Villa Lena, the agriturismo hotel and artists residency in rural Tuscany, will re-open for the season on the 1st April. Situated within the province of Pisa, set in 500 hectares of woodland, olive groves and vineyards, Villa Lena will introduce a selection of exciting new offerings this year, including new signature creative retreats, Open Days at The Villa Lena Foundation and artworks on display around the hotel.
New for 2023 and aimed at curious travelers looking to awaken their creative spirit, Villa Lena will launch a series of signature creative retreats ranging from Renaissance flower painting to natural perfumery making with PORCELAIN and wedding photography. Kicking off with the first 5-day retreat from the 5th of May, renowned artist Tanvi Pathare will teach guests how to delicately use watercolour and fine art techniques to depict the various floral environments surrounding them. The new signature creative retreats will offer guests the unique opportunity to experience the creative and cultural day-to-day life of Villa Lena.
Home to the destination farm-to-table restaurant, Osteria San Michele, guests can take their pick of the simple yet honest Italian cuisine featuring homemade pasta, freshly made cheeses, and organic wines, all led by produce and provenance. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Osteria San Michele makes use of Villa Lena’s natural larder where their home-grown products are also sold on their e-commerce site, Cabinet of Curiosities boasting Sparkling Rose and Tuscan Olive Oil amongst other delicacies.
The Villa Lena Foundation, the art foundation that runs alongside the agriturismo hotel, will introduce Open Days for the 2023 season. Once a month, The Foundation will host open days and invite curators, collectors, arts professionals and guests of the hotel to visit the studios, share a meal, listen to talks and learn more about the work of the Villa Lena Foundation. It creates a unique atmosphere where multidisciplinary artists can expand their networks in Italy and internationally. Following the impressive roster of artists who have worked with Villa Lena previously, the property frequently rotates the artwork found in all public spaces of the hotel left by the alumni of the programme for guests to admire. Ready for the 2023 season, there is new artwork on display including a digital photograph created by Stephanie Roland titled ‘The Explorer‘ in Villa Lena’s Fattoria building.
Guests can take their pick of 74 rooms and villas at Villa Lena, ranging from boutique hotel rooms to private villas, including Maison Stento. This private villa is situated a 20-minute walk from the hotel’s reception, offering guests the perfect secluded Tuscan experience, boasting panoramic vistas of the rolling Tuscan hills. Maison Stento houses its own private pool to relax in, as well as four double bedrooms, all with ensuites and large baths; making it an ideal escape for families to retreat to.
Throughout the season, those staying at Villa Lena can choose to take part in seasonal activities such as wine tasting, as well as Italian pasta making and daily yoga workshops, allowing themselves to be fully immersed in Tuscan culture. Guests are also able to take a stroll through Villa Lena’s home-grown Orto, servicing Osteria San Michele, as well as their sustainably grown flower garden, blooms from which are used in the beautiful floral arrangements seen on the property and at the series of events and weddings that Villa Lena hosts each season.