Villa Mangiacane San Casciano

If only for its idyllic location; on the hillside above the tiny village of Sant'Andrea in Percussina, surrounded by the peaceful Tuscan countryside, and yet no more than 12 kilometers away from the city of Florence; Villa Mangiacane would be worthy of mention. Yet this hotel offers much more than stunning views and easy access to the treasures of the renaissance held within the Tuscan capital's walls.

The villa, first owned by Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, uncle of the great Niccolò, was built in the 16th century and, apparently, Michelangelo was involved in its design. In the year 2000, the South African entrepreneur, Glynn Cohen, purchased the villa, together with the 300 hectare estate surrounding it, and set about transforming Villa Mangiacane in luxury hotel complete with two swimming pools, and various dining venues.

Period residence Villa Mangiacane has a total of just 26 beautifully furnished bedrooms and suites, characterized by a sophisticated combination of old world luxury and ultra modern technology. For those looking for something particularly sumptuous there is the Royal Suite, a 150sqm apartment comprised of grandiose master bedroom, private dining area, onyx and marble bathroom with a walk in steam room, shower, and Jacuzzi bath. From any of the suite's 7 large windows, breathtaking views onto the Villa Mangiacane Sculpture gardens and the vineyard-carpeted Tuscan countryside can be enjoyed.

Superlative Italian cuisine with the occasional international twist awaits guests dining in Villa Mangaicane's formal dining room or Vinoteque cellar. In the summer season, meals are served in the herb garden or by the pool. Meals are accompanied by an excellent selection of wines, including the fabulous Chianti Classico D.O.C.G produced with the Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino grapes grown in Villa Mangiacane's extensive vineyards. For those keen to discover the secrets of Tuscany's flavor-packed cuisine, Francesca Maria Boni's entertaining cooking lessons provide the perfect introduction to both the region's food and wine.

Villa Mangiacane sponsors on-site artists from Zimbabwe and many other parts of the world, and provides a unique venue for numerous art exhibitions the profits of which are used to fund African charities, such as the Sharon Cohen School for mentally handicapped children and to support the Shona Art sculptors in Zimbabwe.