Hiden amid the rolling hills of Mugello, Tuscany, Villa Le Maschere is a beautiful example of late Renaissance architecture. Subject to a five-year restoration project, its thoughtful interiors are a heady fusion of old and new: think violet-coloured fittings (so beloved by Italian aristocracy), Venetian-style flooring, gold leaf tiles and contemporary furnishings. Its intricate facade, carved out of the local pietra serena stone, is decorated with twenty-two masks of varying expressions; this is a luxury hotel with wow factor.

The facilities

The restaurant serves elegant regional fare; room service runs around the clock. The 18 hectares of parkland provide a wealth of activities, including horse riding. The grounds also hold an Italian garden and two swimming pools. A new, 3800 square-foot wellness centre offers guests complimentary access to a Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzis with direct access to the outdoor pools and three treatment rooms offering massages and beauty treatments using Sothys products.

The rooms

Villa Le Maschere's 65 guestrooms are split between the main villa and the converted orangery (now called the Chini Pavillion). All are meticulously appointed with LCD televisions, complimentary internet access, original frescoes and nightly turndown.