Villa Lena really isn't a hotel. It's actually an agriturismo. An agriturismo is an italian word which means a place that is a hotel with a farm and garden. The agriturismo uses the produce grown on site to incorporate into the food served at the property and sometimes to also sell those products to guests. This often comes in the form of wine, olive oil, cheeses, cured meats etc. As much that is grown or raised on site that can be used-is indeed used. It's the original farm to table experience.
For all other purposes we can call Villa Lena a resort since it incorporates a place to stay and lots of things to do and also places to eat on site. Oh, and what a resort it is. I must say, the property exceeded my expectations. It's the perfect mix of luxury and a natural Tuscan country feel. Isn't it always amazing when that happens?
I had been studying and looking at this place over and over again for a few years. Im sure a lot of us had so many vacation dreams we added to our list during covid that we couldn't get to at the time. Well this one was very much at the top of the list for me. When we decided that we would break up our trip to Spain with some time in Italy this was one of the first places I looked up to stay. When I saw that they had availability during our ten days in Italy I literally squealed. I couldn't have been happier! I truly took a tiny pause and said a prayer of gratitude that a dream was being realized. Honestly, when those moments come you have to savor them and I did.
Below I go into honest detail about our experience there from top to bottom and whether we would return or not. Keep reading.
The Details
Location
Villa Lena is about one hour from Firenze (Florence) by car. We organized a van pick up at the train station through the concierge at the property. The cost for this was 135 Euros. Well worth it since we had the van all to ourselves and a car seat was provided. Plus driving in Italy can be a major doozy.
The drive itself is fairly easy and didn't seem to take long. Our driver was happy to make a stop or two along the way and was extremely kind and chatty. We were eager to get there and chose not make any stops. The views of the countryside are gorgeous and really set the tone for the Tuscan experience to come.
I will say that if you are motion sick prone, do note, getting up the mountain to the property is not for the faint of heart. Our little one threw up and I was not very far behind her in the possibility of the same. If you get motion sick in cars prepare for that as a high possibility on the way there. My advice is to take it slow, turn up the AC and have a very light snack before taking the ride.
Food/Wine
The food at Villa Lena is impeccable! Every few weeks they have a new rotating chef so unfortunately you may not have the same menu week to week. However, the chef always uses the products they grow on site so whatever you have it will always be fresh and local.
The menu at the restaurant is small and succinct. There are maybe four appethe dinners were all Tuscan style cuisine. While we were there they had Ribe Eye steak available as part of the offerings. We ordered it twice because when in Tuscany you should always have Florentine steak. It paired perfectly with their sangiovese red wine blend. Plus they had this incredible Summer salad with tomato, melon, red onion and a light vinaigrette. The pastas were homemade and everything just seemed perfectly Tuscan and appropriate for the Summer moment.
Villa Lena bottles and sells their own olive oil and is available for purchase but is also used for their cooking and for bread dipping. The restaurants terrace overlooks the olive trees which produce the oil. Giving that extra farm to table flair.
They also had Tuscan white beans offered as a starter which my family loves and make at home in NYC often
Breakfast is a continental style breakfast. But it is extremely beautiful with handmade pastries, cheeses, fresh squeezed orange juice and lattes. The doors to the restaurant remain open and its perfect to saunter in and out.
Every few weeks they have a new rotating chef so unfortunately you may not have the same menu week to week. However, the chef always uses the products they grow on site so whatever you have it will always be fresh and local.
Decor- The style of the interiors throughout the property was very well thought out. I loved that they did not directly lean into an antique Italian style which I find to be very bulky, dark and drab. They had an updated modern yet cozy vibe to the interiors. Our room felt like a mini apartment with a living room space, tiny kitchenette and a dining table. Think very simple yet stylish with a touch of Scandinavian aspects for the room interiors.
The main restaurant was where they stepped it up a notch and the bathroom tiles were so fun. A vintage pink!
All around this is a very chic place for adults to stay and enjoy while also being child friendly. I prefer staying at places where you don't have to be surrounded by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in order for it to seem kid friendly and welcoming to all ages. That there can be design and luxury and also create a space that is welcoming for kids.
Price
One word Fantastic. A lot of places in Europe, Italy, in particular, have food included as a part of your stay. At least one meal a day when you're at a resort or large scale hotel. This was something that was neew to us. So the fact that breakfast and diner were included in the price here was so so helpful. We also didn't have a car so being able to eat all meals on property made it very easy. The only thing we paid extra for was our daily lunches by the pool and a wine tasting.
For a family of four for three nights days we paid: 1,605 Euros which equals to $1750 USD.
Broken down that's $583 per night! Amazing!
This included our meals (breakfast and dinner). It did not include wine, cocktails or our lunches.
Downside
There was very little we didn't like about the property or the experience. The singular downside were the bees. I know when you're in a natural landscape it's ridiculous to complain about bees and is totally out of the control of the property. Yes, they do come with the territory of being outside and in nature- for sure. I get it! But, oh my, the bees were so intrusive.
We were told as the flowers bloom more in the Summer months they increase. Lavender was planted quite close to the outdoor restaurant patio you could be tormented by the presence of the bees while eating dinner. Most evenings we had to retreat into the interior away from any windows and not eat al fresco because the bees were so persistent.
Top Side
During the week the property is less occcupied. We had the place mostly to ourselves. We stayed from Tuesday to Friday and saw only one or two other families. We had the pool to ourselves every single day! It felt like the resort was completely ours.
The best thing we loved about the property were all of the activities they offered. As former professional artists, my husband and I, loved the fact that they would always have an artist or two in residence. As a part of their residence, the artist, would give classes for the guests in their craft. Anything from pottery, to music class, painting, poetry, or flower arrangement classes are offered to guests. It's a beautiful way to get up close and personal to a unique artist and learn something new. It was also fun for our child to be included in some of these activities as many are child friendly.
Return or Not
Absolutely! We would return. Next time I would rent a car in order to visit some neighboring towns and also to be able to drive up to the restaurant where dinner was served. I would make sure to come earlier in the season before the bees get out of control. And also be sure that our room had some sort of terrace or patio so we could sit outside in the evenings. We loved this place!
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