Fantastic Garden frequently asked questions

Booking & access

Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?

Right now we take bookings through the website only. We recommend booking a few days ahead: weekends and sunny days fill up fast.

Can I just pay entry and lie on the lawn with my own towel?

This year we no longer offer entry-only: every package includes a lounger. Pick the rate that suits you in the Packages section.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible for weekends and sunny days, which fill up first. On weekdays there's usually more availability, even close to the date.

Can I leave and come back during the day?

Yes. At the entrance we give you a wristband identifying your package: keep it on and you can leave and re-enter freely within your time slot. There is no latest arrival time — arriving late does not cost you your booking.

How do I change my booking or add people?

Cancel from the link in your confirmation (up to 24 hours before) and make a new booking with the updated details. For groups or special cases, email us at fantasticgardenpiscina@gmail.com.

What if it rains or I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before from the link in your confirmation. Payment is currently on site, so there's nothing to refund in advance. In case of bad weather there is no money refund: you receive a personal voucher valid for 15 days from the booked date.

The date is sold out — can I be notified if a spot opens?

Yes. When a package is full, leave your contact with “Notify me if a spot opens”: the spot goes to whoever confirms first.

Packages, loungers & umbrellas

Which packages do you have and what's included?

Morning, Afternoon, Full-day and Premium. All include entry and a lounger; Premium adds lunch at the restaurant. Hours and prices (different on weekdays and weekends) are in the Packages section.

Which packages can I book on weekends?

On weekends and public holidays only the Full-day and Premium packages are available. Morning and Afternoon are offered Monday to Friday only.

What's the difference between Full-day and Premium?

Premium is the Full-day plus lunch at the restaurant: for adults, two courses of your choice from the à-la-carte menu; for children aged 4–10 (reduced Premium), one course from the kids' menu. Drinks are never included. With Full-day you can still have lunch, ordering à la carte.

Are the lounger and umbrella included and guaranteed?

The lounger is included and guaranteed with every package. Umbrellas can't be booked this year: they're assigned first-come on arrival, while they last. If you need shade, we recommend arriving early.

Can I choose my spot or a shaded area?

Loungers aren't assigned in advance: whoever arrives first picks from the free spots. For a shaded area it's best to arrive at opening time.

Children

Do children pay?

Ages 0–3: free. Ages 4–10: −50% off the package, with a soft drink at the bar included. From age 11 the adult rate applies. Note: at the reduced rate a lounger is not included or guaranteed — it's assured only at the full adult price.

Do minors need to be accompanied by an adult?

Yes, minors must always be accompanied by a parent.

Food & bar

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No, outside food and drink are not allowed — there is a bar and a restaurant inside. The one exception is a baby's own food: purées, jars, formula.

If I don't get Premium, can I still have lunch there?

Of course: the restaurant is open for lunch (12:00–15:00) with an à-la-carte menu, hot and cold dishes. At the counter there are also sandwiches, focaccia and pizza by the slice. Only Premium already includes lunch; with the other packages you order and pay à la carte.

Do you have gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options?

The menu includes gluten-free dishes and packaged gluten-free bread. On other dishes we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination. For vegetarian, vegan or other needs, note it on your booking and tell the restaurant staff.

Is there a lunch buffet?

No, the buffet service is no longer available. Some old social-media posts listed prices and a buffet that no longer apply — sorry for the confusion. At lunch you'll find the à-la-carte menu and, at the counter, sandwiches, focaccia and pizza by the slice.

House rules

Is a swim cap required in the pool?

No, a swim cap is not required.

Can I bring my dog?

Only small dogs (up to 5 kg) are allowed, kept on a leash. They can't go in the water or on the loungers.

Can I smoke?

Smoking isn't allowed on the loungers or by the pool; there's a dedicated smoking area.

Is there a lifeguard?

No, there's no lifeguard: you swim at your own risk and parents are responsible for minors. A shower before entering the pool is required, and diving from the edge is not allowed.

Facilities & services

What's the pool like and how deep is it?

A single open-air pool, unheated. The bottom slopes from about 20 cm near the edge to a maximum of 130 cm. There's no separate children's pool, spa or swimming lanes.

Are there showers and changing rooms?

Yes: two separate changing rooms (men's/women's) outdoors, each with a shower, toilet and changing area. There are no private cabins or lockable lockers; towels, shampoo and shower gel aren't provided.

Is a beach towel included?

For day guests the towel isn't included: bring one from home (to keep on the lounger, not on the lawn). Hotel guests receive a Fantastic Garden towel, to collect at check-in.

Is there parking? How do I get there?

Yes, free and spacious on-site parking (unattended) in the villa's park. We're about 15 minutes from central Florence: by car, A1 Firenze Nord exit → Sesto Fiorentino → Viale XX Settembre.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi throughout the venue; the password is given by staff on arrival.

Payment & passes

How can I pay?

For the pool packages, whichever you prefer: online or on site. Online you pay with PayPal, from the website or the link we send you on WhatsApp: we take you to PayPal's secure page and, as soon as the payment goes through, the booking is settled. On site you pay at check-in, in cash or by card (contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay included — those two at the till only, not online). The Thursday Pool Party works the same way — online in advance (PayPal) or at the venue on arrival; waitlisted guests pay nothing.

Do you offer any discounts or partner rates?

There are no fixed discounts for groups, families or students. Members of the Gin Fit gym get 10% off, only on showing their membership card on site.

How does the 10-entry pass work?

The pass costs €190 and gives 10 full-day entries, valid all season. Booking is required each time and the pass covers one booking per day; the credit is deducted at check-in.

Groups, events & evenings

What is Aperitime and when is it?

Every evening from 18:30 at the bar, last entry 8:00 PM: €12 standard, €15 for the VIP Privè table. On Thursday there's the Pool Party (from 19:00, €25 with buffet, apericena and a drink, DJ Leo).

Do you host groups, birthdays or parties?

Yes. For large groups, birthdays or private events, email us at fantasticgardenpiscina@gmail.com and we'll prepare a tailored quote.

Can I cancel my sign-up for an activity (Pool Party, Ferragosto and the others)?

Cancellation and refund of an activity sign-up: full refund if requested up to 48 hours before the activity date; no refund for requests received after that. Activities do not have self-service cancellation (unlike the pool booking): your request is handled by our staff, who take care of the cancellation and any refund.

Where we are

Where are you and what are your hours?

Viale XX Settembre 200, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI). The pool is open 09:30–19:00; bar and lounge until 23:30.

I'm a hotel guest — how does the pool work?

For hotel guests, pool entry is free, with loungers in a reserved area and a Fantastic Garden towel included, to collect at check-in. Booking is still recommended.