Joelle Lifestyle - The World at Home

The Naduska spa is just beyond the Giardino della Scultura among the Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive trees. Only such a spectacular environment could offer the perfect sanctuary for the relaxation I need at this moment. These natural therapeutic products are locally produced using mostly plants and herbs from the Tuscan countryside. A little rejuvenation won’t hurt.

It’s such a great feeling to come back from hectic Florence and have a nice walk around the peaceful garden here at the Villa. Throughout the centuries it has been the tradition for Italian nobility to be patrons to great artists. Villa Mangiacane stays true to this sponsoring on-site artist from Zimbabue and abroad, and numerous art exhibitions openings.

Giotto found the kindling, Fra Angelico, Brunelleschi and Donatello built the fire. Massaccio and Verrocchio struck the match, then Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael threw gasoline-the result was the greatest blaze of art the world has ever seen.This city is literally one huge, glorious, easily walkable treasure chest. Here are the favorite, big, small, famed and lesser so. I have prepared all kind of tips in case you decide to go. Have yourself your very own Renaissance…

Established in 1200, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (located next to Piazza di Santa Maria Novella) is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrival in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to take medications, balms and pomades fro the monk’s infirmary… Every time I step on that door I get a familiar feeling of ” Deja-vu” from past lives.

Shoemaker to the stars, Salvatore Ferragamo saw his brand become more of a lifestyle choice than an accessories line. It was the first Italian fashion house to diversify into travel and lifestyle. When the brand expanded to encompass boutique hotels, rural resorts, wineries and restaurants, it kicked off a trend that has quickly gained currency throughout the fashion world. I decided to go to Florence for the day and see how he accomplished that.

Overlooking Florence just 10 kilometers away from the city, the Mangiacane estate spans 306 hectares situated between San Casciano Val di Pesa and Greve in Chianti, at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters. Its Villa produces 80.000 bottles per year mainly Chianti Classico D.o.c.g wines, and Igt wines ( typical geographical indication). I might take a helicopter tour and wine tasting later this evening. I am exited… I have never done this before!

They say every land holds a story in its heart. The story of Villa Mangiacane, a recent property of the Stein Hotels and Resorts, has waited five-hundred years to be told. After so many years, I have now arrived here, and as a story teller myself, I am craving to hear it and write it for you. And in case you are a Renaissance dreamer, a connoisseur of high art, a celebrator of life, a lover of simple pleasures, a passion seeker or an incurable romantic—sit back, and enjoy the ride!

Most people in large cities like New York, Paris, Moscow, and London are back to work from the Summer vacation season. Through time, I have personally earned, the luxury of making my own work-leisure schedule, therefore I decided to experiment wine-tasting around the Tuscan vineyards of the Sangiovese grapes.