Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, and Cabana founder Martina Mondadori hosted a glamorous dinner celebrating the opening of the newly debuted luxury retreat in Florence and the launch of a Cabana pop-up store on the property. Perched on a hilltop and set within the grounds of a former boarding school, Collegio alla Querce served as a stunning backdrop for the intimate gathering. The table was set with an array of artisan-made dinnerware, tabletop items and décor from Casa Cabana, including the new Botanica Collection.
The evening's guests included Senior Vice President, Brand for Auberge Resorts Collection, Callie Stanton, Vice President, Marketing, Openings and Transitions for Auberge Resorts Collection, Caitlin McConnell, along with Martina Mondadori, Jenny Walton, Amanda Brooks, Ashley Hicks, Alessia Antinori, Vanessa Zoppas, Remy Renzullo, Fiona Corsini, Diego di San Giuliano, Vikram Kansara, Gabriela and Ramiro Garza, Maria Beatrice Garagnani Ferragamo, Maria Sole Ferragamo, Mariam Naficy, and Francesca Mapelli.
Channeling a shared spirit of hospitality and love of entertaining – all with a lens on design – the artfully styled boutique, located next to the property’s signature restaurant La Gamella, showcases a selection of artisan-made pieces, hand-picked by Cabana to complement the refined atmosphere of the Italian resort. The pop-up invites guests to take home a piece of Italy’s rich design heritage through an unparalleled shopping experience – whether they’re searching for the perfect souvenir or a special addition to their own home.
Tucked down a cypress-lined drive, the newly unveiled Collegio alla Querce blends the charm of a timeless urban escape with the tranquility of a Tuscan country estate, offering visitors a new vantage point for appreciating the region’s cultural heritage. The property’s transformation into a contemporary 83-room hotel while preserving its original character has been overseen by the award-winning Spanish father-son architectural firm, Esteva i Esteva, and the Florentine interior design firm, ArchFlorence. The hotel also boasts multiple dining venues and event spaces, including La Gamella, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, mischievous Bar Bertelli, housed in the former principal’s office, poolside Café Focolare, Conservatorio, and the original chapel, La Cappella and theatre, Il Teatro. Aelia Spa, the first-ever spa in partnership with Furtuna Skin, is a nature-ensconced haven dedicated to holistic wellbeing. The resort also offers a range personal experiences designed to unveil the city’s best-kept secrets and connect family and friends.
Image credit: Collegio alla Querce
