Villa Cora

The signature hotel of the group, Villa Cora is housed in a 19th-century building located between the sycamore woods and the Viale dei Colli, a stone’s throw from the Boboli Gardens. The grande dame of the Florentine hills has 46 rooms and suites, divided between the main Villa and two adjacent buildings. The villa, loved for its artistic eclecticism, was commissioned by Baron Oppenheim in 1868 and has welcomed emperors, artists and a number of important historic figures. In the main Villa there are 30 rooms and suites spread over 4 floors and furnished in 4 different styles. Some rooms take their inspiration from the famous people who stayed in them, such as the Japanese Emperor Hirohito, to whom the imperial suite is dedicated, or Princess Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, who was a great lover of roses. Other rooms are inspired by the Far East or by ‘50s America. In addition to the main Villa, there are also 14 rooms in the Villino Eugenia and, for those seeking complete privacy, the La Follia apartment has just 2 rooms.

The SPA, situated in the Villino Eugenia, offers a small gym, a tepidarium, a sauna and a steam room. The wellness centre provides Oriental and European style massages, together with aesthetic treatments by the famous London facialist Sarah Chapman. An added bonus is the swimming pool in the park, which is heated in the winter. Within the Villa Cora, the Room of the Cards, the Hall of Mirrors and the Moorish Room are ideal places to spend some free time or for business meetings.

The Grand Hotel Villa Cora is also a destination for lovers of haute cuisine, thanks to chef Federico Viannini and his on-going project to rediscover authentic Tuscan flavours. Each day he provides menus that combine skill and passion. The gastronomic offering is further enriched by the wine tastings and themed dinners that seek to provide the best of Italian tradition.

There are two restaurants: Pasha, situated in the main Villa in the splendid Moorish Room with its exotic ambiance; Le Bistrot, by the swimming pool, open from April to October, allows guests to make the most of the beautiful park. The Room of the Cigars and the wine cellar complete the areas dedicated to the senses.

Re-opened at the end of 2010, following three years of careful renovation, in 2013 the Grand Hotel Villa Cora became a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association. A Member of Virtuoso.