Discover a luxury guide to Florence with the city’s latest offerings.
Looking for the best luxury guide to Florence? Savour the city’s rich heritage from the comfort of incredible accommodations, where historic palazzos have been transformed into sanctuaries of refined taste. Then indulge your palate in plates by Michelin-starred chefs, where culinary virtuosos craft with the freshest local ingredients. Florence is an enchanting city that celebrates the finer things in life.
Drink & Dine
LUCA
Italian/Argentinian chef Paulo Airaudo brings to LUCA a wealth of international experience, having worked in prestigious restaurants in Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Columbia and, most recently, in Spain, where Airaudo’s innate skill in refining Italian cuisine led to him achieving two Michelin stars in San Sebastion. Back on home turf, he’s creating modern fine dining Italian using seasonal ingredients in a chic restaurant setting that’s the latest star on Florence’s dining scene.
Atelier de’ Nerli
This exquisite restaurant seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of Florence’s artistic heritage with the culinary arts. It’s a gastronomic masterpiece by Daniele Cavalli, artist and designer son of fashion designer Roberto. Every detail, from the interiors to the dishes, is meticulously crafted with the restaurant’s interior dressed with bespoke artistry. From antique mirrors to chairs and tables, glassware by Florence-based Ugo Poggi to the works of art from the historic Studio Galleria Romanelli across the road. As for the art on the plate, Piedmontese chef Gianluca Camilotto focuses on dishes with only three ingredients using traditional Tuscan recipes.
Cibrèo Ristorante
Led by Giulio Picchi, the son of famed Florentine restauranter, Fabio Picchi, the Sant’Ambrogio dining favourite has come to the city centre bringing the same philosophy of authentic flavours of the Florentine traditions using the best products that the Italian territory has to offer. The new Cibrèo is an innovative dining concept offering a menu of Italian specialties modernised by Chef Oscar Severini, who, after working side by side for years with Fabio Picchi, is now responsible for Cibrèo’s culinary offerings. Its Tuscan flavours elevated from the simplicity of Tagliolini Cacio e Burro to a 40-day aged steak-cut chop. The sleek Cibrèo’s Cocktail Bar, which dominates the restaurant’s main dining room with its yellow Siena marble bar, is ideal for a pre or post-dinner drink with a menu of classic Italian cocktails.
Where to stay in Florence
This Time Tomorrow
Florence’s last opening is a masterclass in art and architecture. A restored palace with just eight residences dressed with decadent frescos, baroque portraits, and velvet furniture. It gives off a feeling of palatial spaciousness. Ceilings feature spectacular frescos of intricate painting, showcasing the ‘trompe-l’œil’ style. Each residence has a kitchen and living room with bespoke furnishings and luxurious fabrics. Thoughtfully curated artwork dominated by warm neutrals and deep jewel tones. High ceilings and large windows flood the rooms with natural light. This highlights the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail in every historical corner. The team offers ‘off-menu’ experiences arranged by their resident curator, all tailored to your every desire. From arranging private tours of Florence’s famed art galleries to securing reservations at the city’s top restaurants.
Helvetia & Bristol
Built in the early nineteenth century as a private residence in 1885, Helvetia & Bristol remains the best in Florence today. A recent refurbishment has added new rooms and a new Roman-inspired spa. Precious collections of objects, furniture and furnishings dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century have a modern touch with contemporary accents. Also, with creations of fine Italian craftsmanship, including wallpaper with original designs, elegant wainscoting and hand-bevelled oak floors. The design of the Italian silk damask fabrics, precious taffeta curtains, and furnishings are specifically for the hotel’s restoration. The addition of the Bristol Wing – in what used to be the Banco di Roma – with interiors by designer Anouska Hempel includes 25 new rooms and suites – some with epic terraces overlooking the Florentine rooftops.
La Gemma
A design-led hotel created and masterminded by the Cecchi family. Within the stunning 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, this stylish new five-star hotel is all rooms and suites with luxury. Think of old-school glamour, with design references to the Art-Deco era and bold green wallpaper giving off a lush garden feel. Handmade king-size beds are dressed in Italian bed linens. It’s the epitome of what should be part of a luxury guide to Florence. Marble bathrooms are furnished by Devon & Devon, ceramics are by Gio Ponti, and bathrobes are by Rivolta Carmignani. Amenities by Votary are perfumed with rosemary. Meanwhile, in the palace’s historic cellars, a tranquil private spa is ideal for unwinding after walking the cobbled city streets.
