La Gemma Hotel charmingly captures the essence of Florence’s unique elegance and distinctive sense of timeless sophistication, taking inspiration from the city’s landmark cathedral…
Set within a stunning 19th-century palazzo, La Gemma Hotel includes a rather cool first-floor gourmet restaurant and a tranquil private spa located in the historic cellars of the palace. Most significantly, its striking interior design concept is attracting guests who truly appreciate the art of contemporary design.
A design-led hotel, it has been created and masterminded by the Cecchi family, a young dynamic team who share a breadth of knowledge and experience in the arts, architecture, fashion and design. Their combined aim is to offer the very best hospitality in the city. A charismatic, Florentine experience where guests feel they are being hosted in a luxurious home, yet with first class services and 5 star amenities. Architecturally, La Gemma Hotel marks a new era for this prestigious Florentine property and its transformation fittingly draws inspiration from its surroundings.
The interiors have been created to pay homage to the city’s stunning Cathedral, with the hotel’s eye-catching aesthetic drawing inspiration from the ’Duomo’s’ distinct colours and sculptural design elements. La Gemma Hotel’s interior reflects the beauty of the famous cathedral with a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories alongside bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles, and bespoke furnishings.
Rooms and suites give off an air of relaxed luxury which effortlessly exude old-school glamour. References to the Art-Deco era can be noted in the handcrafted king-size beds finished in muted shades of green and pink velvets, while a silk feature wall adds warmth and interest to the space. Ornate circular bedside tables provide a sense of contemporary opulence, while recessed backlit shelves add character and charm to the rooms.
Offering exclusive Florentine hospitality within a historic palazzo, located over five floors, the accommodation includes a selection of rooms and suites with several featuring private terraces overlooking the city. Rooms and suites are impeccably presented and finished with vibrant silk wallcoverings, Italian bedlinens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani. The marble bathrooms are furnished by Devon & Devon with ceramics by Gio Ponti. The impressive Prestige Suites are perfect for family vacations and include a sofa-bed, open-plan kitchen and living space.
At the heart of La Gemma Hotel is Luca’s restaurant and lounge, a beautifully presented space inspired by the Art Deco era. Gentle arches divide the room into comfortable dining areas, while the panelled walls, open wine cellar and handcrafted bookcases add warmth, character, and charm. The concept of Luca’s gourmet menu is another element that has been lovingly created by the Cecchi family. Honouring the classic traditions of Florentine cuisine yet reinterpreting these with a strong, contemporary vision, offers meals that are both authentic, innovative and mouthwateringly delicious.
Celebrating locally sourced Tuscan ingredients, menus at Luca’s pay homage to the much-loved Florentine street-food where classic dishes are given a modern twist and presented with exceptional artistry. Luca’s restaurant is a place to gather with friends and family to savour a true taste of Tuscany in a relaxed, yet sophisticated setting.
Perfectly complementing the restaurant is Luca’s lounge, a welcoming space accentuated by a glamorous cocktail bar and opulent chequerboard marble floor. Luca’s lounge is the perfect space to meet with friends, relax and listen to a little vintage jazz, sample a signature cocktail, or enjoy a mixology masterclass.
Completing the La Gemma Hotel experience is the sophisticated sub-terranean spa ‘Allure’ which offers guests the ultimate setting for total escapism. A tranquil space designed to restore the mind, body, and soul. Allure Spa is furnished with natural materials and features a muted palette that further adds to the sense of calm. At the Allure Spa and Wellness, therapists use Biologique Recherche offering guests the highest quality bespoke treatments in a serene space dedicated to relaxation. The Biologique Recherche Method is based on a scientific and visionary approach allowing ultra-personalisation of beauty treatments. Featuring a boutique wellness area, Turkish bath hydro-massage bath, ice shower and two therapy rooms Allure’s team of experienced therapists offer tailor-made treatments and bespoke therapies.
Main image credit: La Gemma Hotel