Antica
Mare
Oriana
La Peninsula blends two of the world’s most iconic peninsulas: Florida and Italy. What people might not know is that America’s newest “Little Italy” lives in the Sunshine State. From the food and hospitality to the fashion and interior design, Florida has captured the essence of la dolce vita...the iconic aesthetic of the sweet life found only in the Old Country. Until now.
President/CEO
Laurie Melchionne
Editor-in-Chief
Director of Marketing
Publisher
Cover Photography
Articles by La Peninsula © is published by Laurie Ann Communications, LLC. laurieann.net
Laurie Melchionne
Geraldine Melchionne
Laurie Ann Communications, LLC Cayumas
Laurie and Geraldine Melchionne 4801 #11A-618
Linton Blvd, Delray Beach, Fl 33445 +1-609-618-9425
Benvenuti!
Close your eyes and imagine a peninsula. What do you see? Italy’s iconic boot? Florida’s distinctive neck? In any case, you picture a landmass surrounded by water on three sides. These locations are connected to their mainlands, but point into the sea. Peninsulas are outliers, of which enrich these pages. Our peninsulas define their own identities while maintaining their natural bridge to the world—and to all of us.
Grounding each story is a shared love for Italian culture, fashion, beauty, and more—whether it’s here in Florida, back in the Old Country, or even parts beyond.
A common theme dominates each brand. You’ll discover husband-and-wife teams, including our cover story on Cayumas, the Spain-based, Italy-made friulane brand. There is even a mother-daughter team, which runs the Ligurian-inspired accessories label CARINA (who you are bound to fall in love with).
This family theme also reflects one undeniable quality: love. It is love that founded each brand. It is love that weaves every thread, stitch, and package. From Marotta’s Napolitano boutique in Delray Beach to Daniella Ortiz’s Argentinian-Italian handbags in West Palm Beach, love is the reason these wonderful products exist—whether it’s the love between husband and wife, or the love that binds mother and daughter.
This love also ties La Peninsula, another mother-daughter team. Our debut wouldn’t have happened without my mom and our Director of Marketing, Geraldine Melchionne. Together, I can’t wait to continue this journey of discovering Italy’s best and sharing it with all of you.
I hope you enjoy our debut issue. Here’s to many more!
Cordiali Saluti, Laurie Melchionne
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
European elegance, vintage vibes, Tuscan tradition. These elements thrive in the world of Livia Auer, fashion influencer who shares her sohpisticated style, glamorous travels, and love of Italy with over 400K followers on Instagram. Now, a glimpse of her aesthetic can be part of your wardrobe in her latest partnership with Gaâla. The collaboration with the sustainable, Paris-based brand cultivates a summery wardrobe that pays homage to a special place in Auer’s world: Tuscany. The latest drops in Gaâla’s linen collection, Tuscany is celebrated through the Leyla Dress, Siena Set, and Anne Dress. Lightweight and effortlessly elegant, these pieces embody vintage aesthetic reminiscent of nostaglic Italian summers.
“The collection was inspired by one of my favorite places in the world: Tuscany,” said Auer. “I imagined a wardrobe for the ideal day in this beautiful part of Italy; antique shopping in a small village, wine tasting in a vineyard, and dinner overlooking a gorgeous sunset over the hills. With this image in mind, I wanted to create pieces that would make you feel your best regardless of the occasion. I envisioned them as feminine, timeless, comfortable, and effortless to style.”
Crafted from delicate, upcycled materials, the 100% linen Leyla Dress is as dainty on the environment as it is on the wearer. Off-white and simple, the midi length breathes nostalgia with its bodice cups, elastic back, and comfortable adjustable straps. Versatile for any season — pair it with strappy heels for summer or layer it with boots and a cardigan for fall — the Leyla Dress is your wardrobe’s next staple piece.
If the Leyla Dress is vintage femininity, the Anne Dress is a 90s throwback. Inspired by Ralph Lauren’s halter top era, the dress comes in head-turning black and an accompanying belt. A nostalgic take on the Little Black Dress, the Anne Dress embodies Italy’s signature artisanry through a midnight-shaded linen allure. The Siena Set, a two-piece package of a cream-white waistcoat and flowing pants, takes its name from the iconic Tuscan city. Simultaneously historic and contemporary, Siena is a time portal to a world of old. This matching set, like Siena’s medieval spires and spacious piazze, blends traditionalism with modernity’s edge. Easy to mix and match with your closet’s favorites, the Siena Set is the definition of versatile style, as ever-evolving as the history of Tuscany herself.
Gaâla honors your environment not only throughy its warm weather aesthetic, but through its sustainability. It is woven through every thread, sewing eco-awareness into your vacation style. Each piece is made-to-order to reduce wasteful overproduction, which embraces true slow fashion. The upcycled fabrics are never the same each time, which means that whenever you place an order with Gaâla, you’ll be delivered a one-of-a-kind item with its own identity different from even that of the model who wore it first on their website. Additionally, Gaâla utilizes its dainty Rose Petal Fabric, a plant-based material derived from the natural excess of actual roses. Combine all this with the brand’s collaboration with family-owned textile companies in France, as well as their dedication to fair trade practices, and you can don your summer style with a clear conscience.
Gaâla’s linen collections range from $115-$315. The Livia Auer collection ranges from $140-$285, available at Gaâla.com.
Photos courtesy of Antica Farmacista
For Antica Farmacista, aperitivo is more than just Italian happy hour. It’s a lifestyle. Citrus, floral, and cocktail scents breathe with Antica Farmacista, evoking Mediterranean paradises within your home. Room sprays, reed diffusers, and eau de parfum categories tantalize the senses, allowing you to take a deep breath on the jagged cliffs of Capri or the turquoise shores of Tahiti.
Launched in 2003 by best-friend duo Susanne Pruitt and Shelley Callaghan, Antica Farmacista is the manifestation of personalizing luxury however one defines it—while also integrating Old World, traditional aesthetic. With over 25 home fragrances in diffusers, sprays, and candles, the brand’s inception was driven by a distinct value: acknowledging that the home is the center of one’s environment. Blanketing it with elegant scents of exotic, faraway places is the best way to blend luxury into one’s daily life. This also goes beyond the home; Antica Facets, the sleek-bottled eau de parfum line, perfumes the body for all-day wearing.
Shop by scent to indulge in Antica Farmacista’s nature-reveled world.
The Citrus line, evoking the zest of Amalfi’s lemon groves, is fragranced with Aperol Spritz, Bergamot and Ocean Aria, Grapefruit, Lavender and Lime Blossom, Lemon, Verbena and Cedar, Pomegranate, and Wave.
Fresh, a collection of Acqua, Cucumber and Lotus Flower, Green Tea, Lush Palm, Ocean Citron, and Prosecco, blends holistic wellness with clean, simple aromas.
Floral, with Casablanca Lily, Daphne Flower, Damascena Rose, Elderflower, Hana Lei, Orange Blossom, Pink Peony, Magnolia and Orchid, Sakura, and Tuberose and Lily, is as delicate and feminine as springtime gardens.
For a cozier, crisper edge, Winter flaunts Desert Sage, Fig Leaf, Ironwood, Sandalwood Amber, Santorini, Tarmac, and Tomato Vine.
Cask, Macchiato, Manhattan, Vanilla, Bourbon and Mandarin are part of Warm, a scent line that leans into a bold, masculine vibe reminiscent of a smoky cigar lounge.
Online, you can also shop by product to discover the world of diffusers and more, including hand and body wash sets, body lotion, bubble baths, bar soap, kitchen dish soap, counter spray, hand wash, and so much more.
Antica Farmacista offers something for everyone, whether you seek an eau de parfum, a decorative room diffuser, a warm ceramic candle, or the overall aesthetic of holistic, cultured wellness…luxury style.
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
“Swimwear should feel easy as vacation.” This value is at the core of Mare Blu, a Florida-based, Italy-made resort wear brand that offers luxury swimsuits for all body types. Every body is a “beach body,” which Mare Blu sculpts with its elastic material that is both breathable and shape-hugging, highlighting curves and smoothing bulging. With a full line of swimwear, resort wear, linen cover-ups, pants, dresses, and even footwear under its Tuscany Shoes collection, Mare Blu is the ultimate hub for any vacationer’s fashion needs.
Alla Spiaggia
Gone are the days when you try to fit the bikini. At Mare Blu, the bikini fits you. Made in Milan, each design breathes a dedication to versatile, body customization that is synonymous with Italian tailoring. With options like the stringy Tahiti Bikini Top or the modest Palm Beach Bikini Bottoms, you can flaunt as much or as little as you please on the beach. One-pieces like the gold-accented Deauville or the off-the-shoulder Newport accentuate the body’s allure while designating other assets to the imagination. Removable padding and lined silhouettes crafted from 80% polyamide and 20% elastane sculpt Mare Blu’s signature stretch and adjustability. Printed selections are infinite, with the autumnal, earth-toned metallics, tropically turquoise Pitone Verde, pink floral-esque Cachemire Rosa, and the sunset-orange Cachemire Corallo. For a more traditional look that pairs with any cover-up, each cut also comes in an array of rainbow solids.
Giorno a Notte
Day to night, apparel that smoothly transitions with the clock is essential to any warm weather routine. Seaside cover-ups that blend into an elegant dinner look weave each dress, skirt, wrap, and pair of pants. Slinky, stretchy, and effortlessly chic, the Tetiaora’s wrap design is a sexy street-to-beach piece for all-day activity in style. The Milano Skirt, a pencil-straight cut, is another example of feminine layering that moonlights as both a summer staple piece and a glamorous cover-up. The 100% linen category offers tops, bottoms, ruffles, solids, and prints, for as much diversity as your holiday wardrobe desires.
Tuscany Shoes, a collection of metal-accented and leather-woven sandals named after iconic Tuscan towns, finishes off each look. With titles like Siena, Firenze, Pistoia, Pisa, and Cortona, these sandals are the essence of leather craftsmanship, Italian fashion’s most iconic category.
Vacanze Estivi
Whether it’s on the Mediterranean or down in the Caribbean, the brand’s endless offerings prioritize beachwear as a crucial component of your vacation wardrobe.
Online, use the Store Locator page to find a South Florida boutique near you. For Floridian aesthetics on the West Coast, hit the Laguna or Newport Beach locations. Visit mareblu.com to shop online for your tropical climate closet, whether at home or abroad.
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
Photos courtesy of CARINA
Mare. Sole. Amore. Love of sea and sun redefines la dolce vita at CARINA, the Italian lifestyle brand. Here, it becomes a lifestyle, an identity, and one of the founding principles that inspired its launch.
Known for its clutches, wallets, jewelry and passport cases, CARINA was founded by Clarissa Carlucci and her mother back in 2020. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height and international travel was at a standstill. Carlucci, whose heritage traces to the Italian Riviera, captured the essence of a country she and her mother longed to return to—in particular, to Liguria, the colorful coastal region where her late father was born.
“My mom and I started CARINA in honor of my late father,” said Carlucci. “Since then, it has been a dream to see it evolve into a recognized Italian lifestyle brand.”
From Portofino to the rainbow buildings of Cinque Terre, CARINA paints each product with la costa’s palette. Portofino Pink, Mediterranean turquoise, and Aperol orange are just some of the colors that transport the wearer to the Peninsula.
“Each of the destinations that we travel to together along the Italian coast inspires our collections— whether it’s the peachy pink buildings of Portofino or the dark blue waters that surround the island of Ischia,” said Carlucci.
These colors of Italy shade each clutch, wallet, coin purse, and jewelry case. Honed from luxurious vegan leather, CARINA also embodies high-quality, Italian craftsmanship.
“Sustainability is incredibly important to us,” explained Carlucci. “Each of our collections is sourced from vegan leather and is limited to reduce fashion waste.”
CARINA’s Italian identity weaves beyond the Riviera-themed colors. “Inspired by the summer of the Mediterranean Sea,” the Riviera Collezione is a direct tribute to Liguria. Italian phrases, metaphors, and motifs are embossed in gilded letters that glimmer as brightly as the Mediterranean’s sunset. “La Dolce Vita,” “Spritz Szn,” “Il Mare,” “Ciao Bella,” “Sole + Mare,” and “Dolce Far Niente” bolster a sunshine state of mind through CARINA’s simple use of la lingua italiana
“‘La Dolce Vita’ vibes should last all year long in our opinion,” added Carlucci. “The CARINA aesthetic is unapologetically vibrant and colorful all year round. Most of our accessories have our iconic golden tone puller and embossing, reminiscent of how the sea glistens during golden hour along the Italian Riviera—if you know, you know!”
And it doesn’t end with the Riviera. The Favoriti Collezione goes for bold, both with its head-turning shades and evocative parole. Embossed phrases like “Ti Voglio,” “Principessa,” “Baci,” “Italiana,” and “Ti Voglio Bene” shimmer across clutches of glowing hot pink and dazzling cobalt blue, combining for the ultimate statement-maker.
For an emphasis on softness, the Bridal Collezione honors the new “Sposa” or “Fidanzata” in wedding white or delicate cream, sprinkling Italy to any wedding reception or bridal shower.
The sold-out Amalfi Collezione travels to another icon of the Italian coast. “Inspired by cascading colors, citrus, and the sea,” these clutches transport any outfit to Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, or Capri. Phrases like “Limoncello,” “Cin Cin,” and “Take Me to Amalfi” conjure the coast’s lemon-scented strade and jagged, turquoise spiaggie
Understated and elegant, CARINA blends la dolce vita through elevated self-expression—Italian style. Day or night, abroad or at home, each clutch, case, or wallet complements any style through the subtle sophistication of its Ligurian color scheme.
As for what’s next, Carlucci shared, “We love building our brand with our community and customers. We can’t wait to see where they take us next—you’ll have to stay tuned on social for more!”
For the latest from the Italian Riviera, follow CARINA on Instagram, @carinacompany.
Shop the collections online at shopcarina.com.
Sicilia’s sun-drenched shores meet Miami’s tropical palette at Oriana Lamarca Designs. Miami Chic, part of the brand’s Travel-Inspired aisle, brings Lamarca’s distinctly Sicilian beadwork to The 305.
Founded by CEO and Designer Oriana Lamarca, Oriana Lamarca Designs is the love-child of Larmarca’s Sicialian heritage, her obsession with handcrafted Italian artistry, and her passion for travel. While the lifestyle brand officially began in 2020, it had been circulating in Lamarca’s life for years. She got her start working in her parents’ tile and stone design center, where she eventually became a design specialist for custom kitchens and bathrooms.
The area of expertise? Granite countertops, stone accents, and floor and wall tiles — all hardware found in Lamarca’s jewelry. Because of her exposure to these crafts in the custom home design sphere, she was able to source stones, gold, leather, and tiles from around the globe for her growing accessories line.
“I source my materials from all over the world,” said Lamarca. “The ceramics and some of the clothing come from Sicily, while the straw bags are made in Morocco and most of the beads come from India.”
Flash forward to 2024: tilework, ceramics, and stone masonry are synonymous with Italian craftsmanship — and cultivate Lamarca’s Sicilian heritage in every bracelet, earring, ring, and necklace at Oriana Lamarca Designs. Le Ceramiche, Passione al Limone, and Sicilia D’Oro are some of the infinite collections where delicate ceramic beads, bursts of color as vibrant as Taormina’s coast, and handpained tiles pay homage to the unparalleled artistry found in the ceramica shops of Burgio, Sicily, where Lamarca’s ceramic beads are made. Exceptionally worldly, Lamarca’s inspiration stems from her many homes away from home.
Enter, Florida.
The Miami Chic collection flies the Old Country to this other peninsula’s turquoise shores. Bracelets such as the sunset-red Fire Jade with Hammered Gold Accent and Green Turquoise with Orange Tassel, blends the Caribbean elegance and contemporary edge that thrives in Miami. Like Oriana Lamarca Designs itself, the collection is not exclusive to arm candy. A signature element is the Lilliana Meet Me in Miami Leather Handle Reed Bag, a handmade-in-Morocco tote woven with fine reed, lime green embroidery, and mahogany leather handles. Alongside the Gold-Plated Aqua Glass Crystal Point Pendant, the Fire Jade with Pavé Aqua Crystal Point Pendant is a head-turning flare for any “armparty.”
Whether you’re out on Ocean Drive or styling your look for a sandy day at South Beach, Miami Chic compliments any outfit, occasion, or style aesthetic.
“Oriana Lamarca Designs tells a story through my creations,” added Lamarca. “I wear my heart on my sleeve, literally, because my ‘armparty’ of the day will tell a story about what represents me at the time. This is why I created my brand: for the woman who craves style, functionality, quality, and affordability while representing their aesthetic in the many colors, beads, and shapes we offer to help define it.”
Miami Chic, like every collection at Oriana Lamarca Designs, is strung with hand-painted stones. All-natural and selectively-sourced, each stone varies and guarantees a one-of-a-kind silhouette in every purchase, making your jewelry staples with Oriana Lamarca ever-evolving, never-repeated, and sempre bellissima
Miami Chic can be shopped online at orianalamarcadesigns.com or in specialty boutiques up and down the East Coast.
Made in Italy. Sold in Spain. Worn Worldwide.
By Laurie Melchionne
If you ever find yourself strolling down Avienda del Doctor Arce in Madrid, you’ll pass an unimposing, sky blue building. Then, you’ll do a double-take, retrace your steps, and discover what snagged your attention in the first place.
Shoes float in the front window. Not literally, but they dangle from ribbons that blur away as color saturates your world: crimson red, velvet royal blue, sunflower yellow, and pastel linen. The never-ending display flaunts rainbow shades, Mary Jane silhouettes, and material options for days.
Welcome to Cayumas, the Italian footwear gem in the heart of the Spanish capital. Here, the Italian friulane finds a home. Flat, rubber-based, and with 19th-century Venetian origins, the friulane has been revolutionized by Borja and Ana Cerrato, the husband-and-wife design team helming it all. Why rubber? Why Venice? Well, if you know anything about Italy in the 1800s, it is that times were unstable. Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Red Shirt movement transformed the country into a unified republic in 1861. Previously a disjointed peninsula of city-states, Italy was a portrait of economic strife, political rebellion, and, by contrast, innovation from the country’s poorest regions to stay competitive with a rapidly modernizing era.
This is where Venice comes in. Sailing through its turquoise canals, the gondoliers needed a comfortable, slip-resistant shoe for their balance-required, water-related jobs. There was only one problem: no one could afford shoes, let alone get their hands on a cobbler to make their own. So the Venetians and their neighbors in Friuli-Venezia Giulia scraped together what they could recycle. Bicycle tires, old dishrags, rope, twine. Typically trashcan finds, these materials became footwear treasures. Born out of desperation, the friulane is an early example of sustainable fashion with an emphasis on reusability.
It is this same sustainable approach that Cayumas stitches into its craftsmanship today. Rubber soles derived from bicycle tires are cut in one piece so the stitching is never broken. The result? A flexible, light-as-air flat that is surprisingly durable and elegantly adaptable for any season, summer or winter, and every aesthetic in between.
“Our artisan is the fourth generation of shoemakers, and is one of the last [traditional] artisans still in business in Europe,” said Co-founder Ana Cerrato. “We did not choose the region, either. The friulanes are made in Friuli. Of course, similar models are mass-produced in China, India, Vietnam, and even here in Spain. But to compare it, you can’t produce a Bordeaux or Rioja wine anywhere else but in Bordeaux and Rioja, or else they can’t be wines from these regions. The same goes for our friulanes; they must be produced and handmade in Friuli to maintain the essence of the shoe: tradition and authenticity.”
Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles are available for both on-location shoppers and the digital client taking advantage of Cayumas’ worldwide shipping. But for the Italophile, it’s impossible to ignore some of the women’s highlights, such as the
Pagliacci collection. A traditional, strapless friulane, the Pagliacci shoe is available in an array of colors. Blu Notte, Menu Zucchero, Nero, Cioccolato, Rosa Arancione, and Bruciato Sole are just a sprinkling of the shades found on Cayumas’ Italian rainbow.
The popular Boheme collection features a friulane-like shape, complete with a feminine strap that secures the top of the foot. Bordeaux, the collection’s best selling color, elevates a casual, comfortable flat with a dark shade’s sophistication. Organic velvet, recycled soles, and nickel-free buckles on this model merge the brand’s signature eco-friendliness with the dainty timelessness of a Mary Jane silhouette. Cayumas further honors the friulane’s sustainable heritage by avoiding glue of any kind, which means zero toxin waste gets discarded during production.
Aida, Traviata, and Figaro are other silhouette options that, in different shapes and cuts, maintain the slip-on, slip-off convenience of the classic friulane. Stretchy cotton socks accompany your Cayumas package when it arrives, in earthy, cozy tones perfect for the fall and winter. The accessories category only flourishes from there. Shady, wide-brimmed hats, knitted balaclavas, woolen caps, edgy berets, mittens, and shawls complement your winter or summer layers with Cayumas.
Each delivery, like the Madrid flagship, also comes fragranced. Yes, even from Madrid. Famed perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin cultivated four, one-of-a-kind scents straight from Grasse, France. Not only is the brand a footwear statement-maker, but a sensory experience that makes floral, citrus, forest, and fruity aromas synonymous with the Italian friulane, Cayumas style.
“At Cayumas, we always had the idea that although the friulanes were the beginning, they would never be the end,” continued Cerrato. “We never saw ourselves as shoe sellers, but rather people who wanted to share a certain kind of lifestyle. At home, one of our teenagers is a fragrance enthusiast, and despite his age, insisted we delve into this category. So we managed to meet Fabrice Pellegrin in Grasse, only with an idea and a dream, nothing more. Thank God we had chemistry; he treated us so wonderfully and decided to collaborate. Four months later, we received a parcel from Fabrice with the four fragrances he’d created just for us. We were stunned; he really understood what we’d wanted.”
It is this niche for being different and seizing the unexpected that drives Cayumas today. With collaborations with influencers such as Amanda Brooks and Leandra Cohen, brands like Skall and Aerin NY, and even a presence at glittering invite-only events like Dior’s Fall/Winter 2024 show, Cayumas has solidified itself as a haute couture brand delivering Italian tradition to the fashion elites.
“We’ve never addressed a brand for our collabs,” explained Cerrato. “They’ve always contacted us, which is such a compliment. Dior invited us to their Fall/Winter 2024 show, which was unbelievable, and now we are developing a partnership with Jo Malone. There are so many exciting things to come, and we’ve only been growing while we still stay loyal to our traditionalism and Italian authenticity.”
What’s next in the world of Cayumas? Some developing partnerships of note are with Jo Malone and French fabrics designer Casa Lopez. Cerrato also has a presence at The Ritz Hotel in her home city of Madrid, which has paved the way for beauty and fragrance brands to take note of Cayumas’ lifestyle aesthetic.
“We are now working on a beauty line, which will include not only eau de parfum but also candles with the same smell,” teased Cerrato. “We are also about to launch a new version of our website, and hope that everyone will enjoy it.”
Enter Cayumas’ world at cayumas.com and shop wherever you are in the world.
City of the Baptist. Land of the Medici. Cradle of the Renaissance. Firenze is many things, but today, her storied streets and towering monuments boast a modern la dolce vita.
Profumo di Firenze, cultivated by the fragrance-expert Galardi family, captures the essence of the city’s soul. While Firenze flaunts a rich history of aromachology, dating back to Caterina de’ Medici’s 1533 “Acqua della Regina” original perfume, Profumo di Firenze pays homage to the Firenze recognized by scent enthusiasts of today.
Food and history, two pillars of the Fiorentino identity, fragrances Profumo di Firenze’s collections: “Firenze” and “Dante.”
The Firenze Collection
The Firenze Collection—Buonatalenti, Fior di Pane, and Latte e Mandorla—whisks the flavors of Florence for indulgent, mouth-watering scents.
Buontalenti
Inhale sweetness with this gelato-inspired scent. Vanilla dances with notes of peach and apricot. Flavors of Italian ice cream swirl throughout an olfactory pyramid rich in raspberry, coconut, banana, caramel, and cream. With every spray, the wearer breathes the essence of an iconic Italian treat, glimpsing a taste of Firenze’s gelaterie
Fior di Pane
The Panetteria, another icon of Italian gastronomy, evokes plumes of freshly baked pane. Savory bread mingles with violet, tulip, and iris, steaming from a nostalgic oven on currents of vanilla and nutty tonks bean.
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
Photos courtesy of Profumo di Firenze
Latte e Mandorla
Milk-drenched almond perfumes this scent, which blends the subtle snap of anise with the feminine elegance of rose petals. Latte e Mandorla douses the senses in a luxurious milk bath edged by inviting, salty almonds.
The Dante Collection
Named after Dante Alighieri, father of la lingua italiana, the Dante Collection pays homage to Florence’s medieval heritage with mysterious, philosophical scents: XXV Marzo, Obscurus, Viandante, Peccatum, Matelda, and Niveus.
XXV Marzo
Accompany Dante on his soul-stirring journey through The Divine Comedy. Immerse yourself in Tuscan leather, fresh caffé, sandalwood, and musk.
Obscurus
Plunge into the mysterious shadows of a sandalwood forest. Here, cedar and pine rustle with citrus orange and geranium, hugging the wearer in the warmth of an ancient bosco
Viandante
Viandante, meaning “traveler,” honors Dante’s persona as a wanderer through Purgatory and the consequences of divine transgression. Zesty passion fruit and lemon pair with delicate vanilla, symbolizing a traveler’s shifting identities and a scent’s mood-reflection.
Peccatum
Peccatum (“sin”) is an exploration of sensuality, discovered by Dante in hell’s lustful second pit. Masculine tobacco undulates with exotic Dama -
scena Rose, an intoxicating blend of earthy leather and sultry feminine florals. Bold and head-turning, Peccatum reimagines the word “sensual.”
Matelda
As Dante emerges from the underworld, light gives way to life: Matelda breathes flowers of chamomile, peach, and white grapefruit. Mixed with this lighter take on a classic, subtle scent, Matelda represents rebirth and new beginnings.
Niveus
A jewel of vanilla, incense, iris, bergamot, and sweet orange, Niveus embodies the reward of salvation, abandoning temptation and following Dante at the final cusp of his journey and into the light.
From here, the offerings extend beyond eau de parfum. Profumo di Crema, the brand’s skincare category, reimagines selections of “Firenze” and “Dante” as body lotion.
Firenze’s scents take the wearer on a journey. Whether it’s through the bread-scented, gelato-sweetened strade, or the city’s intricate historical tapestry, Profumo di Firenze awakens the senses and thrusts the wearer right into its hometown.
Shop the scents at profumodifirenze.it and follow them on Instagram at @profumodifirenze.
BY GERALDINE MELCHIONNE
The Ritual
Step 1: Cleansing Lux Gel
Step
Step
Step
Step
Step 6: Perfection Lux Serum
Step 7: Global Lux Cream
Straight from the Sorrentino Peninsula comes Luce di Sorrento. Founded by Giovanna Adelizzi, the skincare brand is more than a beauty routine; it’s a healing ritual perfumed with the subtle citrus of Sorrento lemons. Surrounded by a garden of 500 lemon trees, the Adelizzi family has cultivated the fruit since 1923, a tradition that Giovanna Adelizzi honors with Luce di Sorrento.
Through intricate research in collaboration with the Italian University, Luce di Sorrento captures science and wellness in every product. LemonLight® extracts natural enzymes found in lemon peels for a smooth, lightweight cream that serves a dual purpose: hydration and healing. With a six-hour, steam distillation process, the essential oils from the lemon peels produce the purest molecules for a clean, natural cream.
LemonLux®, an anti-aging serum made from Essential Oil PGL, Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO, and Sorrento Lemon, revitalizes skin cells to smooth lines and wrinkles. With Extra Virgin Olive Oil’s regenerative Polyphenols, lemon oil breathes radiance into the skin with LemonLux®, a staple in the Luce di Sorrento morning and night routine.
“Our holistic approach, thanks to Sorrento lemon essential oil, guarantees an intense Neurocosmetic action with double efficacy both on the skin and the mind to combat stress and bad moods,” said Adelizzi. “We believe that the secret of beauty lies in nature. Luce di Sorrento is a unique, immersive experience in the wonders of our land, between the sound of the sea and the sweet scent of lemons.”
Known for its holistic approach to skincare, Luce di Sorrento is all about light: its cruelty-free elements serve for a smooth, gentle application compatible with all skin types, especially sensitive skin. The brand is also committed to biodiversity, harvesting different lemons across Sorrento with sustainability and eco-responsibility at the top of mind throughout the sourcing and production process.
Glow with Luce di Sorrento and find a location throughout the Peninsula at lucedisorrento.it. Immerse yourself in the lemon ritual on Instagram at @lucedisorrento.
From the hills of Basilicata, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is a unique outlier in the world of eyewear. Its very name embodies its devotion to sustainability: 1955 is its own factory and manufacturer. How does this benefit the consumer? You know exactly where your glasses and sunglasses are made, with full traceability to the materials used in every metal, hinge, and lens.
Quality, Custom, Chic
In Tito, Potenza, the heart of Southern Italy, the craftsmen at 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory deliver a unique approach to the traditionally straightforward eyewear silhouette. Minimalism and opulence link through wood and cotton fiber derivatives, in everything from the brightly-colored Venti lenses to the boldly squared IV frames. The factory customizes frames to the customer’s unique individuality, aesthetic, and vision.
Simultaneously a manufacturer for other glasses brands and its own private label, the company offers three collections: OA, PRIMUS, and Light Ivory. Youthful and versatile, refined and sophisticated, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory offers a balanced, everyday frame for all ages, genders, and styles.
From the adult OA collection, the IX sunglasses unite contemporary shades (Orange, Pink, and Black) with the 70s nostalgia of wide, round frames that dominate current trends. Handmade and packaged in 100% recycled materials, this style is enforced with durable multi-barrel Teflon hinges and CR-39 lenses for ultimate UV ray shielding. A raised inner temple incision and saddle nose bridge optimize comfort for all-day wearing, and can be easily cleaned with its accompanying microfiber cloth. A portable silk case also provides convenience for on-the-go storage.
The children’s PRIMUS collection stares boldly into a world of head-turning color. The cat-eye Diciotto, John Lennon-esque Diciannove, and square-framed Ventiquattro models, among others, gaze in a rainbow’s array of colors. Transparent Fuschia, Lime Green, sunflower yellow, and even periwinkle blue flip traditional eyewear shades on its head. With the vibrancy of PRIMUS, casual style is revolutionized with a bold take on an everyday, functional accessory.
The Light Ivory collection, also tailored for the younger fashionista, is handmade with Italian Mazzucchelli acetate and is heat-malleable to adjust shape and size according to the wearer’s features. Genderless and available in a range of colors like Tortoise, Ivory Lime, Ivory Ice, and Ivory Black, the Light Ivory collection adds handcrafted artisanry to full-coverage UVA and UVB protection, laser-engraved temples, and silver teflon hinges.
All designs are hand-sketched, hand-cut, and then finalized with laser and 3D-printing technology, merging both new and old elements that are essential to Made in Italy aesthetics. Slow production is valued as a pinnacle of the brand’s creativity. Varnish and lacquer-free, each model is sanded and shined with beeswax to ensure longevity and utilizes 48 to 96 hours of hand polishing with a buffing wheel. A team of youthful innovators hone tradition in their hand-crafted models, while the technology refines each shape with a modernist edge.
Eco Eyewear
While eyewear production is not 100% sustainable (in fashion, nothing ever is), 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory offsets what minimal waste is produced during manufacturing, and reduces its eco-footprint every step of the way. A major point in this journey is its small-batch production for the collections and all bespoke frames. Solar-derived energy and recycled water power production. To further diminish its carbon footprint and reduce landfill contributions, the company utilizes recycled acetate, waste produced from cellulose in wood and tree pulp, sourced in Basilicata’s surrounding hills. 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is Certified Quality Managementand Certified Environmental Management System-certified. Courtesy of the Italian government, it also boasts certifications in the following categories:
• 100% Made in Italy.
• 100% Italian materials.
• Made with quality, non-flammable, non-toxic materials.
• Made with exclusive, original designs.
• Made with traditional Italian craftsmanship and techniques.
“Sustainability at our 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is more than a practice; it is the essence of our identity, seamlessly intertwining with our mission to craft timeless elegance,” said CEO Marco Buoncristiano. “Every frame we produce reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship, upholding the artisanal heritage while innovating for a greener future.”
One-of-A-Kind Vision
Compliant and traceable, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory truly embodies the unique blend of traditional elegance and contemporary edge, a signature aesthetic of Made in Italy brands. Whether it’s the classic, tortoise-framed OA XI, or the quirky round-edged OA VI, the company breathes youthful energy into an age-old Italian accessories category, one that honors traditionalism, respects the environment, and always looks to the future.
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
Photos courtesy of 77 Diamonds
Trailblazers of bespoke fine jewelry, 77 Diamonds embodies Milano, the city. Located at Via San Raffaele n.1, the new showroom sits inside the Signature by Regus building and flaunts the essence of old Milan with 19th-century architecture. Old meets new with its sleek, contemporary interior that showcases the latest jewelry trends and customization options.
The iconic Duomo is its backdrop, its intricate spires and Gothic facade visible through every window. For the jewelry-shopping tourist, the showroom is also steps away from Milan’s most awe-worthy attractions, including Palazzo Reale, Museo del Novecento, the Vittorio Emmanuele II monument, and the Highline Galleria Observatory.
The Milano showroom is prepped for couples indulging on an Italian excursion, stocked with wedding bands and engagement rings. The showroom’s team is spearheaded by Giorgia di Domenico, a gemologist certified by the Gemological Institute of America. Domenico’s portfolio boasts prestige brands such as Garrard and Buccellati, with design experience throughout London’s luxe jewelry world. Specializing in fine diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls, Domenico graces 77 Diamonds with her global expertise.
With services online and in one of its many European showrooms (in addition to a Dubai location), 77 Diamonds redefines customization. Not only can the diamond experts design an original piece just for you, but they streamline the process in a few easy steps. First, you deliver your design vision to the
team. Then, they design your creation using your chosen diamond shape, carat, color, and cut. Original collections inspire clients who seek more guidance, such as the celestial Starlight collection, the square-cut Mayfair collection, and the vintage-esque Olympia collection.
From rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces, 77 Diamonds offers a diverse selection of metals, styles, and cuts to choose from. Each diamond is independently certified with safe, conflict-free sourcing, guaranteeing clear-conscious luxury.
With 77 Diamonds, the wearer flaunts the award-winning team’s talents. 77 Diamonds was a recipient of the Digital Innovator of the Year award at the 2023 Professional Jeweller Awards. The brand was also a finalist in the 2023 Retail Jeweller Awards for Omnichannel Retailer of the Year and Retail Team of the Year.
From the moment a client contacts the design team, they collaborate for a hands-on devotion to an original vision. The designers will finalize the design through a variety of renderings, with both hand-drawn sketches and digital, 3D mockups. At the showroom, they’ll measure your finger, wrist, or chest and neck to pinpoint size down to the inch, creating a piece that is born for you. Afterward, the details are honed for final approval. Four to seven weeks later, it’s diamond day as the glittering creation arrives boxed and padded to your door.
Embark on your diamond journey and visit 77diamonds.com.
Photos courtesy of Mara Hotung Jewels
Meet Mara Hotung, founder, CEO, designer, and trained gemologist behind Mara Hotung Jewels. Trained by the world’s finest gemological institutes, such as the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, Mara Hotung travels the globe to integrate cultures, precious gemstones, and elite training seminars into her designs. Ever-growing and ever-luxurious, Hotung showed La Peninsula what’s behind the curtain of the fine jewelry world.
What introduced you to your love of fine jewelry?
It is not what but who introduced me to jewelry. As a young girl, my mother would hand me her jewelry box to organize the contents. There was a mix of fabulous, signed pieces and costume jewelry. From the beginning, I was fascinated by the colors, the sparkle, the shapes, and the design. It was also my interest in where the gems came from. I knew they were from the earth, but I was fascinated by which country they were from and how they were formed. My mother was also a good educator, and she would explain the difference between a South Sea pearl and an Akoya pearl. Most of her pieces had a story and were more often than not gifted to her by my father. It all sounded so romantic. I didn’t think my career would go in the jewelry and gemology direction. I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but soon, my creative side took hold. I studied fine art, art history, and psychology. When I returned to Hong Kong, where I am from, the lure of gems led me to study gemology.
Where did you study gemology?
At the time, the only place in Hong Kong that taught gemmology in English was the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL). I studied for two years full-time for the FGA, which is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. It was a challenging course, and I learned so much. Dominick Mok still runs the institute and lab, and I get to see him at various conferences. He is so inspiring.
What inspired you to establish your fine jewelry brand?
After graduating from AGIL, I started designing and trading in gemstones. My dream had always been to work for Sotheby’s, and when they offered me a position in Hong Kong, I immediately accepted. I put my design ideas aside and concentrated on my career at Sotheby’s and then at Van Cleef & Arpels. I met my husband and became a hands-on mother. To keep myself busy, I resumed designing and trading. My jewelry designs and clients slowly grew from that. I’ve exhibited privately in Hong Kong and the U.K., at the NEC in Birmingham and at International Jewellery London (IJL). I enjoy working one-on-one with clients, and I’m lucky now that they seek me out. Most of my business comes via word of mouth. I get to know my clients personally, and this helps find the right piece for them. I don’t take on too many commissions. When I start creating, I’ll have a gemstone in mind. I will turn the stone over and over in my hand. I play with it, introduce other stones, and start sketching. When the piece is finished, sometimes it is hard to part with it, but I know it will eventually find a new home when it speaks to the right client. Aside from making jewelry, I am also an Independent Registered Valuer. I see beautiful heirlooms. Often I am asked to upcycle clients’ jewelry that is out of date. Jewelry should be worn and enjoyed! Tell us about the Liverino coral workshop you attended near Naples. What are some things you learned that might benefit/influence your brand?
I had the most wonderful opportunity to travel to Torre del Greco near Naples this past March. I attended a coral seminar with participants from all over the world. We learned to identify coral from the Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mid-Way, Japan, etc. It was fascinating and a great way to connect
with other jewelers and valuers. The trip was organized by Shirley Mitchell from the Jewellery Valuers Association and Rui Galopim de Carvalho, a fantastic and highly knowledgeable gemologist. Our host was Enzo Liverino, who owns the largest private collection of museum-quality coral. I came away with a new appreciation of sustainable coral and how coral is formed, and I created friendships that will last a lifetime.
What draws you to Italian coral? Do you see it merging with Mara Hotung’s aesthetic?
I purchased a few sustainable coral cabochons and look forward to creating something. They will be one of a kind. Watch this space!
What is forensic gemology, and what was the value of your recent participation in the Institute of Registered Valuers and National Association of Jewellers Conference in Birmingham?
I attend the IRV/NAJ Conference almost every year. It’s a fantastic event that connects valuers, jewelers, and gemologists under one roof over two to three days. I enjoy meeting up with colleagues and meeting new ones. It’s such a friendly group, and I always learn something new. I’ve heard Dr. Maria Macllean speak on several occasions. She is a fascinating lecturer who teaches jewelry making at Edinburgh University. She is also a consultant to the police on crime scenes where jewelry is involved. She looks at jewelry through the eyes of a detective.
How does Mara Hotung empower women through and beyond your designs?
I am grateful to all my male and female clients who wear my designs. It’s funny because when I started, I designed cufflinks with men in mind and rings, earrings, necklaces, and brooches with women in mind. Women have bought cufflinks for themselves, and so many men have purchased brooches. One of my most significant commissions was a brooch for a gentleman who has only worn the piece a few times. He displays it proudly in a showcase in his living room, like a work of art. It’s humbling, and I love that. Rings, and I mean big cocktail rings and necklaces, have also been found in the collections of my male clients. My clients surprise me all the time. I’ll have a particular client in mind and someone completely different will be interested in the piece. This is what I truly find inspiring. I create because it makes me happy and I hope it brings joy to others. It’s a meditative process, trial and error. I have to be patient and experimental. When it all comes together, the piece will find a home where it will be worn, loved, and hopefully passed on to the next generation. I’m creating a legacy and a story. That, to me, is empowering.
What are some upcoming collections, events, and other happenings Mara Hotung can tease for 2025?
I’m now cutting back on other commitments to concentrate on creating. I’ve been invited to participate in a trunk show in Hong Kong next year. I’m working on that, slowly and steadily. I am also reworking my luxury line of candles and diffusers. I’m working with a new artisanal candle maker and together we are recreating the six prominent gemstone fragrances: Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Pearl, and Jade. It will have new scents and packaging, and all will be sustainable.
Where can we shop Mara Hotung?
I am working on a new website. However, you can still find me at gemvoyager. com or contact me directly at contact@gemvoyager.com.
On Worth Avenue thrives a slice of Argentinian excellence. Daniella Ortiz, founded by husband-and-wife team Alfredo Baeza and Daniella Ortiz, merges Argentinian leather handbags with Italian manufacturing from the Palm Beach flagship (and more recently, a new storefront at Town Center in Boca Raton).
Dubbed “La Dama de Las Carteras” (The Lady of the Bags) from an April 15 spotlight in Nota Despierta América, Univisión, Daniella Ortiz catapulted her brand onto the Palm Beach fashion scene through her dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, unapologetically bold design, and a unique aesthetic that empowers women to embrace their vibrancy through individual style, however they define it.
Crafted from pebble leather, genuine lizard, and genuine crocodile, the latest additions to the Daniella Ortiz world are the Renne-Horse, Susan, Hazel, Alma, and Ava bags. Titled with women’s names to honor its female-first, women-empowering message, the brand’s drops are the ultimate accessories head-turners.
Renne-Horse
Walk on the wild side with Daniella Ortiz sterling silver animal pendants. Shiny horse heads link the braided leather handles of the Renne handbag, a genuine pebble leather masterpiece lined with a full suede interior. Like every Daniella Ortiz companion, functionality is prioritized as much as style. A leather strap accompanies the Renne and moonlights it as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Available in a range of colors and lining shades (Apple Green/Tobacco, Light Blue/ Tobacco, Orange/Tobacco, Red/Stone, Red/Tobacco, and White/Tobacco), the interior pops with a surprise contrast color for a truly unique bag both inside and out.
Susan
Two premium leathers merge in the Susan bag, a sleepy contemporary take on a traditional crossbody. The Susan protects your valuables in style with an adjustable strap, a full zipper enclosure, and a secure inside pocket. Orange and Emerald Green exteriors lined with deep purple suede, or White and Bone leather exteriors blended with blood-red interiors are some of the uncommon shade combinations available in the Susan for any stand-out pocketbook moment.
Hazel
Handcrafted in Argentina, all models are different. This is the same for the Hazel, a sturdy, braided-handle handbag that embodies elegance. Full leather and in a range of solid colors, Hazel’s detachable strap and interior zipper compartments screen optimal functionality through stylish simplicity. A classic silhouette, Hazel’s durable leather ensures longevity as your next accessory staple.
Alma
Alma, a bucket backpack woven with the signature pebble leather, captures haute couture even for casual, sling-on-the-shoulder-and-go outfits. With the Alma, elegance is your constant companion and boldness is your name; Red, Orange, Light Blue, and Stone are its shade options for a rainbow’s variety of aesthetics.
Ava
Structured and square, the Ava handbag re-introduces the sterling silver animal pendant. Silver aglets bind the braided leather handles, hand-woven for a one-of-a-kind texture. Studded with two silver frogs on a decorative front strap, the Ava is reminiscent of Daniella Ortiz’s vibrantly tropical origins, from Argentina to West Palm Beach. Red, Grass Green, Orange, and Blush are some color selections for a solid shade both inside and out for a traditional vibe to unique hardware and shape.
Campania’s citrus-perfumed, lemon-surrounded way of life glows at Marotta, Atlantic Avenue’s newest boutique in Delray Beach. Just a short walk from the beach, Marotta mimics the seaside negozi of the Amalfi Coast where lemon-, floral-, and mosaic-printed dresses flutter in the Mediterranean breeze.
Step one foot into Marotta, and this is what you’ll find.
Womens and menswear line the walls in a world of summer fashion, southern Italian style. Husband-and-wife founders Pasquale and Esperanza Marotta source all materials from Naples, where Pasquale was born. Not only does every item come straight from Campania itself, but Marotta produces everything in limited batches to merge exclusivity with responsible slow fashion. The result? High-quality materials with luxury craftsmanship, the kind you’ll find in the Old Country.
Marotta’s roots stem from Esperanza’s frequent travels to her husband’s home city and her love of its neighbors: Ravello, Positano, Capri, and all of Amalfi.
“Our garments are inspired by Italy’s gorgeous scenery,” said Esperanza Marotta. “The bright colors, the beautiful sea, the lemons, the flowers. All of the Amalfi Coast’s simple, natural elements play a role in our designs.”
Pasquale Marotta hails from a family of entrepreneurs and delivers a distinct Napolitano ingenuity to the business. Esperanza spearheads the boutique, sourcing materials and handcrafting new collections and designs each spring. The couple’s love of Pasquale’s Napolitano heritage — and Marotta’s homage to the Amalfi Coast’s natural beauty — drove the brand’s first boutique to Worth Avenue in West Palm Beach. From there, Marotta’s unique offering expanded its location to Delray Beach, its seaside headquarters in the heart of a bustling main street.
“Marotta is dedicated to bringing luxurious, exclusive, and personalized tailoring to our clients,” continued Marotta. “Like artisans across Italy, we offer a devotion to craftsmanship and devote painstaking time and detail to each piece, from initial design sketching to the final display in our shop.”
Marotta is ever-evolving and from its new Delray Beach location, launches fresh collections each season. This includes the expansion of its menswear line alongside the Italian aesthetic in its dresses and accessories. Also on the horizon is the launch of its website, Marotta’s digital hub for online orders, collection spotlights, and latest news.
Shop Marotta at 822 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida.
BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE
Nestled in Fiesole’s fragrant countryside, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, is Tuscany’s crowning glory of Renaissance resorts. Bathed in the light of the sunny Arno Valley and within eyeshot of Florence, this monastery-turnedfive-star hotel features 42 rooms and 25 suites. Accommodations sprawl across private gardens, secluded flower-hugged terraces, wall-sized stone fireplaces, and even a heated sunken pool.
The list blossoms on. This 15th-century property, once headquartered by Napoleon Bonaparte, also boasts a main swimming pool, fitness center and wellness sanctuary—not to mention three on-site restaurants—and pays homage to Italian architecture, Tuscan gastronomy, and a devoted preservation of Catholic heritage.
The Tuscan Time Capsule: The Monastery
Eat, sleep, and revel near the old monastery, the love child of Italy’s greatest creatives: architect Michele del Barba, stone master Romolo Ferrucci, painter Santi di Tito, and — of course — Michelangelo himself. In the 14th century, the property was owned by the Davanzati family, today known for Palazzo Davanzati in Florence. The family donated the land to an order of Franciscan monks and by 1600, ignited the project to expand, renovate, and design the facade that still stands. It was during this renovation that Michelangelo designed the front facade. On display for marveling guests, Giovanni Davanzati’s 1599 signature of approval is a living glimpse of the hotel’s storied beginnings.
Mounted at the entrance is Davanzati’s glorious legacy: the family crest and an inscription carved in Latin: “To God and to Saint Michael. Niccolò de’ Davanzati had erected in 1411. Giovanni de’ Davanzati enlarged 1600.” With this and the on-site Church of Villa San Michele alla Doccia that includes Nicodemo Ferrucci’s 1642 fresco of the Last Supper and a 15th-century fresco of the Ascension of Our Lord, Catholic imagery is synonymous with the villa’s identity. Is it any wonder that the monks chose this special place to worship?
Luxurious Accommodations
While the grounds and architecture transport visitors back in time, the real immersion is in the rooms, suites, and villas. Morning, noon, and night, opulent interior design merges Tuscan elegance with Renaissance glory. Cushioned headboards, high domed ceilings, and rich embroidered patterns adorn each room.
La Limonaia Villa, the Signature Suite, is an on-site cottage clustered among the monks’ old orangerie. Citrus perfumes the air as guests unwind in their private, sunken stone swimming pool and languish to a waterfall’s gurgling music. A cozy living room welcomes guests when they first step foot inside. From there, the spacious floor plan sprawls into a kitchenette, a king-sized bedroom, and a marble-carved bathroom with a tub and walk-in shower. For those who seek private wellness beyond the Fitness Centre, the villa also offers a Technogym kit with a virtual coach on the MyWellness App.
The Michelangelo Suite runs along the length of the old monastery. The largest suite at Villa San Michele, this space once served as Napoleon Bonapar-
te’s Florence headquarters. Facing Florence’s jagged skyline and accented with sophisticated crimson decor, the 453-square-foot room offers a canopied king bed (or two twin beds upon request). At the foot of the bed is an ornate stone fireplace that swallows the entire wall, and offers a glimpse of what Napoleon saw each night before he fell asleep.
Once the Prior’s quarters, the Donatello Suite cultivates a cozy aesthetic with its hooded stone fireplace and paneled windows that frame views of Florence and her valley below. Private gardens or terraces accompany the Garden and Junior Suites, all equipped with luxurious Acqua di Parma toiletries. Terracotta floors, historic woodwork, and Renaissance color palettes immerse guests in la dolce vita, the Tuscan way.
An Experience Like No Other
While the embodiment of slow living, Villa San Michele offers no shortage of liveliness. On-site activities are always available at the swimming pool and Salus Regina Wellness Suite. The concierge’s events calendar immerses you in local culture to celebrate holidays, festivals, and food markets like a local. They can also curate exclusive, custom experiences like private Chianti wine tours, painting lessons in Florence, and mixology masterclasses to learn the art of the aperitivo cocktail.
“The Art of Making” tour showcases the craftsmen who keep tradition alive in Florence. Go behind the scenes with the timeless leather-makers of Mercato di San Lorenzo, the crystal aficionados of Ponte Vecchio, or the hand-weavers at Piazza de’ Pitti hat shops. This tour allows guests to become part of Florence’s “New Renaissance,” where one-of-a-kind Italian craftsmanship in handbags, jewelry, apparel, and more still thrives.
“Florence in An Ape Calessino” allows you to savor the City of the Baptist on the three-wheeled Ape Calessino. The preferred car in the 50s and 60s, its compact size proved efficient for Florentines transporting goods through narrow streets and alleys. Available after 6 p.m., this custom tour reveals a special Florence after dark.
“Secret Florence” unveils a city not seen by many: hidden rooms at the Opifico delle Pietre Dure and the forgotten artifacts at the Zeffirelli Museum whisper the city’s secrets that most tourists miss.
Tuscan Tastebuds
At La Loggia, dine among the clouds with more bird’s eye views of Florence. Chef Alessandro Cozzolino’s menu spins a modern flair on the timeless Tuscan palette. With ingredients sourced from the surrounding hills, La Loggia’s tasting menus embody the sumptuous flavors of the Medici, Italy’s mightiest Renaissance family. Begin this culinary dream with Legami, “Between Vices and Quirks.” Highlights include Shrimp with lemon, mustard grains, and acacia honey; Agnolotti, a rare dish of scorpionfish, burrata, and cardamom; and Piccion… cino, pigeon, eggplants, strawberries, and Prato vermouth.
Villa San Michele is located in the heart of the Arno Valley outside of Florence. This location makes it neighbors with Villa Medicea, one of the many summer escapes of Lorenzo de’ Medici “The Magnificent,” Florence’s most notorious Renaissance ruler. With private terraces and garden spaces attached to every signature suite, the villa cultivates the art of slow-living day or night, and makes it easy to see why Italian noble families fled the city for the tranquility found in these hills, olive groves, and rose gardens. Villa San Michele allows visitors to indulge in this same peace.
Barely a twenty-minute ride from Florence’s centro storico, the hotel’s private shuttle service runs throughout the day and provides easy hop-on, hop-off travel to and from the city’s busiest district. Thanks to the dedicated concierge team, convenience and peace-of-mind is key; tranquil travel, both within and beyond Villa San Michele’s borders, becomes synonymous with your stay. The property itself instantly eases the hustle of a day filled with Florentine sightseeing; the flower-fragranced grounds offers irresistable relaxation inspired by the landscape’s natural beauty.
For slow evenings meant to savor and delight, La Loggia offers an elegant fine dining experience in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Three tasting menus provide an edgy twist to locally-sourced ingredients, the perfect contemporary-meets-tradition cuisine for the country. Ristorante San Michele features coveted traditional menus, with both lunch and dinner options for flexible hours. San Michele Grill is the poolside snack hub, with authentic pizza offerings and fresh seafood. And don’t forget the tiramisu, pina colada, and baba rum cake, just a sprinkling of the grill’s dolci that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Beneath the shade of lemon trees, enjoy an aperitivo where 16th-century friars once prayed and cultivated herbs. No matter where you eat, sleep, or play, history breathes alongside you. From the breathtaking Tuscan countryside that flashes through every window, to the domed ceilings and authentic Renaissance art from the likes of Donatello, Michelangelo, and Santi di Tito, the resort is a history buff’s dream...and every Renaissance lover’s ultimate escape to the golden age of Italy.
“ TO GOD AND TO SAINT MICHAEL. NICCOLÒ DE’ DAVANZATI HAD ERECTED IN 1411. GIOVANNI DE’ DAVANZATI ENLARGED 1600. ”
The Sfumature menu, “In the Land of the Medicis,” sautees the flavors of the Renaissance. Amberjack: panzanella, basil, Canestrino tomato elixir; Egg Yolk Fagottini: salted cod, Maremma ricotta cheese, turmeric, oxtails; and Bischeri: cacciucco, Grosseto cuttlefish, pink shrimp, and green lemon are some options that sprinkle authenticity on the table.
Sensualità, “Vegetarian Sensuality,” offers something for every food preference: Round Florentine Zucchini with olives, capers, herbs, and edible flowers; Pratomagno Potato with pisanello tomato, pecorino Marzolino cheese, and salted lemon; Fieslano Saffron with Reggello pink chickpeas, semolina snails, and sweet pepper are some not-to-miss pairings.
Ristorante San Michele offers traditional lunch and fine dining options, while the poolside San Michele Grill provides the casual ambiance of an Italian barbecue and completes the villa’s diverse gastronomical journeys.
Villa San Michele opened on March 28 and will close for the season on September 30. Rooms start at €500 + vat (USD 543.92). Learn more at belmond. com/hotels/europe/italy/florence/belmond-villa-san-michele/