There cannot possibly be a more beautiful, perfect place for a family gathering than Villa Maria. The villa, and it's wonderful owner Marco, exceeded our expectations in every way, and, judging by the gorgeous pictures, we expected perfection. Villa Maria's beauty and charm is so much greater than anything mere pictures can capture!
My middle son was in Europe for the winter/spring semester of 2016, and he had a travel week early in April. I booked Villa Maria knowing it would be very early -- no pool -- but crossed my fingers (successfully!) for lovely spring weather. To book the villa, you have to call Marco. He returned my call instantly, and just speaking to him I knew this was going to be the vacation of a lifetime. Marco was charming, helpful, and welcoming during that conversation and throughout the trip.
The villa itself is spectacular. The location up on the hill with its panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside laid out before you is breath taking. The rooms are beautiful, the beds are comfortable, we cooked up a storm in the huge, well equipped country kitchen, the kids played pool every night, and everyone was incredibly comfortable and happy. My husband and I were there with a fabulous group of young people (two of our sons, two nieces, son's girlfriend, college roommate, etc) and we just had the time of our lives. There were day trips to Cinqua Terra, Florence, and Sienna, and there were lazy days walking down to the market in the little village below the villa and just wallowing in the beauty and peacefulness of it all. Our second night there, Marco made reservations for us at a fabulous family run restaurant way up in the hills that served the BEST ravioli any of us have ever eaten! Every day was beautiful spring weather, fabulous food, and another amazing adventure. Heaven!
Our last night at the villa, Marco arranged for Donato, a chef from Florence, to cook us a farewell feast. We dined al fresco, as we had done all our meals at the villa (we truly hit the jackpot with the warm spring weather!) and looked out over the Tuscan sunset as Donato served our table of 10 a five course feast. Perfection!! We love you Villa Maria and Marco -- we will find our way back❤️❤️❤️!!!