We had the most wonderful, relaxed and fun 4 nights at Villa Michaela. We particularly enjoyed the 'help yourself' approach to being a guest, whether that be drinking wine from the cooler, to having fun with the house dogs by the Villa pool.

Vanessa and Christina are the best hosts. The Villa is full of character, and if you are lucky enough to get to enjoy an aprertivo in the villa courtyard before dinner, you might also enjoy the many lively stories that come with the Villa's hosts. We love villa Michaela!!

Although lunch/dinner is not offered at Villa Michaela, you need not worry!You have the scrumptious Cucina Dello Scompiglio, nearby for lunch/dinner. It is fantastic Farm to Table Italian dining with a changing menu each day, and a great value set lunch menu. You must go, its wonderful!, its worth a visit in its own right.

Another HiLight is grabbing a massage or 3 from the Villa Masseuse, Amazing!!

We will be going back!

Lee and Natasha, Wimbledon. London

I was indeed fortunate to have been a guest at Villa Michaela in the late summer of 2010. The villa is tucked away behind the church in the village of Vorno not far from Lucca. Every morning I woke to the sound of the local church bells, in my very spacious bedroom with a wonderful view of the olive groves. Villa Michaela is surrounded by walled gardens, one with Magnolia trees, another with Lemon trees and the front garden has swimming pool.
Lunch and evening drinks were served in the garden and there was usually an entertaining dinner with locals and fellow guests.
It was a joy at the end of an fun day in Lucca (10 mins away) or Florence to relax at Villa Michaela and feel you were truly in the heart of Tuscany

A short drive from Lucca, in the village of Vorno, amidst the lush, tree-covered hills which for centuries have been the source of Lucca's natural spring water, Villa Michaela became my home from home for a week.

I had a truly wonderful time there! Vanessa is a great host, the spacious grandeur of the villa won me over completely. The place has a vibrant life of its own, not a museum piece, and guests are welcomed most cordially. Large swimming pool, soft green lawns, shaded places in which to read and relax. Clean and well-kept rooms.

I work as a food journalist, so nearby Villa Lucia and its cookery school was of particular interest.

I needed to stay within easy reach of the major towns and cities of northern Tuscany, including Pisa and its airport, so Lucca was an ideal 'hub'. The ancient walled city of Lucca itself is one of my favorite places in Tuscany to visit - try the cecina (chickpea flour flatbread) and pizza margherita at the wood oven Pizzeria Sbragia on Via Fillungo, then stroll with an ice cream from any of the excellent gelaterias in town.

When a trip to China was cancelled at the 11th hour, I was in Italy I had to improvise at the 11th hour. Through a recommendation I arrived in Villa Michaela and was embraced by Vanessa, and fortunately for me her extended family, I arrived during her son's 19th birthday celebrations and the party continued from there. Villa Michaela became my base whilst my godchildren joined me, we explored Pisa on their arrival and then Lucca - 5 minutes from the house - and finally Florence before venturing further afield - always returning after a week or so and on each occasion we had such fun, from the local karaoke, something I thought I would never do - which was highly entertaining when up to 20 from the Villa participated! Dinners, which were delicious, could be 4 or 20 and on occasions were memorable in dining room with has 3 of the most spectacular chandeliers I have seen.
Villa Michaela is ideal for people who enjoy country weekend house parties in authentic period surroundings - perhaps not for those who like a sterile environment and expect International 5 star service. It certainly has my vote and my godchildren keep pestering me as to when they can return - with WiFi access and a Cinema room they considered it the best holiday they had ever had!