Villa La Massa
A Medicean villa hotel on the Arno near Florence, with river-view dining, Arno Spa and a 15th-century wine cellar.
Villa La Massa gives Florence the breathing room of the countryside without cutting the cord. Set in Candeli on the River Arno, the five-star villa pairs Medicean architecture with views towards the Chianti Rufina hills and the practical pleasure of being close enough to Florence for art-filled days.
The hotel’s current dining materials make a strong case for staying in at least once. Ristorante Il Verrocchio looks over the Arno and Tuscan hills, with chef Stefano Ballarino serving traditional Italian cooking with contemporary flourishes, local produce and organic extra-virgin olive oil from the estate. The restaurant’s vegetarian and vegan dishes are based on the kitchen garden, a small but meaningful detail for plant-forward travellers.
Below, the wine cellar sits within the ancient walls of a 15th-century mill, beneath Il Verrocchio, with private tastings and wine dinners built around Italian labels and rare vintages. Luxa Terra’s source copy also notes Arno Spa, Turkish spa facilities, cold pools, sensory showers and fitness space.
Villa La Massa is for travellers who want Florence with a softer landing: river light, garden produce, cellar stone and a shuttle-distance relationship with the city. Civilised, in the old sense. Also very good at dinner.
