The Hotel Villa Mangiacane, located just 30 minutes south of the Duomo and central Florence in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tuscany, is a 15th-century-Italian villa set upon 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves. It’s an idyllic setting for a romantic Italian honeymoon. A shuttle is available to drop off guests in central Florence.
Designed by Michelangelo
The gorgeous Hotel Villa Mangiacane is a spa-hotel with a fascinating history – Michelangelo had a hand in designing the villa, and the Machiavelli family were the first owners. The 26-room villa has since been revamped and restyled by its current proprietor, Glynn Cohen, a successful South African entrepreneur with a love of fine wine and contemporary African art. In fact, Cohen’s eclectic South African decor delights with unexpected touches, such as his mix of baroque furnishings, antiques, rattan, and modern and quirky Colonial pieces.
Getting there
To reach the villa you’ll travel along a roller-coaster of a road that leads to the entrance of this exclusive Tenuta (working farm). The owner operates a vineyard on the estate. Fruit from the hundreds of olive trees spaced among the grounds is pressed into extra virgin olive oil each fall, and for those of you who want to bring a taste of Italy home, you can buy these products on the premises.
Traditional Tuscan fare
The restaurant windows open onto the captivating Tuscan scenery. The menus feature mostly traditional Tuscan fare, with a few international options.
Depending on the weather and season, the hotel offers cooking classes, which begin with the Chef greeting guests in the Olive Oil Kitchen or in the herb garden where you will begin by selecting fresh herbs that will be used during the lesson.
Rooms with a view
I recommend that honeymooners stay in the spacious Royal Suite, enhanced by a silver king-size bed, exotic Indian furniture and ornaments, a fireplace, a large Jacuzzi tub, two terraces, and seven expandable windows that offer sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside.
For something extra special, consider the hotel’s “Royal Stay Package”, which, in addition to a stay in the Royal Suite, includes:
- Fruit basket with Mangiacane Spumante in the room at the arrival
- Breakfast in the room (on request)
- 1 Mangiacane wine tasting top selection with our Sommelier
This eccentric villa-hotel doesn’t have large rooms, especially by North American standards, but most feature stunning views over the Chianti Hills. And you came to Tuscany for the views, didn’t you?
Nearby things to do
A stay at Mangiacane means you’ll have easy access to Florence, San Gimignano, and the lovely city of Siena. It’s a magical setting in one of the most beautiful and well-loved parts of the world.
