Florence, Italy, is a cultural treasure trove renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city’s rich history, artistic heritage, and architectural splendours make it a prime destination for culture, gastronomy and fashion enthusiasts.

While the Uffizi Gallery is home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael among many other luminaries, the Accademia Gallery is famous for housing Michelangelo’s David, a symbol of artistic perfection and Renaissance prowess. So much beauty to absorb in Florence.

Every street, piazza, and building tells a story marked by history, nobility and power, making it an open-air museum of unparalleled cultural richness. Staged at Palazzo Strozzi, the recently-staged Helen Frankenthaler’s exhibition explored the American artist’s work and life through an incredible presentation of her works in dialogue with other Abstract Expressionist artists including Rothko, Motherwell, and Morris. Michelangelo e il potere looked at the Italian genius through the prism of power dynamic. This remarkable show featured letters, drawings, maquettes, paintings and a rare self-portrait of the artist in the stunning spaces of Palazzo Vecchio. There’s so much to see in Florence and the beginning of the year, beyond the scorching summer, is also a time to visit!

Where would visitors stay given the plethora of hotels and pensions though? Hotel La Gemma is a new 5-star boutique property located in the heart of this wonderful city. Set within the historic 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, it masterfully combines timeless Italian architecture with modern design. Notable attractions near La Gemma include the best of the best: Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Strozzi, and Pitti Palace among many others.

Director Laura Stopani talks to Art is Alive: “The Cecchi family lovingly created La Gemma Hotel to celebrate their passions for travel, interior design, and luxury hospitality. Massimiliano Cecchi and siblings Andrea, Mariasole, Ginevra, and Edoardo masterminded the project. La Gemma brings together Luca and Alessandra (their parents) and the siblings, to create a strong symbol representing a ‘renaissance’ of luxury hospitality in Florence.”

The hotel’s interiors draw inspiration from the city’s iconic Duomo, featuring a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories. This colour scheme is complemented by bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, and sumptuous textiles, creating an ambiance of timeless sophistication. “La Gemma Hotel is the creation of the Cecchi family, a young dynamic team who share a wealth of knowledge and experience in the arts, architecture, fashion and design. Their combined aim is to offer the very best hospitality in the city. Working with Design by Gemini Studio in Milan, the interiors have been designed to pay homage to the city’s stunning Cathedral.” Laura continues.

La Gemma has 39 bespoke rooms and suites – from Deluxe, Junior Suites, Studios etc. – and Room 506 has stunning views over the Duomo itself! Each thoughtfully adorned with intricate details that pay homage to Florence’s fantastic artistic heritage. “Palazzo Paoletti was originally constructed in 1895 and designed by the architect Tito Bellini. Previously, the building on this site was the residence of the Guild of Hoteliers. Bellini constructed a much more imposing structure using rather grand, finely cut ashlar. The palace, while simplistic in its architectural style now stands rather grandly on the via Calimala. Just moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo and via de’ Tornabuoni. La Gemma Hotel offers an oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence.” You get it, not only is La Gemma somptuous but it’s also at the centre of it all.

Upon arrival, a nice terrace with green banquettes and two small palm trees welcome guests with style. On both sides of the reception area, a lovely bar and a comfy lounge area immediately set the stage with art and fashion books on the shelves. “At La Gemma Hotel, art serves as a profound source of inspiration, and the atmosphere evokes the experience of strolling through an immersive gallery. We take great pride in supporting local artists and artisans, whose remarkable creations adorn different areas of the hotel. The collection is ever-changing, reflecting the seasons and encompassing various crafts, including exquisite leatherwork, elegant marble pieces, metalwork, ceramics, and stunning textiles.” Laura says.

Handcrafted king-size beds upholstered in elegant shades of green and pink velvets, silk feature walls in tropical forest scenes, and ornate curvy bedside tables contribute to an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. Marble bathrooms, furnished by Devon & Devon with ceramics by Gio Ponti, enhance the experience. The private bathroom includes a bidet, Votary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Each room at the hotel also features a desk and a TV. Marshall speakers are amazing too. Modern comfort meets Italian beauty! A range of snacks and wines are also available in the room.

Thanks to its incredible location and remarkable design, the hotel attracts global and sophisticated guests. “From its launch, the hotel has attracted guests from all around the world, particularly from the USA and the UK, who love its sense of timeless elegance and exceptional location in the heart of historic Florence. We have already received many repeat visits from European travellers. Guests love La Gemma’s unique style and first-class service. The cuisine also brings back guests time and time again. The timeless quality of the design resonates with guests from all over the world, and of course, our central yet quiet location allows our clients to feel special and valued.”

For fashion lovers, Florence is great ! Pitti Uomo features the best of menswear collections every January while the Gucci and Ferragamo Museums, close by, offer fascinating insights into the legacy of these global houses. “La Gemma Hotel is very new, but since its opening 18 months ago, it has hosted several fashion shoots for prestigious Florentine and Italian fashion brands. Also, celebrity guests are drawn to La Gemma as it offers privacy and seclusion yet is located in the city’s heart.” Laura says.

Throughout the hotel, the careful incorporation of botanical-print silk-screen walls, Deco-inspired custom furnishings, and sophisticated lounge areas showcases the diverse talents of the Cecchi family. As it’s fairly new, where there any challenges in designing the beautiful spaces? “I have worked with the Cecchi family from the inception of the idea of La Gemma. The most difficult stage in the development was the final part of construction and obtaining appropriate permissions. When you work within a historic building in the heart of Florence, you have to pay special attention to historic elements and handle any work with the utmost respect for its location. La Gemma is now running on a very high occupancy and has received several awards. The hardest part now is being fully booked and turning away business. We do have plans to offer more La Gemma rooms and suites soon, which will allow for organic expansion.”

Elevating the experience to new heights, the loft suite brings amazing sophistication. This air-conditioned haven features a bedroom and bathroom with luxurious amenities, complemented by thoughtful additions like soundproof walls, a minibar, a cozy seating area, an iPad, and a TV, all nestled within the captivating loft of the historic building, infusing your stay with timeless character and charm.

Allure Spa

The hotel’s spa facilities are designed to offer ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring a range of treatments and therapies that combine traditional techniques with modern wellness practices. Guests can indulge in soothing hammam rituals, unwind with therapeutic massages, or enjoy a variety of signature spa treatments tailored to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The tranquil atmosphere of the spa is complemented by state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring a serene and revitalising experience in the heart of Florence! Whether looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing or simply seeking a luxurious retreat, La Gemma’s spa center provides the perfect escape.

Restaurant

Luca’s Ristorante is the signature gourmet restaurant within La Gemma. Designed with an Art Deco aesthetic, the space features plush velvet seating, views over the wine selection, and a striking black and white framed photos of Rio de Janeiro. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Paulo Airaudo, the restaurant presents a modern interpretation of classic Florentine cuisine.

Airaudo’s career has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, where he honed his skills under the guidance of esteemed chefs. He gained recognition when he was awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant “Ambrosia” in Buenos Aires. Airaudo is particularly known for his creativity and precision, with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients and a meticulous focus on technique.

Named in tribute to Luca Cecchi, the excellent restaurant embodies the Cecchi family’s deep commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence. Offering a refined dining experience, Luca’s Ristorante masterfully combines traditional Italian flavours with contemporary techniques. “The Soul of La Gemma Hotel would have to be our restaurant, Luca’s, which has been designed as a place to gather with family and friends. The Cecchi family loves travelling and has dined all over the world. They wanted to create a space where food and family are celebrated in style.” Laura continues.

Luca’s by Paulo Airaudo, is a high-end dining concept devised to showcase classic Tuscan cuisine at its very best. For example, “Red shrimp beetroot, dill and sour cream” and “Wagyu, onion, mitake mushroom and its sauce” are delicious.

Working together with the Cecchi family, chef Paulo Airaudo brings to Luca’s a wealth of international experience along with a passion for seasonal ingredients and his trademark contemporary style. Staff are amazing and advise on the best wines with descriptions of each plate. The wine menu is one of the most impressive in the world!

Celebrating locally sourced Tuscan ingredients, menus at Luca’s by Paulo Airaudo pay homage to the much-loved classic dishes which are given a modern twist and presented with exceptional artistry. It’s an incredible experience, just think about this dessert: “Goat cheese flan with persimmon caramel”!

La Gemma Hotel brings the best of Italian hospitality and luxurious atmosphere. Laura continues: “We have a fabulous concierge team here at La Gemma and have curated a selection of bespoke experiences in Florence and the surrounding countryside. For example, a private evening tour of the Vasari corridor can be arranged with an art historian guide. Or a visit to a master perfumer for an incense ceremony and the opportunity to create your own unique Florentine perfume. Of course, food and wine are at the heart of La Gemma’s Florentine experience, and we encourage guests to enjoy a Mixology masterclass at LUCA’s lounge bar.” What better way to discover the city?

“We offer an exclusive opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Florence through private access to artisan workshops and ateliers that are typically closed to the public. Our dedicated Golden Key Concierge service ensures that guests have the chance to immerse themselves in the city’s rich artistic heritage. Whether your interests lie in the intricate worlds of sculpture, the vibrant colours of painting, the delicate craftsmanship of jewelry, the skilled artistry of leatherwork, or the elegance of fashion design, we can arrange unique experiences tailored to your passions. Guests can not only observe master artisans at work but also participate in hands-on workshops, allowing them to commission bespoke pieces of Florentine art and create lasting memories through the art of craftsmanship.”

As the hotel is such a successful story, there are plans to expand: “The Cecchi family envisions an expansion of La Gemma properties across Italy, with ambitions to create a collection of exquisite five-star hotels. Architectural designs for these luxurious establishments have already been submitted, showcasing innovative and elegant styles tailored to their unique environments. Their goal is to unveil extraordinary properties in some of Italy’s most iconic and refined destinations, including the bustling streets of Milan, the historic charm of Rome, the breathtaking vistas of Capri, and perhaps the enchanting allure of Sicily. Each location promises to offer a distinctive experience that captures the essence of Italian elegance and hospitality.” And pets are welcome to the hotel.

For an unforgettable stay in Florence, La Gemma Hotel offers a truly unique experience. Nestled in the heart of this romantic city, this luxury hotel is a haven of elegance and comfort, surrounded by iconic landmarks, timeless history, and vibrant culture and with professional and attentive staff, it is simply the best.

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