Overlooking the serene Arno River and the sun-kissed landscapes of Tuscany, Villa La Massa stands as a luxurious retreat just 15 minutes from Florence. This award-winning hotel offers guests the opportunity to engage in unique, immersive experiences, such as seasonal olive harvests and hands-on cooking classes, all while being deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition.
Catering to both families and solo travelers, Villa La Massa invites its guests to fully immerse themselves in authentic Italian culture and cuisine. At the helm of this historic property is Elisa Peroli, the hotel’s General Manager. Peroli oversees the property’s stunning gardens and operations, leading a team that sets the benchmark for hospitality and luxury in the region.
Villa La Massa: Where Heritage Meets Luxury
“One of our main values is to maintain the traditions of Villa La Massa, evolving it toward luxury service.” –Elisa Peroli, Villa La Massa General Manager
Just beyond the cityscape of Florence, the rustic charm of Italy unfolds at Villa La Massa. Originally a 13th-century country house, this historic property offers travelers the chance to unwind and experience the authentic Tuscan lifestyle. Guests are surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside, with vibrant flowers blooming across the 25-acre expanse of gardens. From the hotel’s timeless architecture to the enchanting grounds, Villa La Massa preserves its centuries-old Tuscan heritage with care and elegance.
Elisa Peroli, the hotel’s General Manager, says one of her aims is to preserve Villa La Massa’s unique character — right down to the property’s fragrance. “When you enter Villa La Massa, as soon as the gate opens, you smell the jasmine, you see the real terracotta vases, you see the real color,” Peroli says. “Everything has a meaning, everything brings the perfume.”
Peroli emphasizes the importance of staying true to Tuscany’s essence, even as the hotel evolves over time. During annual renovations, her team works tirelessly to enhance Villa La Massa’s luxurious amenities, all while honoring and preserving the property’s rich heritage.
“It’s not just changing the carpet, or putting in a wooden floor, or buying new lamps,” Peroli explains. “We work very closely with our architects, so we choose fabrics which are local. We use local fabrics and a local tappezziere, the artisan that works the fabrics and makes curtains and carpets and so on — all locally made.”
Peroli hails from Verona, but the visionary hotelier arrived in Florence in 2008. In the years since, her passion for all things Tuscany flourished. After over two decades at the same hospitality company, Peroli’s arrival at Villa La Massa in 2023 represented a desire to escape her comfort zone and give even more to the hospitality industry. “Here I am, two years later, (at) this beautiful property and loving it,” Peroli says. “Best decision of my life.”
Peroli says standout service from her and her team completes the Villa La Massa experience. “My first priority is ensuring that I deliver excellent hospitality service to our clients, with all the comfort and the luxury that you would expect coming to Villa La Massa,” she says.
A Truly Tuscan Experience
“When somebody comes to Villa La Massa — if it is a guest, if it is a supplier, if it is an employee, if it is persons passing by — they can really feel the authenticity of a Tuscan heritage home.” –Elisa Peroli
Italy offers some of the best wine, art, and natural beauty in the world. And in the storied hills of Tuscany, travelers can find the best of the best. From locally-made olive oil to full-bodied wines, the region is ripe with culture. To celebrate all that Tuscany has to offer, Peroli’s team is always on the hunt for bespoke experiences to share with guests.
“What we do, every year, we build a list of activities which are based on the territory — experiential activities,” Peroli says. “Real activities, where it’s not done for tourists. Because I think if somebody travels to Villa La Massa, or to Tuscany, or to Florence, they want to try the real thing.”
One experience that has become a signature offering at Villa La Massa is the Italian cooking class, led by the hotel’s Chef Stefano Ballarino. Guests get an exclusive tour of the kitchen and a rare opportunity to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes, setting it apart from your typical cooking class. “There are chefs who do cooking classes because they have to do it — it is a different thing,” Peroli says. “There is my chef who loves to teach.”
As Peroli points out, bustling Italian tourist destinations are full of “personalized” cooking classes, but guests at Villa La Massa aren’t just faces in the crowd to Ballarino. Instead, this passionate chef hosts exclusively individual and small group classes, giving everyone an opportunity to form a deeper connection with the cuisine.
Peroli’s hospitality team offers opportunities for cultural immersion beyond the kitchen, too. With around 200 olive trees on the property, Villa La Massa invites its guests to take part in the age-old tradition of making extra virgin olive oil. “For us it’s normal,” Peroli says, noting olive oil’s role as an iconic Italian staple. “It’s just water from the tap.” But for many international travelers, tasting authentic olive oil — and seeing how it’s made firsthand — is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
During harvest season, Villa La Massa guests can help gather olives from the property’s groves of trees, following in the footsteps of generations of Italian olive growers. After the olives are collected, guests are led to a Tuscan frantoio, where harvested olives are transformed into oil. “We give them a full tour from when the olives arrive at the frantoio … until the last part of the machine, where the drops of this green gold come out,” Peroli explains.
Villa La Massa’s relationship with this local frantoio highlights the hotel’s deep commitment to the surrounding area. By supporting nearby suppliers — ranging from olive oil producers to bakers and artisans — the hotel not only showcases Tuscany’s finest, but also offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the region’s beauty in its purest form.
The “Keys” to Success
“It’s always been one of the unique hotels in Florence, and before I took over, it kind of went silent. So my biggest satisfaction is that I was able, with my team, to bring it back to life.” –Elisa Peroli
In recognition of its luxury amenities, exceptional hospitality, and quiet elegance, Villa La Massa holds two prestigious Michelin Keys. Just as Michelin Stars are awarded to superb restaurants, Michelin Keys are awarded to excellent hotels around the world.
Peroli says she’s especially honored by Michelin’s recognition, given Villa La Massa’s size. The luxurious, Italian-owned hotel is a relatively small operation, offering just over 50 rooms. Even still, Villa La Massa is turning heads, with praise from the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Gambero Rosso.
One of Peroli’s proudest accomplishments is giving Villa La Massa, a hotel that has been operating for over 50 years, the recognition it deserves. She champions the Tuscan property on the global stage, while inspiring her team to discover innovative ways to share the wonders of Italy with guests.
Above all else, though, Peroli says genuine hospitality from a caring team is at the heart of an outstanding hotel. “You could have a beautiful hotel with amazing chandeliers from Murano and handmade carpets and God knows what, but without the right people, this becomes a building — cold, impersonal,” Peroli says. “The difference I make with my team is that we create a warm hospitality at Villa La Massa. Guests, they arrive here, and they feel at home.”
In an era of online hotel bookings and fast-paced travel, Peroli says Villa La Massa doesn’t pressure its guests to jam-pack their schedules before they even reach Italy. Instead, she prefers connecting with her clients after they arrive, giving them the freedom to share their vision for a perfect Tuscan getaway and receive travel suggestions in-person. “Luxury is to have the time to do things,” Peroli says. “Time to travel, time to do what you like, is a luxury.”
Exploring the Best of Italy
“Combine city and countryside.” –Elisa Peroli
With so much to discover in Tuscany, curating the ultimate Italian excursion can feel overwhelming. “Everything is so Instagrammable, the perfect backdrop for a photo,” Peroli says. But with an intimate knowledge of the Tuscan territory, the people behind Villa La Massa’s luxury services can help point clients to both well-loved landmarks and hidden gems.
For sightseeing in Florence, Peroli actually recommends a more abbreviated journey around the city, especially for families. She says, “You could never learn Florence, not even in one week,” let alone in a few days.
So, to maximize your family’s experience in the Renaissance city, first visit a few iconic museums. Peroli says you simply have to say hello to Michalangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia — it’s one of her personal favorites. Florence also boasts several kid-friendly destinations, such as the Museum of Illusions, the Leonardo Interactive Museum, the Pinocchio Museum Experience, and more.
One of the best ways to explore Florence’s museums, Peroli notes, is with the help of local experts. “If I had to go with my family to a museum, if I can, I will definitely always hire a guide, because they can give you the highlights,” Peroli says.
Like the masterpieces in its many museums, Florence itself is a beautiful work of art. Peroli encourages visitors to get a glimpse of the city from above, whether it’s from the top of the Duomo or a classic lookout point like Piazzale Michelangelo. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Peroli and her team found a way for Villa La Massa guests to see Florence from a unique angle.
“Instead of proposing the clients to go for a walk hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo, Fiesole, you know, the usual places, we have created a hiking/walking tour around Villa La Massa,” Peroli says. “Because Villa La Massa, it has beautiful hills. And from these hills, you see the Duomo. You walk up these hills, where there is a lot of historical heritage from very important churches and so on, and you get to experience Florence from a different view.”Beyond Florence, Tuscany is full of other history-rich cities, complete with incredible views of the Italian countryside. Along with visits to busier places like Florence, Peroli also recommends a day tour of scenic Tuscany, pointing to San Gimignano, Siena, Montepulciano, Arezzo, and Lucca as picturesque destinations with a strong local spirit.
Villa La Massa: Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodations does Villa La Massa offer?
This country house-turned hotel offers 54 luxury rooms. Guests can book double rooms, suites, or even private villas and residences.
What amenities does Villa La Massa have?
Villa La Massa has complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, air conditioning, and other services. The luxury property is complete with a relaxing spa and a renovated gym.
Does Villa La Massa offer activities?
Yes. Villa La Massa encourages guests to get a real taste of Tuscan culture, offering cooking and cocktail classes, guided truffle hunts, and more! Check out the hotel’s event calendar to see what’s coming up.
When is Villa La Massa open to guests?
Villa La Massa welcomes guests from early spring to late fall. The Two Michelin Key hotel reopens for the new season April 3, 2025.
How can I get to Villa La Massa from Florence city center?
The hotel is located 15 minutes by car from Florence’s city center. A complimentary shuttle service to and from the center is available every day.
Is Villa La Massa family-friendly?
Absolutely! Villa La Massa has many family-friendly amenities, including a playground and pool. The hotel also offers a Sunday Brunch buffet, which includes special entertainment for kids. At Villa La Massa, your stay in Tuscany will be memorable for the whole family!
Practical Information
Address: Villa della Massa, 24, 50012 Candeli FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 626 11
Reservations: +39 055 395 2187
Go to the hotel’s website to learn more about the historic property, find upcoming events, and get more information about booking and accommodations. You can also keep up with Villa La Massa on Instagram and Facebook.
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