by IsHotel | Dining Experiences, The Collection
“Heavenly Tastes” Florence is undoubtedly one of the most important capitals of Italian cuisine. As in other art cities, hospitality and food services are at the heart of an economy that employs its people in the tourism industry. That of Tuscan cuisine is a tradition that, thanks to a long experience, has become famous all over the world as a synonym for eating well and healthy. Despite being a popular destination for mass tourism, the centre of Florence still offers high-quality food services and it is almost impossible not to eat well in the city. Quality is found also and especially outside the city walls and in the surrounding countryside, most notably in the famous Chianti area, where the wine of the same name is produced. This important reality has been fully embraced by “Il Conventino a Marignolle” located in a 16th-century monastic refectory within the estate of Villa Tolomei. Like the villa, the “Conventino” has benefited from the magnificent redevelopment works began in 2007. Here, too, attention to detail is in line with the philosophy of the five-star resort and every room has been tastefully furnished and decorated. The “Conventino” boasts a wonderful colonnade overlooking Florence, an area where you can have dinner, or an aperitif in the evening – a gentle foretaste adding even more value to the venue and its culinary expertise. Surrounded by nature, the “Conventino” offers a charming, unique setting and a refined atmosphere that are suitable for important events such as receptions and weddings. An oasis of taste and elegance, it is a pleasant surprise for the guests of the resort, as well as a wonderful...
by IsHotel | Culture & History, The Collection
“Life in the Renaissance Countryside” While the centre of Florence is the focus and main attraction of international tourism, the hills overlooking the Arno Valley tell us about the most hidden side of Florentine humanism, that is, about aristocratic families, their villas and the economy that made Italy’s cultural and artistic Renaissance possible. Florentine villas are undoubtedly the symbol of an era that, on the one hand, saw the emergence and consolidation of the middle class as the driving force behind the beginning of the modern age and, on the other, revived classical antiquity while at the same time preparing the way for cultural and artistic development. The story we are about to tell you starts in the 14th century, is set southwest of Florence, and concerns the Tolomei family. Between the hill of Marignolle and that of Bellosguardo rises what used to be the home and estate of this noble family, whose members were guests of the “City of the Lily” and its Renaissance. After undergoing a tasteful and careful renovation that has given it a new lease of life and enabled its latest rebirth, Villa Tolomei, is now an exclusive resort at walking distance from the Ponte Vecchio. The redevelopment of The redevelopment of the villa (which run the risk of falling into a state of disrepair) as a hotel is the first outcome of the project “Valore Paese-Dimore”, promoted by the Agenzia del Demanio (Italian State Property Office), ANCI (Italian Association of Municipalities) and Invitalia (National Agency for the Promotion of Investments). It provides a successful and unprecedented example of the objectives pursued through the redevelopment of publicly-owned property...
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