Machiavelli Takes on Whole New Meaning: Villa Near Florence Available from Wimco Ideal for Small Group / Corporate Escapes
NEWPORT, RI, April 2006 – So much for Machiavellian principles. You've got the means. Now it's time to justify them. Here's how.
The 16th century Villa Machiavelli, recently restored, is now available through Wimco, the Newport, RI, and London-based luxury vacation villa and hotel reservations company.
The nightly rate of nearly $10,000 a night secures nine bedrooms with private baths and all of the accoutrements of a five-star plus hotel. Breakfasts and dinners are served for an extra fee. To view this villa on line, please go to www.wimco.com and enter villa code BRV MAC. The villa estate is 20 minutes from the heart of Florence from whence Machiavelli himself wielded influence.
Those familiar with Villa San Michele in Fiesole will immediately recognize the hand of Michelangelo in bas relief work. And art history buffs may be able to spot Vasari, as well. (Vasari was a painter, architect (think Uffizi) and writer whose creations celebrated the Medici.) Throughout frescoes have been restored to their original magnificence. Throughout are collectibles ranging from 15th century antiques to contemporary South African sculpture.
The main villa has five royal upstairs suites, one with an extra bedroom and bath. Downstairs are a magnificent master suite and two additional suites. An additional 10 accommodations, for a total of 19, are independently sited in the newly renovated noble farmhouse for larger groups to rent along with the main villa.
Villa Machiavelli's grand salons, dining rooms, traditional wine cellars, pool, gymnasium and library provide ample privacy even with a full house. Rooms are air-conditioned and there is high-speed interconnect (Wi-Fi) available. A private executive chef can be arranged to prepare Tuscan traditional and Tuscan fusion dishes.
From the vast frescoed terrace are views of the Duomo and Giotto's bell tower in Florence, 300 hectares of vineyards and olive groves, and surrounding Tuscan hills comprising the legendary winemaking region known as Chianti Classico. region.
Villa Machiavelli was actually built by Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, an uncle, with financial assistance from another relative, Pope Urban VIII. The Mazzei family became owners in the mid 17th century.
"Villa Machiavelli is truly an exceptional experience, whether for a family, a celebratory occasion or a corporate retreat," says Barbara Bennett, Wimco's Italy specialist.
Bookings are increasing for Wimco’s most luxurious villas. This trend corresponds with statistics showing that luxury holidays represent one of the fastest growing segments in travel today.
About WIMCO
Wimco is the leading Caribbean luxury villa vacation and boutique hotel reservations specialist. The company with its Caribbean partner, Sibarth Villa Rentals, has represented private villas on St. Barts and on 11 other Caribbean islands for over 23 years. Wimco added select private luxury villas in Europe to its portfolio starting in 1988 and now represents hundreds of private luxury villas in France, Italy, Greece, Morocco and Ireland.
The reservations staff at Wimco personally visit each villa before the property is offered to the public and they explore the surrounding region for choice dining and cultural attractions.
WIMCO is the publisher for the Vendôme Guide series, a collection of destination-specific guidebooks with detailed insider information, photos of each villa they represent, and recommendations on what to do and see in each destination.
Wimco's 2006 international villa inventory can be previewed on line at www.wimco.com. By phone, please call toll free 1-800-932-3222 (US) or 44-0870-850-1144 (UK).
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