Exquisite Day
Begin with espresso beneath San Miniato’s castle, wander past the Duomo for a truffle-filled lunch, then return to UMAMMA for a private soak in its vaulted underground pool.
Editor’s Note
"In UMAMMA - “The Unexpected Place”, of course you’re going to be looking for a trap door. What you may not be expecting, though, is a cellar not full of wine – but something even better: an underground pool with 34 degrees water, all in a real travertine. Emerge from this hidden hideaway, and you’re met with an expansive release, panoramic windows offering 180-degree views of the Tuscan landscape and Davinci’s hills. "
Villas & Residences
$$$ · Average
Review
In the small Tuscan town of San Miniato, UMAMMA sits inside a 16th-century palazzo with a past it doesn’t try to smooth over. The name is Tuscan slang for “Wow!”. Rather fitting for somewhere known as “The Unexpected Place”.
Set across 230 square metres on the ground floor, with a private lower-level spa beneath, the apartment is like a private world carved out of brick and history. The restoration took seven years, led by local craftsmanship and a clear respect for what was already there. Thick 16th-century masonry walls, some up to 1.5 metres deep, have been opened to light. In their place, vast steel-framed windows frame the Arno Valley, with Leonardo da Vinci’s house visible beyond the glass.
Inside, the mood is spare but warm. Exposed brick arches give the rooms their weight. The black kitchen brings in the industrial note, softened by low grey seating and glass partitions. There is a lounge, dining area, kitchen, studio bedroom and bathroom in one wing, while the second opens into a master bedroom, dressing area, bathroom and loggia. From the covered terrace, the view feels almost unreal, especially when the windows are fully open and the apartment seems to breathe with the landscape.
Then comes the part guests will talk about long after they leave. In the bedroom floor, a hand-cranked trap door lifts to reveal a staircase leading down into the vaulted basement. Below, past a rain-shower room, you’re taken to an unexpected place… a private pool held within 500-year-old masonry – umamma! The water is warm, the lighting can be adjusted, and the atmosphere feels closer to a Roman bath than a spa.
UMAMMA is dramatic, yes, but it is also strangely calming. A cave with a view. A place where the building’s age hasn’t been hidden. It’s been opened up.
San Miniato itself is very alluring, with many excellent restaurants and a place where local culture is still dominant. Not far, are beautiful beaches, wine tours and hiking trails. It’s also equidistant from Florence and Pisa, making San Miniato unique in its location. You can enjoy the serene countryside of Tuscany whilst being only a short journey to some of the most famous historical centres and attractions in the region.
Member Privileges
- Best rate guaranteed
- Four bottles of wine produced by the Juventus coach's winery
To receive the Luxeat perks, please book by email info@umamma.it and mention this code when making the reservation.
Highlights
Optimal Timing
Every November, the White Truffle Festival takes place in San Miniato, a fantastic gastronomic event for any food enthusiast.
Outstanding Space
The contrast between the expansiveness of the upper spaces and the unexpected discovery of hidden rooms below.
Emblematic Object
The giant retractable door - flush with the master bedroom’s floor - makes for a hidden and playful addition to a place filled with surprises.
Best Enjoyed With
Couples who want to enjoy the beautiful Tuscan view, as well as have a private hideaway.