an outsized impact on global art and culture.
From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, to Galleria dell’Accademia, the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘David’, and the medieval stone arch bridge Ponte Vecchio, every corner of this storied city contains renowned sights. There is no question it can take days to fully absorb just a handful of the incredible galleries and monuments in Florence.
Home to the influential Medici banking and political dynasty, some of the most well known and important buildings in the city were financed by this family, including Saint Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria del Fiore. Even Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci received support from the House of Medici during its reign as one of the wealthiest families in the world.
Stylish getaway
Four-star boutique hotel Palazzo Castri 1874 can be found through an understated entrance that invites guests into an urban oasis. Less than ten minutes’ walk away from the iconic sights of Piazza Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, this modern hotel offers a hydromassage pool and saunas for guests to help them relax after exploring the city. Once the home of the Castri family, this traditional building has been tastefully renovated and transformed into a truly elegant city retreat.
Palazzo Castri excels by adding to the guest experience with small touches, such as afternoon tea. From 4pm, staff welcome you into the lounge and garden to sample small pastries, biscuits and, of course, tea. Taking a break from the bustling Florentine crowds to sip on tea and walk around the hotel’s private La Limonaia garden is a restorative moment.
The tranquil 1,000 square-metre inner garden provides respite from the crowds outside, and guests will soon forget that they are only minutes from the centre of Florence thanks to the centuries-old palm trees and intimate environment. For the ultimate relaxation experience, take a dip in the 30 square-metre hydromassage pool that extends into the garden.
Boutique and perfectly formed, Palazzo Castri is a sleek and contemporary hotel that is certainly high-end, yet manages to feel luxurious without any unnecessary pomp. Rooms are spacious and feel cosy, replete with modern art and the latest touches you would expect from a top-level hotel.
Historic culture to high-end fashion
Exploring the vast Palazzo Pitti Renaissance palace and the equally spectacular Boboli Gardens are a must for visitors to Florence. Allow plenty of time though, as this enormous complex contains several museums and galleries that will take almost a full day to explore. Seconds away from the Ponte Vecchio, this palace dates back to 1458 and was purchased by the Medici family in 1549 to become the main residence for the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, amassing a great trove of art and jewellery in the process.
Luxury shopping lovers will find themselves well catered for at Via de’ Tornabuoni. This hub of high-end Italian and international fashion offers an array of brands including Prada, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo. Luxury craftspeople also have outposts throughout the city, providing discerning visitors with everything from bespoke shoes to one-of-a-kind furniture.
Situated moments away from the iconic Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria, five-star hotel La Gemma is another fine base to explore the city from. With 39 meticulously designed rooms and suites, guests can expect a personal touch with a hint of opulence.
Nestled down a side street in the city centre, it takes minutes to experience the best Florence has to offer. From sampling gelatos at one of the many independent ice-cream parlours to browsing the latest fashion at high- end department store Rinascente – the best of Florence is on your doorstep at La Gemma.
After a seamless check-in, visitors are led to the lounge to sample a cocktail before settling into this urban retreat. Art Deco elegance is the theme at La Gemma, with a dash of velvet, marble and vivid greens thrown in for good measure. Every area of the hotel appears to have been thought through in painstaking detail, even down to the Italian-made Faber espresso maker and eclectic mini bar selection.
Led by Michelin-starred Chef Paulo Airaudo, Luca’s Restaurant on the first-floor, where a curated breakfast is also served, gives diners the choice between a relaxed lounge menu or expansive tasting menu in the evening. Stand-outs from the lounge menu include the lobster burger with avocado, bacon, huancaina sauce and fried sweet potatoes, with the a la carte offering of Lobster risotto, pumpkin, fresh ‘nduja and nasturtium and pigeon cappelletti.
For a true five-star experience, guests can visit the subterranean Allure Spa, which offers customised treatments following the Biologique Recherche methodology to achieve everything from clearer skin to reducing wrinkles. Perhaps the most obvious choice on a visit to Florence is the relaxation massage that is targeted to improve blood circulation, loosen knots and soothe tense muscles and joints. Guests can then pop into the Turkish bath to relax further after a day’s sightseeing.
Up and away
Less than an hour and a half from Florence by car or train is the tranquil hilltop town of Cortona. Surrounded by idyllic vineyards and olive groves, navigating the winding alleyways of Cortona is a journey all by itself. Away from the hustle and bustle, travelling up to 2,000 feet above sea level has myriad benefits, not least unrivalled views over pristine Tuscan countryside.
The popularity of Cortona has only increased since Frances Mayes’s 1996 book ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, which is set in Cortona. The book was turned into a film in 2003 and filmed in Cortona, making the town even more of a hotspot. There’s no shortage of historical locations to visit in this small town. A stroll around the streets that lead away from the Piazza Della Repubblica reveals countless independent stores and boutiques where local handmade goods ranging from jewellery to pottery can be seen.
As can be expected in these parts of Italy, locals stay. Always on hand to answer any questions, it’s clear to see the pride David takes in showcasing the beauty of his historical family home.
Back in 2001, David and Gabrielle first opened the La Corte Dei Papi restaurant, followed by converting the stables and expanding into becoming a 16-room relais. The Spa Suites are the pinnacle of understated luxury. Think super king-size beds, private gardens overlooking tranquil vineyards and individual spas.
Instead of having to leave your room, guests can simply walk into their own private spa featuring
a Turkish bath, four multi-sensory showers with aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and music therapy, offering a total sensory experience. No detail has been overlooked in these spacious suites which are adorned with luxury fabrics, exposed wood beams and tasteful parquet floors.
No matter what time of year you visit La Corte Dei Papi, the restaurant and Lounge Bar makes the perfect end to an enjoyable day around the town. The intimate setting of the restaurant in the old cellar of the residence fits in perfectly with the atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside.
In warmer months, guests can sip cocktails on the edge of the stunning swimming pool before moving onto the outdoor garden to enjoy fine Tuscan cuisine cooked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After honing his expertise at leading restaurants around the world, Giuseppe Masciopinto joined La Corte Dei Papi and is responsible for creating dishes that reflect the best of
the Tuscan culinary tradition. Enjoy.
Further information – palazzocastri.com | lagemmahotel.com | lacortedeipapi.com