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Critics Choice Vacations
Florence, so feminine....
There is no question that Florence is a city of art. Spend any amount of time wandering its streets and you’ll start to see it everywhere. Art lives in the cuisine, fills the city’s numerous museums, and even embeds itself in the walls of its most famous landmarks. It’s really no surprise that Florence is at the top of many travel bucket lists, sometimes even overshadowing the rest of Tuscany with its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities out there. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning a trip. Recently, Susan once again had the chance to familiarize herself with Florence’s best hotels getting all new hotel updates, restaurants to have a memorable meal, and current and upcoming tours to get to know some of that artistic lineage on an intimate level. She hopes her discoveries will continue to help her team at Critics Choice Vacations be the best in crafting the perfect stay in this historic Renaissance city for all of their clients.
Susan once again partnered with Onirikos
for a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Officially open to the public since 1765, this art gallery is the most visited in Italy, and one of the first traditionally modern museums in the Western world. Situated in Florence’s historic center adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria, the atmosphere of the location alone is enough to give visitors an idea of what to expect inside. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour delved into the history and techniques of the multitude of famous works on display. A definite highlight of the experience was viewing the museum’s collection of Renaissance paintings, which feature pieces by Giotto, Bottecelli, Leonardo da Vinci. Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio, to just name a view. The work of German, Dutch, and Flemish masters was also discussed. A huge thank you goes out to Stefano Bajona and team for organizing both the Uffizi tour, and Susan’s arrival transfer!
For those more interested in Florence’s food scene, a tour with TasteFlorence
might be more your speed. Susan met up with founder, Toni, an American who came to the city 18 years ago, to experience the culinary adventure herself. Toni’s love of Tuscan food led her to start the first walking foodie tours in Florence, and help visitors discover all the special spots they might not otherwise find on their own. Tours last three to five hours, and take guests deep into Florence’s historic center where a team of sommeliers, culinary professors, and guides serve traditional cuisine in TasteFlorence’s favorite venues. While some are chosen for historical significance and others for charm, there’s always delicious food and wine to try wherever Toni and her colleagues lead you. Like art, cuisine can say a lot about a city, and like visiting a museum, sampling a wide range of dishes can capture just what Florence is all about. Stops don’t include sit-down restaurants, but small, family-owned specialty shops and stands. In addition to the actual tasting, guests learn about how products are made, as well as how they tie into the local culture. The best advice? To come hungry!
In addition to choosing how you explore Florence’s artistic and culinary scenes, where you choose to stay can have a large impact on the quality of the trip. Luckily, Susan found some pretty spectacular properties to consider, all within Florence’s city limits. Her stay at the Baglioni Relais Santa Croce
was a definite highlight of her time in the city. Situated near the basilica from which it takes its name, this former 18th century palace is strikingly private for its centralized location. While the hotel features a wide range of modern amenities for the comfort of its guests, the historical charm of the property is at the forefront of the experience, especially in the hotel’s public spaces. The design philosophy carries from basic rooms, all the way up to the staggering 260 square meter Santa Croce Royal Suite. Rooms are classically decorated, but made special with pops of intense color, occasional boldly pattern fabrics, and delicate crystal chandeliers. Speaking of chandeliers, the one based on a design by Da Vinci hanging in the Salla della Musica is not to be missed. Guests can also enjoy excellent examples of local cuisine at the property’s restaurants, Guelfi & Ghibellini and the three Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri. Susan thanks Hotel Manager Marco del Lama and Front Office & Events Coordinator Francesca Lotti for their incredible hospitality.
Susan’s stay at Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1, thanks to Creative Destinations, was all about the views. Situated on a pedestrian-only shopping street of the same name, this hotel resides in a medieval tower built in 1200. To say this property has historical charm would be an understatement. The highlight here is the incredible views from the hotel’s two terraces. The dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Arno river, the Santa Trinita Bridge, and the Palazzo Vecchio are just some of the landmarks visible for guests to soak in. The decoration of the rooms at the Antica Torre are directly inspired by classic Renaissance artwork with the goal of infusing where you stay with the atmosphere of the city itself. Each space has a distinct homey feel, and are made unique with use of textured fabrics, warm color palettes, and boldly patterned walls. Also not to miss is breakfast at The Tower restaurant, located on one of the hotel’s panoramic terraces. No motor traffic on Via Tornabuoni makes for a quiet stay, and the ideal place to peruse the street’s numerous luxury boutiques.
Finally, few experiences could compare to Susan’s time spent at Villa Cora. Voted one of the top hotels in all of Italy, this property is a private oasis situated in the city’s surrounding hills. While the hotel is located outside the city center, it’s become especially known for its sweeping views of the Florence skyline. The building itself was an aristocratic residence built towards the end of the 19th century, and is a stunning example of the architectural trends of the time period. The communal guest area are especially striking between the preserved parquet flooring, ornately painted ceilings, and multitude of crystal chandeliers. Paintings and sculptures seem to live in every corner (even surrounding the pool), in a way that makes the villa feel halfway between a boutique hotel and an art museum. Rooms are classically decorated, but given personality with bold, yet fashionable fabrics and draperies. Don’t forget to enjoy breakfast in the outdoor dining area overlooking the pool. In Susan’s words, it’s to die for. A huge thank you goes out to Ariela Duina, Elisabetta Pocci, and Hotel Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing Vanessa Giovannelli for their incredible hospitality.
In addition to her hotel stays, Susan also took several site tours to round off her exploration of Florence’s luxury hotel scene. Situated just north of the historic city center, the Four Seasons Firenze
is over the top in terms of detail. From the art that hangs on the walls, to the art carved into them, there are very surfaces left unadorned. A soft color palette and plethora of textures work together to create a calm, yet interesting atmosphere. Expansive gardens surrounding the property provide just enough separation from the bustling city outside, but never enough to make guests feel isolated. For such a grand setting, all public spaces feel noticeably intimate. A wide range of room styles also makes it easy to choose the accommodation that works best for your stay. Susan thanks Sales Manager Cristina Visconti for organizing her visit.
The Hotel Savoy-Rocco Forte
was the next stop on Susan’s list. Situated in the heart of the historic city center, this property is in a prime location for hitting all of Florence’s biggest sites. The newly refurbished interior is chic, but made cozy with details such as classically inspired sculptures and patterned wallpaper in its rooms. Pops of bold blues and yellows are also a common thread in the decor of many of the guest spaces. From the top suite, guests can also soak of some of the best views of the Duomo and Bell Tower. Meeting areas are intimate, yet inviting. However, be sure not to skip a visit to Irene Bar. The cool, modern interior is the perfect place to try simple, yet interesting riffs on classic cocktails in a happening area of the city. A huge thanks goes to Sales Director Francesca Pretin! (Sorry so few photos, Susan's phone died just into the visit).
Located just steps away from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, J.K. Place Firenze
is truly in the center of everything happening in Florence. Day trips out of the city are made easy thanks to the nearby train station, while major sites, such as the Duomo, are a mere 10-minute walk away. For incredible views of the iconic dome, check out the hotel’s rooftop bar. Common spaces and rooms are quaint and intimate, but designed with incredible attention to detail and a creativity that uses small spaces to their full potential. Soft color palettes and crystal chandeliers give each space an air of elegance, with occasional pops of color to keep things visually interesting. Susan sends many thanks to General Manager Claudio Meli, who is always available to guests to share his love for his “home away from home”, Gaia Esposito, Reservations Manager Marina Tunjic, and local foodie expert Andrea Pieri. It’s another one of those special places where you come as a stranger, and leave as family.
On the other end of the spectrum is the St. Regis Florence. Situated right on the banks of the Arno River, this property does everything on a grand scale. Public areas are spacious and made dramatic with intricate chandeliers and large floral arrangements. This expressive design extends to the guest spaces with the use of ornate mirrors, bold pops of color, and Renaissance-inspired artwork overlaid over a classic style of decor. Extensive use of patterned fabrics lends even more personality to the property.
Located just steps away is the Westin Excelsior, Florence. Unlike its neighbor, the atmosphere of this property is warm and substantial. A rich color palette and extensive use of wood accents can be found in both common spaces and guest rooms. The highlight here is SE·STO, a glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant and bar with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city center. A huge thanks to Luigi Comi for his tours of both properties!
Situated on the Arno between the Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte Vecchio, the Portrait Firenze
was Susan’s last site tour. The views of the latter iconic bridge are unbeatable. This is an all-suites property, so all guest spaces are spacious and uniquely decorated to have their own personalities. The Panorama Executive floor pairs pastel blues with white accents, while the Studio Torre highlights the building’s original stone walls and vaulted ceiling. Something all rooms share are clean lines, and bold uses of color and artwork. Its location is ideal for the trifecta of city activities: shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Susan rounded out her time in Florence with lunch at Il Borro. Part of the famed Ferragamo property, this Tuscan bistro is a hip and happening dining venue located right on the Arno. The property was originally a fortress (based on a translation of the name), and was highly sought after by ruling families for centuries thanks to its strategic location. The first record of the castle dates all the way back to 1254. Renovations and expansions of the structure began in the 16th century, and continued as the property changed hands frequently between powerful families. Il Borro was purchased by its current owners, the Ferragamo family, in 1993 after renting the estate since the mid 1980s. A series of renovations in the following years preserved the centuries-old buildings, yet updated it for modern use. The bistro’s menu features traditional Tuscan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, such as, served alongside the estate’s own wine. Many thanks to Director of Sales Erin Pirozzini for the wonderful meal!
This article was written by Nikki Link, Blog Spot nicolegoesglobal.blog, and email nicoleklink1994@gmail.com.
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
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