Auberge Resorts Collection, renowned for its exclusive collection of luxury hotels, resorts, and residences, is delighted to unveil Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection. Named after the ancient oaks that canopy its historic tiered gardens, this majestic 16th-century estate is perched on a hillside in Florence, providing unparalleled views of the city’s UNESCO-recognized Centro Storico. Nestled along a cypress-adorned drive, the hotel marries the timeless allure of an urban sanctuary with the serene ambiance of a Tuscan country estate, presenting both locals and travelers a fresh perspective on the region’s cultural legacy. From its southern vantage, guests can relish the panoramic views of Florence’s Renaissance architecture and enchanting sunsets, while the northern and eastern outlooks offer mesmerizing scenes of Tuscany’s undulating countryside.

“We are delighted to expand our brand presence in Europe with the debut of Collegio alla Querce, our first property in Italy,” said Christian Clerc, President and CEO, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Florence is one of Europe’s most historic and treasured cities, and Collegio alla Querce, with its rich history and character, is the perfect addition to our one-of-a-kind portfolio. Collegio alla Querce has long been a Florence icon and an integral part of the fabric of this globally beloved city. We look forward to welcoming the local community and guests to this extraordinary property, where they can experience the best of Tuscan culture, gastronomy, and Auberge’s singular hospitality.”

Overlooking the Duomo, Collegio alla Querce served as an educational hub for over a century. Since 1868, Italy’s most esteemed scholars traversed its marble corridors en route to its library, theater, chapel, and the verdant surroundings. Under the visionary guidance of Analjit Singh, the founder of Leeu Collection, this historic site has been transformed into a modern 83-room hotel. The transformation has meticulously maintained the building’s original essence, with the project led by the celebrated Spanish architectural duo, Esteva i Esteva. Florentine interior design firm, ArchFlorence, has skillfully crafted the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms and suites and introduced four unique dining and drinking venues, including the remarkable Bar Bertelli, located in the former principal’s office.

“Through Collegio alla Querce we aim to honour the eternal legacy of Florence and Tuscany with an establishment immersed in the ethos and excellence of Leeu Collection’s luxury hospitality establishments, cherishing the glorious past and complementing the magnificent experiences visitors to the city are privy to,” said Analjit Singh, owner of Collegio alla Querce and founder of Leeu Collection. “Together with our partners at Auberge Resorts, Leeu Collection looks forward to contributing to the rich cultural, hospitality, and culinary offerings that have made Florence one of the world’s most desirable destinations. It is an honor to be part of a city whose spirit and history of the Renaissance continue to inspire.”

“We are honored to reintroduce Collegio alla Querce to Florence as a property that encapsulates the essence of the Renaissance city through its dynamic design, curated experiences, and unparalleled service,” said Lorenzo Maraviglia, General Manager of Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection. “With its own distinctive legacy, Collegio alla Querce is a remarkable addition to the city, and we look forward to welcoming travelers for transformative and unforgettable experiences.”

Upon arriving at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, guests, whether returning from a day exploring Florence’s wonders like the Piazza del Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio, or arriving for the first time, are enveloped in a sanctuary that balances serene natural beauty with a vibrant social atmosphere. The property boasts expansive lawns and four levels of historically terraced gardens, brilliantly restored to their original Medici-inspired splendor by landscape designer Franchesca Watson. These gardens cascade down to reveal a welcoming swimming pool, surrounded by an oak-lined bar and restaurant. Inside, the symmetry and beauty of these outdoor spaces are echoed in the expansive windows and are reflected in the interior design of the 49 Guest Rooms, 28 Suites, and 6 Grand Suites, including the spectacular 2,292-square-foot Residenza la Quercia. Here, the fusion of sophisticated art and modern Italian design meets Auberge’s unique and locally inspired aesthetic, incorporating the building’s original elements such as restored frescoes and wood-coffered ceilings. The decor features rich colors, local materials, and modern furnishings alongside antiques and original artworks, offering panoramic views and personal wine cellars in partnership with Gaja, enhancing the quintessential la bella vita. The individually named Grand Suites provide luxurious living and dining areas, stone bathrooms with large picture windows, and private terraces that boast the city’s finest views, including the Duomo. Nested within the seven-bedroom Palazzo Moderno, which can be reserved entirely for utmost privacy, the signature Residenza la Quercia includes two living rooms, two bathrooms, a butler’s kitchen, and an impressive rooftop terrace with a private hot tub.

A Fresh Perspective on Time-Honored Culinary Traditions

In a city celebrated for its culinary prowess and a region famous worldwide for its wines, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, emerges as a captivating new gastronomic destination. The resort honors Tuscan ingredients from both land and sea, with creative dishes that reinterpret traditional culinary practices across four unique dining and drinking venues, available both in-room and through various culinary experiences. These include mixology classes utilizing local Tuscan olive oil, amaro crafting, coffee tastings, chef-led pasta making demonstrations, and farm-to-table cooking experiences.

From the elegant serra, dining extends onto a veranda and down into the Baroque garden at the destination restaurant, La Gamella, serving seasonal Italian classics from morning till night. The Cicchetti open kitchen, a masterpiece designed and crafted in Florence by Officine Gullo, acts as a chef’s table, creating a space where guests can engage directly with culinary artists and participate in cooking masterclasses. La Gamella also features a light-filled amaro bar, perfect for daytime cocktails or an evening aperitif. The sun-drenched Conservatorio offers a laid-back yet elegant setting, ideal for enjoying light seasonal dishes, handcrafted pastries, and meticulously selected wines. Café Focolare, a poolside restaurant and bar, invites guests to relax all day under a vine-draped trellis with pizzas, small pastas, crudos, and Florence’s famous paninis.

Bar Bertelli, the evening highlight, once served as the collegio’s principal’s office. Here, innovative cocktails are paired with cigars in the lounge, and snacks inspired by the historic texts of distant lands studied at the school add to the ambiance. This unique bar also features ceiling portraits of the collegio’s distinguished students, adding to its intriguing cabinet-of-curiosities atmosphere.

A Private Retreat for Tuscan Well-Being

Aelia, the hotel’s serene Auberge Spa, offers a sanctuary dedicated to Tuscan well-being and rejuvenation. In exclusive partnership with Furtuna Skin, Aelia introduces a distinctive wellness experience rooted in nature, using sustainably sourced, high-performance products made from botanicals and olives grown on the 800+ acre organic La Furtuna Farm in Sicily. The spa, the first to incorporate Furtuna Skin’s products, uses advanced Soundbath Extraction technology to create potent formulations for impactful results. Here, guests can indulge in treatments inspired by the rich local landscape, including olive groves and abundant herbs, with tailored therapies designed to ensure profound outcomes. Aelia’s treatment suites, some with private steam showers and a secluded pool, provide a luxurious escape, maximizing personal well-being. Guests are treated to experiences such as the Olive Oil and Tuscan Lemon body treatment, incorporating warm olive oil, lemon, and herbal exfoliation, followed by tastings of a bespoke olive oil elixir, LXR12, exclusively bottled by Furtuna Skin for Auberge.

Extraordinary Experiences in Florence and Beyond

Florence has long been a source of inspiration for artists, chefs, and adventurers, and Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, continues to weave this rich tapestry with personal experiences that reveal the city’s hidden gems and foster connections among family and friends.

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