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ALBERGO VILLA MARTA

Stylish and serene former hunting lodge near Lucca

YOU'LL FIND HOSPITABLE Albergo Villa Marta at the foot of Monte Pisani, 5km outside the medieval walled city of Lucca. Set in wooded countryside with glorious valley views, this one-time 19th century hunting lodge has now been beautifully restored by owners Andrea and Alessia Martinelli.

Albergo Villa Marta makes a terrific alternative to staying in Lucca itself – the villa is charm itself and the pool and garden setting idyllic. If you prefer tranquility to the well-trodden terrain of town – while staying within easy reach of all Lucca's attractions – this is the place to be.

Surrounded by serene Renaissance gardens, Villa Marta is equally tranquil inside, with light-filled rooms, high beamed ceilings and classic decor. Bedrooms glow in a restrained colour palette of creamy beige, pastel greys and soft apricot, distresed paintwork accented by pretty cushions and a cool mix of antique and contemporary furniture.

Hit the Spot
Wooded Tuscan setting close to medieval Lucca

Pillow Talk
Pick a deluxe room, and you’ll slumber beneath a frescoed ceiling or pad around on an original mosaic floor.

Be Savvy
It's an ideal spot for those flying in or out of Pisa.

Be Smitten
Spotless serenity in fine surrounds.

Private garden chapel

Outside, there’s a gorgeous swimming pool and even a small private chapel in the gardens tailor-made for an intimate wedding. You can also hire a bike and pedal around some quiet lanes and villages. Dining outside is a summertime highlight, with candlelit tables and first-rate cooking.

Hop in the car and you’re just a short drive from lovely Lucca, with its medieval walls, ancient squares and inviting small shops. Pisa is within easy reach and you're less than an hour from the airport, making this a great place to stay at the start or the end of a Tuscan trip.

Albergo Villa Marta was reviewed for Room for Romance by Claudia Vicenzi

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
The restaurant offers a smart but not too formal atmosphere where you'll enjoy Tuscan favourites such as risotto primavera.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am. Set yourself up for the day with pastries, salami, fresh eggs and other goodies.

Room service
Available 24 hours a day

Where?
Villa Marta's Botton d’Oro

What’s cooking?
Refined Tuscan cuisine

Dress the part
It's smart casual here

Top table?
The gardens are made for al fresco dining

See & Do
Florence and Siena are within driving distance and you wont want to miss their feast of museums, churches and Renaissance art. The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is close at hand, as is the historic walled city of Lucca.

Spa
Massages can be booked at the hotel. True spa fanatics should head for the San Giuliano Terme, 10km away or the Bagni di Lucca spa, 20km distant

Diary Dates
July
Opera fans should head for the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago Puccini

July
Lucca’s residents dress up in period costume and re-enact ancient scenes for the Festa di San Paolino

GETTING THERE

Location
Via del Ponte Guasperini, San Lorenzo a Vaccoli, 55100 Lucca

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Lucca station – 5km

Taxis
EUR 15 from the station, EUR 50 from the airport.

Airport
Pisa – 20km

Rooms and suites
11 rooms

Special features
One deluxe room has painted ceilings and the original tiled floor, while another has a four poster bed.

Also…
In the gardens you'll find a swimming pool, a private chapel and an olive grove.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
From EUR 110

Open/closed
Closed January

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
10am

Minimum night stay?
During high season there is a minimum stay of three nights

Children
Youngsters are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Pets
Sorry, your furry friends must stay at home.

Air conditioning
Yes

Wedding license?
Yes. The hotel can accommodate up to 30 guests, based on exclusive hire for at least 4 nights. The chapel can be used for blessings.