The story of how this place came to be is almost too good. In the late 1860s, when Florence was briefly Italy's capital, a German banking baron built an outrageously opulent villa for his Florentine bride — then very nearly burned it to the ground in a jealous rage. He didn't, thankfully, and Villa Cora is today one of the city's finest spots to stay. Tucked into rose-filled gardens on the south side of the Arno, a short stroll from the Boboli Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo, it feels a world away from the tourist crush of the Duomo. The staff are genuinely lovely, the interiors are gloriously eclectic, and there's a heated outdoor pool. In Florence. Year-round.
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No two rooms are alike, and each of the four floors has its own unique stamp. The Noble Floor is all frescoed ceilings, antique parquet and four-poster beds draped in heavy silk and is even protected by the Italian government. One floor up, it's all rose-pink boudoirs inspired by Empress Eugénie's favourite flower. The third floor goes Moorish with carved wooden balconies and city views, while a handful of rooms in the separate Villino Eugenia sit right next to the pool and have beautiful, pastel-painted ceilings. The bathrooms are crafted from Carrara marble and come complete with Annick Goutal toiletries.
The rooftop terrace at sunset with an Aperol in hand, Florence's skyline glowing and Brunelleschi's dome doing its thing.
In summer, head to the Bellevue rooftop for a Club Night cocktail and in winter, the Sunday brunch with live music in the frescoed halls is a seriously indulgent affair.
Breakfast isn't included in the room rate, which is unusual at this price point. The shuttle is handy, but you'll definitely want a pair of comfy shoes for the uphill walk back.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Villa Cora can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Villa Cora or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Villa Cora start from around $260, or US$260, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A Renaissance masterpiece of art, architecture and exceptional living.
