Nestled in the beating heart of Florence, a city synonymous with breathtaking art and Renaissance glamour, lies a new, glittering addition to the luxury hospitality scene: La Gemma Hotel.
This award-winning, five-star property is far more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a concept hotel that bottles the essence of Florentine elegance and contemporary charm, offering a spot of serenity amidst the vibrant hustle.
The Cecchi family, a young and dynamic team with deep roots in architecture, fashion, and design, are the visionaries behind La Gemma Collection, aiming to redefine Italian luxury hospitality. Their flagship Florence property, launched in 2023, is a captivating blend of classic grandeur and modern flair. Housed within the stately 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, which once belonged to the Guild of Hoteliers, the hotel’s location is a masterstroke.
Just moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, and the luxury shopping of Via de’ Tornabuoni, its location on the quiet Via dei Cavalieri ensures it remains an adequate hideout despite the pulsating excitement all around. If you like to be where the action is, this is the perfect base for your adventures in the picturesque city.
Stepping into La Gemma is like walking into a meticulously curated gallery. The interiors, masterminded by Design by Gemini Studio in Milan, are an immediate delight. They pay a direct and striking homage to the city’s stunning Cathedral, the Duomo, by adopting its distinct colour palette. Expect a symphony of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories, set against bold geometric patterns and sumptuous textiles. This isn’t flowery maximalism; it’s relaxed luxury that effortlessly exudes old-school glamour.
Rooms at Le Gemma Hotel
My suite, a haven of space and light, was an artful composition. A handcrafted king-size bed finished in muted shades of green velvet nods to the Art-Deco era, while a silk feature wall adds undeniable warmth and interest.
The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the exquisite Italian bed linens by Rivolta Carmignani to the marble bathrooms furnished by Devon & Devon with sleek Gio Ponti ceramics. The complimentary Votary products, featuring the elegant Rosemary & Chia series, only enhance the feeling of being truly looked after. Upgrading to a suite here is highly recommended; it transforms a city break into a residential Florentine experience
LUCA’s by Paulo Airaudo
For the first evening, dinner at the in-house gourmet restaurant, LUCA’s by Paulo Airaudo, is non-negotiable. At the heart of the hotel’s culinary offering, this high-end concept is devised to showcase classic Tuscan cuisine at its refined best.
Chef Paulo Airaudo, an Italian-Argentinian culinary star who achieved two Michelin stars in San Sebastian, brings a wealth of international experience and a contemporary style to locally sourced Tuscan ingredients.
I experienced the tasting menu, a journey kicked off by a memorable non-alcoholic welcome drink that shone a brilliant emerald green, perfectly matching the surrounding décor. Every course was a demonstration of artistry, taking much-loved classic dishes and giving them a modern, inventive twist.
Airaudo’s dedication to refined Italian cuisine is palpable, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming setting where you can truly savour the taste of Tuscany. It’s an experience that feels intimate and elegant, a place where friends and family can connect over extraordinary food.
Treatment at Allure Spa
After a day spent exploring the Uffizi Gallery or strolling along the Ponte Vecchio, the sophisticated, subterranean Allure Spa offers the ultimate setting for total escapism.
Located in the historic cellars of the palace, this tranquil space is designed to restore mind, body, and soul, featuring a Turkish bath, hydro-massage bath, ice shower, and two therapy rooms.
The welcome area is particularly noteworthy, feeling immediately warm, cosy, and elevated, with natural materials and a muted palette that enhances the sense of calm.
The use of Biologique Recherche products alone makes a visit a must. As someone who often suffers from dry skin exacerbated by travel, I chose the spa’s signature anti-ageing treatment.
This hour-long facial was profoundly relaxing and comfortable, thanks to the warm demeanour and exceptional skill of the esthetician. The treatment uses a potent pool of serums, rich in active ingredients and a very high percentage of hyaluronic acid, to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, all delivered through the bespoke lifting La Gemma’s massage technique.
The products soak deeply into the skin, and I was advised to wait until the next morning to wash my face, allowing the nourishing properties to work their magic overnight. This was no difficult task, given I’d had the treatment in the evening. In the following days, my skin felt the plumpest it’d been in a long time—soft and moisturised for a good two weeks after. It’s a treatment I’d invest in monthly, if not fortnightly, to maintain smooth, supple skin.
Cocktails and culture at Gemma Cafe
La Gemma doesn’t just excel in its rooms and fine dining; its more casual spaces are equally inspired. The Gemma Cafe features several beautifully designed areas that channel the Art Deco era and fashionable Florentine glamour. A secluded street-side café evokes a classic city ambience, while the lounge area welcomes guests with a glamorous cocktail bar and an opulent chequerboard marble floor.
The stunning private courtyard is a must-visit. Adorned with natural greenery, it offers an exclusive al-fresco space perfect for meeting friends, relaxing with vintage jazz, or sampling signature cocktails. In the summer, you can enjoy the new pintxos menu curated by Chef Paulo Airaudo, featuring savoury snacks like battered artichokes with citrus mayonnaise or the more avant-garde veal heart sweetbreads. These small bites perfectly complement the impressive cocktail and wine selections, providing a chic, relaxed alternative for a pre-dinner aperitivo or a light lunch.
Hotel La Gemma
Via dei Cavalieri, 2/C
50123 Firenze
Italy
