The prestigious hotel chain Auberge Resorts Collection has officially opened the Collegio alla Querce, its first establishment in Italy, located in the heart of Florence. The new luxury resort combines cultural heritage, high-end hospitality and conscious wellness, elevating the accommodation experience to an art form.
The complex is housed in a set of historic 16th century buildings that once served as a school, chapel and theatre. After a meticulous process of architectural restoration, led by the Spanish design duo Esteva i Esteva next to the Florentine studio ArchFlorenceThe result is a tribute to Renaissance aesthetics and Italian elegance.
The hotel has 49 rooms, 28 suites y six grand suitesMany of them are decorated with restored frescoes and wooden coffered ceilings, preserving the original spirit of the place.
Among its many proposals, the spa boutique Aeliaconceived as a sanctuary of Tuscan wellness. This exclusive space has four treatment roomsincluding a couple's suite with a private pool, steam showers designed by Grohe, and a terrace with an olive garden.L'Oliveta- designed for post-treatment rest.
The wellness experience is nourished by the Mediterranean philosophy and uses exclusively organic brand products. Furtuna SkinThe ingredients are sourced from an 800-acre estate in Sicily. Inspired by the Tuscan healing tradition, the spa also offers olive oil tastings after treatments, including a customised formula bottled exclusively for Auberge under the name of LXR12.
One of the flagship treatments is the full body ritual. Olive Oil and Tuscan Lemonwhich uses warm olive oil, Tuscan lemon and herbal scrub. Another star treatment, Longevity in Florenceis a 240-minute holistic journey that includes guided breathing work, lymphatic massage, advanced laser facial, olive oil tasting and access to steam showers and a soaking tub. This experience costs 800 euros.
The spa is open to both guests and external visitors between the following hours 10:00 and 20:00while the gymnasium, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and Technogymis available 24 hours a day.
In addition to its wellness facilities, the Collegio alla Querce is home to four restaurantsThe new building includes a bar located in the former rector's office and such emblematic event spaces as a restored Renaissance chapel and a renovated theatre. There is also a seven-room private residencethe Palazzo Modernowhich has its own terrace and jacuzzi.
The landscape restoration of the five-level Baroque garden was carried out by the South African designer Franchesca Watsonwho was able to reinterpret the Italian tradition with a contemporary sensibility.
The project is part of the European expansion of Auberge Resorts, which already manages properties in Greece, Switzerland and Franceand was commissioned by the group Leeu CollectionThe Leeu Collection, which has owned the property since 2017. The Leeu collection, founded by the South African entrepreneur Analjit Singhis also known for its link to the Indian welfare retreat. Vanacurrently operated by Six Senses.
Overlooking the world heritage monuments of Florence, the Collegio alla Querce not only offers a luxurious stay, but also an immersion in the art of the bienvivirwhere body, mind and spirit meet again in harmony with the environment.
