Villa Cora - Florence

Surrounded by oak trees and rose bushes, Villa Cora offers the laid-back allure of a Tuscan retreat while being just minutes from Florence’s city centre hubbub. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel appears regal inside and out, retaining many of its original 19th Century features – fit for its previous aristocratic residents. Other highlights include a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and a large outdoor pool, immersed in greenery.

Located in a centuries-old park, overlooking the Bobololi Gardens, this hotel is found south of the Arno River, roughly a mile and a half from the centre of Florence. Perhaps Florence’s most popular attraction, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is also just over a mile and a half from the hotel, as is Palazzo Vecchio, home to Dante’s death mask. Marvel at The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery and see Michelangelo’s David in the flesh at Galleria dell ’Accademia, both within a two-mile stroll. Peretola Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is just under eight miles away.

Built at the end of the 19th Century as an aristocratic residence, Villa Cora’s previous guests include the wife of Napoleon III, Princess Eugenia, as well as Tchaikovsky and Grace Kelly. Decor throughout is appropriately regal – some rooms have original frescoes and parquet flooring from the 19th Century, and most feature damask patterns. A tastefully colourful spin on the decor adds a modern touch. Within the grounds, there are a handful of buildings – the main villa, the Villino Eugenia and La Follie, and accommodation ranges from Classic, Deluxe and Family rooms to Duplex Junior Suites and Suites. Classic rooms are in any of the three buildings, each unique in style, Deluxe Suites are found in the main villa or Villino Eugenia, and Superior rooms are located in the main villa, overlooking Florence and the surrounding hills. Duplex Junior Suites are found on the ‘Noble Floor’ of the villa, and feature a master bedroom, sitting area and two bathrooms on the lower floor, with an additional bedroom on the upper floor. Family rooms are located on the ‘Moorish Floor’ of the villa, and feature jewel-coloured decor, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Choose a glamorous Suite for more space, or the Imperial Suite for the most prestigious room on offer. Each is outfitted with Carrara marble bathrooms and ultra-luxe toiletries.