A couple weeks ago now, Kendall talked about some of the highlights of her Italy trip so far. Well, a lot can happen in those short weeks! She has been very busy touring and meeting with various properties throughout Tuscany, Rome, and Florence - some familiar to us, and some new.
It’s increasingly important for J5Travel to visit properties first hand so we truly know the ins and outs of the accommodations we are sending our clients to, enabling us to hone in on the perfect recommendations early in the planning process.
Five properties really stuck out to Kendall, so here she is again this week with her Top 5 properties in Tuscany, Rome, and Florence. Please note that we are able to offer additional amenities exclusive to our clients at each one of these properties due to our relationships with them.
Top 5 - Where to stay in Tuscany, Florence and Rome
1. Borgo Pignano (above and below)
Located just 20 minutes outside of Volterra, Borgo Pignano is the perfect 5-star Tuscan experience. The ethos here is simple: "Everything comes from the land." That motto emanates from every organic corner of the 750-acre Tuscan estate, which wins awards for sustainability. A resident beekeeper supplies fresh honey for your morning cornetto, Pignano’s soap maker plucks aromatic plants, and spa therapists use natural ingredients bottled by the estate’s herbalist. Access all this from an elegant 18th-century villa, its 16 rooms adorned with antique furnishings, original frescoes, and artwork from the owner’s collection. Or select one of the beautifully furnished maisonettes or private villas, allowing maximum space and privacy.
2. First Roma Arte (above and below)
A truly one of a kind experience. Just a short walk from the Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso, and The Spanish Steps, in the very heart of the city, this 5 star luxury boutique hotel is the ideal base to explore beautiful Rome while enjoying top-notch contemporary accommodations.
Impressive pieces of contemporary artwork made by some of the most important artists of the Italian scene and designer furnishings are throughout the common areas and suites. As if sleeping inside an art gallery, each room becomes a small private gallery, "yours" for a few days. The property is complete with a beautiful rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the city - the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing!
3. The Place Firenze (above and below)
The Place Firenze is located just a stone’s throw from the Renaissance church of Santa Maria Novella in central Florence. This stylish, elegant hotel has 20 luxurious rooms supplied with every convenience. Lounges furnished with cozy couches, art and books convey the feeling of being on a visit to a Florentine art collector’s beautiful home. Occupying a charming historic townhouse, the boutique hotel also features a rooftop terrace with a view over central Florence to the Duomo and the hills beyond. Some of the Suites at The Place have walk-in closets, sitting rooms and private balconies. Add very friendly, discreet service plus probably the city’s best-connected general manager, a former concierge who interacts personally with guests with recommendations and advice, and you are just asking for a good time!
4. Four Seasons Firenze (above and below)
Four Seasons is always an impressive brand across the board, but this specific property really blew me away. With at least two amenities that are very rare in Florence – an 11-acre private park and an on-site spa – Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is taking luxury living to new heights. Original frescoes and reliefs grace the walls, while outside, a centuries-old private park invites quiet exploration - perfect for families with children or people wanting to have an escape from the city. The Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo are a short stroll away.
Your room is located in either the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca, once a palace, or the much younger 16th-century La Villa, formerly a convent. No two of the 116 bright guest rooms are alike. As for the spa, it boasts an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, and a myriad treatments.
5. Relais Villa Olmo (above and below)
Situated only 20 minutes outside of Florence in the northern Chianti region, Relais Villa Olmo is managed by our favorite Italian destination management company enabling us to be very well connected with the property. It is an 18-room working estate with a winery and active olive oil mill. During the right season, you may even see local farmers coming to produce their own olive oil at the estate’s mill! This 4-star boutique Tuscan property is perfect for those who want an authentic, simple, yet amazing experience in the Chianti hills without feeling stuffy. The property also boasts two "villa" style accommodations which are perfect for families or small groups traveling together. Explore Florence for a day, or walk a short 10 minutes to the nearby town of Impruneta most commonly known for terracotta that is featured in the Duomo!
If you're ready to visit one of our favorites in Italy to experience the best luxury getaway let us know by clicking the button below.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
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