OLGA POLIZZI ON FLORENTINE ARTISANS

Rocco Forte Hotels

The home of the Renaissance, Florence has a centuries-long heritage of enchanting design and incredible craftsmanship. When designing the interiors for Hotel Savoy’s stylish new look, Olga Polizzi sought out the finest local artisans to handcraft beautiful bespoke pieces for the hotel.

“It is wonderful to see how many craftsmen still work and create their masterpieces in the centre of Florence,” she explains. “We commissioned many artisans from the city, a lovely experience which I hope will make the hotel feel truly Florentine.”

Harmonising the legacy of the Renaissance with a fresh modernity, the new Hotel Savoy is a mesmerising Tuscan escape. Guest rooms have a bright, inviting palette with sumptuous Italian fabrics from C&C and Dedar. Much of the rooms’ furniture was made in Florence, including the carved Putti and bronze lights. Mrs Polizzi worked closely with furniture makers Castorina to create gilded mirrors, hand-finished with gold leaf. Founded in 1859, Castorina has been family-run for generations, crafting and restoring wooden friezes and furnishings.

“The suites will be very glamorous, unusual and comfortable, many with views of the Duomo and the distinctive rooftops of Florence,” reveals Mrs Polizzi. Hotel Savoy’s grand, new and refurbished suites now feature small libraries, alluring oversized sofas and life-size statues of the four seasons by Tuscan ceramicist, Ceccarelli. Made using the same method as the Luca della Robbia roundels of the 15th century, they lend an authentic touch to the elegant suites.

Distinctly Florentine, The Presidential Suite is embellished with sublime, locally created pieces. Gold leaf mirrors by Il Bronzetto adorn the walls, while bespoke bookcases from Castorina, lined with works from Italian authors, command attention. Even the marble-finished bathroom is finished with luxurious products from local historical perfumers.

Experience the beauty of Florence’s artisans for yourself with an unforgettable stay at the newly renovated Hotel Savoy. To enquire call +39 055 2735 831 or email reservations.savoy@roccofortehotels.com


You may also like

Discovering Agrigento’s Cultural Heart

Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.

A Reimagined Golfing Experience at Verdura Resort

Verdura Resort is home to two of Europe’s finest championship links courses, where rolling fairways and manicured greens stretch to the rugged shores of southern Sicily. Designed by acclaimed golf architect Kyle Phillips, these courses embrace the island’s dramatic beauty, offering sweeping Mediterranean views and an exhilarating golfing experience. Now, with an ambitious investment programme enhancing every element of play, the resort welcomes a new season of golf.

Brussels in Motion: A Century of Art Deco

In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future.  Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.