Prato and his unique bio-dynamic winery Podere Concori; spelunking at the Grotto del Vento, a wind cave that descends over 7,000 feet; visiting the medieval walled city of Lucca for a bike tour and lunch, or simply savoring the un ltered beauty of Tuscany on your own, your days will be full and action packed. Upon returning to the resort, pampering awaits you in the 8,600 square foot spa featuring treatments using herbs from the valley as well as volcanic ash. Later, signature cocktails, incredible local wines and an expansive farm to table menu will serve as the perfect ending to a perfect day. If you’re an early riser you’ll want to catch ethereal views of the morning cloud cover which o en envelops the Serchio Valley below and the town of Barga. Weather permitting, get in an early swim in the outdoor pool with breathtaking views, or
on which to enjoy meals or a pre-dinner aperitivo. There are 44 rooms including 22 amazing suites (ours featured a 3 rd- century Roman sarcophagus that was repurposed as a bathtub, as well as a breathtaking, 1886 fresco by Bruschi that covered the ceiling). The hotel arranged an assortment of special activities that the typical tourist may not have access to or know about, making this stay especially memorable. Driving down the gentle slopes of the Chianti wine region, we came to Colle Bereto’s meticulously restored estate, where the vineyard and olive groves appear to create a living patchwork quilt on the valley floor, perfectly situated to produce the most flavorful grapes and olives. We shared a delicious lunch and sampled the outstanding olive oil and wines that are the result of not only organic, but time-tested practices that date back centuries. collebereto.it On another day, we visited AquaFlor, an old-world perfumery in the Santa Croce district of Florence, where we enjoyed a perfume making class and le with an expanded knowledge of this sensory art as well as a beautifully wrapped bottle of our very own signature scent. florenceparfum.com Around the corner was Galleria Michelangelo, a leather factory where we were guided by skilled artisans in the centuries old techniques of leather antiquing, book binding and embossing. lagalleriamichelangelo.com One would be remiss in writing about Tuscany without dedicating a few sentences to food! While we had many memorable meals both at the hotel and during our touring, the night before we were to head home, the hotel arranged for a visit by Guilio and his tru e-hunting dog, Eda. We learned about the variety of tru es and where the di erent types could be found. We then set o in the Villa’s park where Eda expertly sni ed out a bunch of black tru es. She was rewarded for e orts, as were we when the chefs of Il Salviatino prepared a four-course meal featuring these revered delicacies. Salviatino.com
is truly the “best of both worlds” when it comes to this magnificent region of Italy… close enough to the cities and major tourist sites, yet a welcome retreat from the crowds. RenaissanceTuscany.com > IL SALVIATINO GRANDEUR OVERLOOKING FLORENCE Even for the most seasoned luxury traveler, it’s hard not to feel completely enchanted
IL SALVIATINO
IL SALVIATINO
as you arrive a t Il Salviatino, a stunningly restored 15th century villa surrounded by 12.5 manicured acres situated within the sloping hills of Fiesole in Tuscany. With picturesque views of Florence’s famed Duomo as a backdrop, you are just a stone’s throw from the pulsing city. Guests are made to feel like they are staying in their own private villa with every need attended to by their 24-hour “service ambassadors.” The property features a swimming pool, luxury spa, an inviting paneled library as well as multiple terraces and patios
BARGA SHOP OWNER WELCOMING VISITORS WITH HIS CULINARY OFFERINGS
head out for a run or hike on one of the many trails on this expansive estate. If you prefer a vigorous indoor workout, head over to the large pool and gym. The Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco
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