Can you tell us briefly how you came here?
I arrived in Florence in spring 2021, and although it wasn’t an easy time, I felt welcomed and very much at ease. I came from an equally beautiful place, Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole.

How did the hotel change with your arrival?
I tried to open it up to the city and the locals. Hence the idea of a partnership with Harry’s Bar, an iconic international brand, which by coming here has strengthened its identity thanks to our unique setting, especially in summer with our wonderful garden. In terms of culinary experience, the classics of Harry’s are still there – the tagliolino gratinato and the tartare prepared at the table, to give a couple of examples – along with seasonal dishes and vegetarian and vegan options to cater for our international clientele.

Which experiences would you recommend at the hotel?
I’m a big fan of a Negroni, and at Harry’s that’s a major focus. This leads to the Negroni Experience, in which guests can personalise their own cocktails. In summer, our pool – very close to the city centre – is an incalculable added value, particularly at sunset, with the rosy sky and the piano music…

What do you advise your guests to do in Florence?
I really loved the Renaioli experience: a fabulous boat trip on the Arno with the option of stopping for a picnic. It’s an unparalleled joy that will stay with visitors for a long time.

What’s Sina Villa Medici’s relationship with the local area and with The Mall Firenze?
The area around The Mall Firenze – and the whole of the Valdarno – is the perfect place for a trip in a supercar and lunch at one of the area’s superb restaurants – think Dario Cecchini or Falorni, for example. We often organise these tours, in which the luxury mall is an unmissable stop. We’ve created welcome packs with The Mall Firenze, including use of a private lounge and a personal shopper, which we can gift to visitors at our discretion. It enhances their stay with us, and is much appreciated.

SINA VILLA MEDICI
Via Il Prato, 42 – Firenze
ph. +39 055 277171

(Fernando Pane portrait by Claudia Camillo)