FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE

This is a supremely comfortable palace from which to explore the city's architectural and art treasures with everything needful on hand, from tailoring repairs to computer support. For privileged access to private art collections and personal shopping one has but to ask the concierge. And in Florence, of all cities, one should.

Suitable for:

• Couples
• Families of all ages
• Good disabled access

Things to do at the property:

• Yoga in the private Giardino della Gherardesca
• Long leisurely al fresco brunch around the pool with the world's newspapers
• Rossini cocktails in the 500 year old Palazzo della Gherardesca
• Have the spa banish foot fatigue - and the rest - with the celebrated Iris Emotions treatment
• Romantic candlelit tasting menu at Il Palagio: seven superlight courses

Things to do nearby:

• Privileged access to the Vasari Corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti
• Family expeditions including the Children's Museum
• Lunch at the Villa San Michele, Fiesole, overlooking the city
• Behind the scenes tour of the Duomo
• Personal shopping by appointment at designer boutiques and speciality shops

Nota bene:

• For long weekends at least it is worth flying into Firenze municipal airport, much closer than Pisa.
• Museum access is best arranged by the concierge to avoid the crowds
• Florence in high summer can be humid and crowded (though the Four Seasons does provide the best antidote).
• The best cooking is no longer found at the most famous - or expensive - restaurants