Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection stands in 15,500m2 of elegant gardens set on a rolling hill on the northside of Florence’s historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leeu Collection has appointed Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences, to manage Collegio Alla Querce in Florence, Italy. The historic 16th century property, which has its own chapel and theatre, is due to open in 2023; it will become Auberge Resorts Collection’s second property in Europe.
Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection stands in 15,500m2 of elegant gardens set on a rolling hill on the northside of Florence’s historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located under three kilometres from the Duomo di Firenze, the luxury hotel will celebrate Italy’s rich history in art and design, while also connecting visitors with Italian culture through its close proximity to world-famous galleries and museums, architectural masterpieces and renowned cuisine in Florence, as well as to the medieval villages and vineyards of the stunning countryside in nearby Tuscany.
An extensive transformation of Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection is already well underway. Award-winning Spanish father-son architect practice, Esteva i Esteva, has been enlisted to preserve the structures’ original character while introducing modern style and function. Local Florentine interior designers, ArchFlorence, will bring the interiors of the hotel to life combining High Renaissance art with modern Italian design. Brilliant colours, locally sourced materials and contemporary pieces will complement antique furniture, with walls of thoughtfully curated, decade-spanning artwork.
Outside, the resort’s grounds will feature beautifully manicured, expansive lawns and five levels of terraced gardens, one with Baroque influences that is a work of art in itself and the vision of Leeu Collection owner Analjit Singh and landscape designer Franchesca Watson, working in tandem with local Florentine landscapers.
Upon completion, Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection will have:
- 82 keys (61 rooms, 20 suites and a 210-square-metre signature suite)
- a restaurant, a bar and a cigar lounge
- multiple event spaces including a chapel, a theatre, a multi-functional room and an events lawn
- expansive gardens with five different terraces
- a 35-metre outdoor pool
- a fitness centre
- a spa with four treatments rooms, each with its own sauna, steam room and plunge pool
- a dedicated wine tasting room (enoteca)
- an art gallery
- a curated boutique.
Dining options will comprise a destination restaurant, a glass-enclosed garden room set amongst olive trees for daytime dining, a sophisticated bar and cigar lounge, and an outdoor pool bar offering light bites and cocktails. Additionally, the destination restaurant will offer authentic Tuscan culinary experiences, tastings, private dinners and cooking classes.
For business and leisure gatherings, a dedicated meeting room will be complemented by the theatre and chapel, which will double up as a space for events, art installations and workshops.
Analjit Singh, founder, Leeu Collection, said, “We made a conscious decision several years ago to focus on creating exceptional experiences for our guests by joining forces with the best-in-class in the fields of wine-making, dining out and artistic endeavours, so it gives me great pleasure to have the award-winning team at Auberge Resorts Collection manage our property in Florence. The approach taken by Auberge Resorts Collection is very much in keeping with the Leeu Collection ethos of crafting superlative luxury escapes that work with and promote the finest partners in the locality. This collaboration therefore feels like a natural fit and we look forward to working with them to build a sensational destination.”
Dan Friedkin, chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection, added, “We are tremendously excited to expand our presence in Europe with the addition of Florence and Collegio alla Querce. Our unique ability to elevate and preserve historic properties will translate into a dynamic new destination for rich culture, outstanding cuisine, art, design and unrivalled experiences in the internationally renowned city. We are grateful for Leeu Collection’s founder, Analjit Singh, who had the vision to create the most spectacular resort in Florence, and for the trust he has placed in us to help bring it to life.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
