In Florence, the new Gem of hospitality with spa and signature cuisine: a 5-star to discover

Art, architecture, fashion and design, as well as signature cuisine and cutting-edge spa treatments: La Gemma in Florence is the 5-star microcosm with which the Cecchi family has brought new buzz to the city.

Jungian psychoanalysis argues that coincidences are never random, but conceal a universal meaning that transcends rationality. Whether we believe it or not, it is undeniable that sometimes fatalities are very singular. See the case of the choice of the Cecchi family of Florence to open their boutique hotel La Gemma in Palazzo Paoletti. In the space that housed from 1,429, for more than a century, the Residenza dell'Arte degli Albergatori, the very first guild of arts and crafts that grouped the owners of inns and hotels in the city, the ancestor of today's Hotel Association.

It was in 1895 that, based on a design by architect Tito Bellini, the palace was erected on the same site, a majestic building with its typical sculpted ashlar. Definitely a place where the energy of hospitality has hovered vibrantly over the centuries and continues today with this project successfully initiated by the young Cecchi siblings. Ginevra, Edoardo, Massimiliano, Maria Sole, and Andrea, whose first initials of their names make up Gemma ("LA" alludes instead to their parents Luca and Alessandra), which could only become the very name of the hotel.

The goal of the property, made up of professionals from the fields of art, architecture, fashion and design, is to create a hospitality offering of the highest level, authentically Florentine, where one feels welcomed into a five-star luxury home with superior services and amenities.

The hotel

We are at the intersection of Via dei Lamberti and Via dei Cavalieri, in the heart of the historic center, just a few steps from Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio, Via de' Tornabuoni, the street of strolling among luxury boutiques, and the Duomo. And it is precisely the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the most representative monument of the Tuscan capital, that inspired Lo Studio Design by Gemini of Milan, by Elena & Giulia Sella, in its work of restoring and conceiving the mood of the new hotel. Specifically choosing different shades of sage green and various shades of pink.

Fine marbles and woods, precious decorations and exquisite fabrics have created an environment of great sophistication while remaining intimate and cozy. The property is spread over five floors and has just over thirty rooms, with some suites overlooking the quiet Via Dei Cavalieri.

Rooms that, among persuasive velvets, wall silks decorated with exotic plants, white Devon & Devon porcelain and Gio Ponti ceramics, evoke swanky Art Deco atmospheres. Although the hotel's interior design diffuses a glamour of yesteryear, in the wellness area, with its whirlpool, Turkish bath and ice waterfall, where the Allure spa's furnishings are made in the most natural materials and tones, the equipment is among the most avant-garde and the treatments are exclusive and custom-designed. Thanks to the Biologique Recherche system, a methodology based on unique and personalized treatment protocols for moments of relaxation with the guarantee of great effectiveness for a satisfying remise en forme.

The mixology and food service proposition: from the cocktail bar to Luca's

Just outside, in the elegant outdoor area, one can sip drinks from the cocktail bar list located on the second floor, in a secluded atmosphere compared to the nearby busy downtown streets. Try the Crash, matcha tea cordial, mezcal infused with pineapple, lime, elderflower liqueur; or Prince Charming vodka infused with Butterfly Pea, grapefruit tonic, lemon juice syrup. With all home-made preparations made by barlady Marta De Dominicis.

Also on the ground floor, adjacent to the lounge bar, two open spaces stretch outward, like intimate, cozy terraces that serve as elegant retreats for those who wish to smoke while enjoying an after-dinner aperitif or cocktail. Dinner is hosted in the dining room of Luca's restaurant, named after the Cecchi brothers in memory of their father who passed away a few years ago, amid sofas and oval tables, one of which overlooks the kitchen pass, from which one can watch the very young brigade work, meticulous and whispering, to ensure the perfect success of each course.

Supervising the gastronomic offerings is Chef Paulo Airaudo, an Argentinean who owns fourteen restaurants around the world on which shine several Michelin Stars. Two of which he obtained at the Amelia restaurant in San Sebastian.

Thanks to the operational input of young executive chefs Olivia Cappelletti and Tommaso Querini, in close connection with Airaudo, Luca's cuisine expresses itself through original creative evolutions and pleasantly unexpected combinations, keeping legibility and fulfillment for those seated at the table as top priorities.

The experiences

In addition to the canonical experience at the restaurant, concierge service organizes trips to the Tuscan countryside for tastings at emblazoned wineries and at artisans and producers of top-notch agri-food specialties. It is always exciting to participate in truffle hunting by going through woods with the most evocative views accompanied by expert professionals in the field. And it is especially exciting to take part in traditional cooking classes conducted by distinguished chefs and to learn the exquisite art of handmade pasta.

Not to be missed is a private tour of one of Florence's finest boutique perfumeries, inside a prestigious historic property. An enchanting building with restored frescoes and striking architecture is home to an impressive collection of perfumes. Here you can create your own personal fragrance under the guidance of a master perfumer, using a wide selection of natural essences and fine raw materials.