If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday full of history, art, and an idyllic countryside setting, look no further then the Villa Mangiacane nestled in the heart of the winemaking region of Chianti Classico.

Originally built by the Machiavelli family in the 15th century and bearing the unmistakable hand of the legendary Renaissance master, Michelangelo, the classic beauty of this majestic villa will leave every guest full of unforgettable memories.

Set on a cypress shaded hill just south of Florence, this location is perfect for discovering the most fascinating attractions, museums and picturesque settings in the surrounding area.

The Villa Mangiacane offers 26 individually designed rooms and suites all with stunning views overlooking the country side, gardens or vineyard. Each space is full of original artwork and furniture collected from around the globe emulating the comforts of a private home.

As you wander the property you’ll soon discover the rich art and history that it holds from the beautifully resorted pastel-colored frescoes that ornament the Main Villa, the 220 original Shona sculptures throughout the property and works by Petter Hegre on display are all but a few of the Villa Mangiacane’s special touches waiting to be discovered.

Indulge your senses during your stay and savor the fabulous cuisine created by Villa Mangiacane’s private Chef Massimo Bocus. The food capitalizes on traditional Tuscan ingredients accompanied by their very own Oli d’Olivoil produced from handpicked olives from their olive grove on the property.  And for the chef in all of us, cooking classes with Chef Bocus are also available teaching you how to approach food and fully experience the heart and soul of Tuscany.

A visit to Italy is never complete without a great glass of wine and being that Villa Mangiacane Estate spans 306 hectares, an exceptional wine is easy to come by. Respecting the tradition of Tuscan winemaking, Villa Mangiacane also embraces modern techniques and tastes producing mainly Chianti classic DOCG wines.

After a long day of exploring the villa and surrounding area, take a dip in one of Villa Mangiacane’s three pools or relax with a treatment at their Nadushka Spa. Offering the ultimate experience in tranquility and pampering for the mind, body and spirit, Nadushka Spa has a large menu of treatments using only the finest natural, preservative-free products leaving you always feeling revitalized and blissful.

And when you book your stay here exclusively though Kiwi Collection, the Villa Mangiacane will make your visit even more memorable with a bottle of Prosecco and fresh fruit upon arrival and of course a complementary upgrade when available.

Just when we thought a stay at Villa La Massa in Florence couldn’t get any better, they announce the inauguration of their amazing Presidential Suite!

The Presidential Suite is a “haven of peace and serenity, surrounded by the olive and cypress tress of the estate’s 20-acre park”. It includes a 1500 sq ft private garden, private Jacuzzi tub and is composed of two suites – an 800 sq ft Suite Exclusive and a 500 sq ft Junior Suite.

The two suites are separated by a large living room area, complete with a working fireplace.
The perfect retreat for a family or group, the Presidential Suite is found in the smallest of the three buildings that make up this Florence Hotel’s property.

“While our hotel, with its 37 rooms, offers all of our clients sophisticated and relaxed service, the Presidential Suite takes this to another level, providing someone who would like the added bonus of complete privacy with a separate entrance, private garden and terrace and a large space all to themselves, the ability to have this without having to sacrifice the creature comforts of being in a world-class resort—food, wine, massage, entertainment, chauffeur, to name a few- all just a phone call away”, says Marco Montagnani, General Manager of Villa La Massa.

Villa La Massa was built in the 16th century and was home to several aristocratic families before being transformed into a luxury hotel in 1948. Famous guests have stayed at this hotel since then, including Clarke Gable, Winston Churchill, Barbara Hutton, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to name a few. (It was also the site of David Bowie and Iman’s wedding)!

With 35 rooms, guests enjoy views of the gardens or of the river Arno. The design is “Renaissance style”, featuring antique furniture, four-poster beds and buffed terracotta tiles: perfect for the atmosphere of the region.

We have a good relationship with Villa La Massa, and have subsequently negotiated some decent bonuses for guests who use us to book this hotel. For example, as a Kiwi Guest, you’ll receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability), the General Manager’s VIP amenity, complimentary breakfast and a welcome drink for two when you arrive!

Susan Field is the Founder and Managing Director of Impact Asia, an independent communications and events agency in Hong Kong.  Over the years, she has provided strategic counsel to many prestigious brands especially in the travel, lodging, hospitality and luxury goods sectors.

The enchanting city of Florence never loses its magic, and on a recent visit, I was once again captivated by its special beauty and history.

I was lucky enough to stay at the wonderful Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno, one of a small selection of luxury hotels that belongs to the famous family.

The location of Lungarno Suites and its sister hotels, Hotel Art and the uber-chic Continental, is perfect, being just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi – and within walking distance of the major sights.  The 44 luxurious suites (comprising either studios, one or two-bedrooms) offer guests the privacy of an independent apartment together with hotel services and exclusive room service supplied by The Fusion Bar Shozan-Gallery.

As with all Lungarno hotels, the interiors are of a very high standard. I especially loved the dramatic powder blue velvet curtains which frame the view over the Arno and the stunning black and white contemporary photographs of some of the city’s most historic sculptures. (Many items can be bought at the elegant Ferragamo-owned shop, which is just downstairs).
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Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe. The journey below is meant to provide and idea of what is possible based on our experience and does not represent an endorsement of the particular properties chosen. All the properties in the Kiwi Collection have been chosen based on their ability to provide an outstanding guest experience and are recommended by Kiwi Collection.

Fly to Rome, hire car

Stay for 2 nights at the Posta Vecchia just outside of Rome

Stay for 2 nights in Rome at the Portrait Suites, situated by the beautiful Spanish Steps and close to great shopping and the historic splendour of the coliseum and Roman Forum

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Brufani Palace, in the historic Tuscan town of Perugia:

Stay for 2 nights in romantic Florence, staying at the Hotel Savoy, close to the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio:

Stay for 2 nights in Grossetto a town in Tuscany and only 12 miles from the sea at the Terme di Saturnia Resort and Spa

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, stunningly perched on a cliff overlooking the sea:

Stay for 2 nights in Milan at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a landmark building overlooking the central Piazza and next to the famous shops of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele:

Fly out of Milan