In Chianti, I visited Villa Mangiacane, which is a hotel, winery, and spa that was originally built by the Machiavelli family in the 16th Century.  The villa sits on a hilltop overlooking acres and acres of magnificent Tuscan landscape.  Mangiacane produces its own wine and its own olive oil, so guests have the pleasure of staying on a working estate.  The villa strives to be a home away from home for its guests and not to feel like a hotel.  Each room is unique, and the atmosphere at the villa is relaxed and unhurried.  Although it is homelike, Mingiacane also prides itself on a wide range of museum quality artwork – in fact Michelangelo had a hand in the villa’s design!  Whether it is in the main house or scattered over the gournds, art is everywhere you look at Mangiacane – from African Shona sculptures to the beautifully restored original frescoes in the main house and paintings and objects d’art from artists all over the world

When you visit Mangiacane, make sure to set some time aside to take in their art collection and to sample their wonderful wines and olive oils.
 

On this trip, I made my first visit to Castiglion del Bosco, a magnificently restored estate in Montalcino.  The estate, one of the oldest in Tuscany, was purchased by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003 and has since undergone extensive restoration and renovation. Castiglion del Bosco is set apart on a hillside vineyard.  And yet, as a guest of the estate, so much is at your fingertips from great food and wine, to cooking classes, horseback riding, golf, pool, spa, and all within a short drive to Florence.  I saw this property before its seasonal opening, and was so impressed by the warm welcome I received.  Roberta, the Sales Director, is full of life and energy, and instantly makes you feel a part of the estate.  My visit was spectacular, and I hope to return in the fall for the grape harvest. As one of the estate’s signature activities, guests are invited to participate in the life of the harvest and learn the secrets of Brunello di Montalcino wine production.  Guests learn the art of picking the Sangiovese grapes and then follow them through all the stages of wine production. Guests' private wine cases for wine that they bottled on the estate are shown in the photo.

On a final note, for those interested in the privacy of a villa with the amenities of a full-service resort, Castiglion del Bosco maintains nine villas, which are scattered over its vast estate.

On this trip, my last stop in Florence was the Villa San Michele.  This is a beautifully restored monastery in Fiesole that sits on a steep hilltop overlooking Florence.  It has the most amazing view of the city.  I had the privilege of visiting just a few days before their official opening for the 2013 season.  It was wonderful to see how immersed everyone was in the business of preparing the hotel for opening day.  Everywhere I looked, someone was touching up paint, restoring a tile, bringing the whole place to a high polish.  With all of this activity going on, I still received an unbelievably warm welcome.  Despite the pre-season bustle, everyone went out of their way to make me feel at home and to anticipate my every wish.  I look forward to returning to San Michele soon.