Florence Is Getting an Auberge Resort — and the Hilltop Retreat Has Suites With Personal Wine Cellars
The former boarding school building has been transformed into a luxe oasis with olive groves and lush gardens at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Courtesy of Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
A rendering of the Querce Room, which means "oak" in Italian at Collegio alla QuerceFlorence's red-roofed tiled skyline, with the imposing silhouette of The Duomo towering over it, has inspired awe for centuries. Soon, guests of a new Auberge Resorts Collection property, opening on March 2, 2025, can enjoy unobstructed views of the dreamy landscapes that have captivated the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Housed in a former 16th-century boarding school, just three miles from Florence's historic downtown, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, is the quintessential Tuscan hillside retreat. It is complemented by modern amenities, fine dining experiences, an intimate spa, expansive and meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens, and endless views of the Renaissance city and its most prominent landmarks.
Courtesy of Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
Interior of a guest room at Collegio alla Querce"Collegio alla Querce has long been a Florence icon and an integral part of the fabric of this globally beloved city. We are immensely excited to transform this jewel into Europe's finest urban resort, where locals and guests can enjoy a highly curated lifestyle experience defined by cultural and artistic enrichment, outstanding gastronomy, and unforgettable moments," Christian Clerc, president and CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure.
The 83 guest rooms and suites, reimagined by Spanish architectural firm Esteva i Esteva with interiors by the Florence-based ArchFlorence, blend past and present by incorporating many of the building's original features like hand-painted frescoes, coffered wood ceilings, and antique furnishings with contemporary comforts like spacious stone bathrooms, private terraces and balconies, large windows, and in-room wine cellars. The property's crown jewel is the Quercia Suite, which boasts two living rooms, two bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a spectacular rooftop, and a private plunge pool.
Courtesy of Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
A rendering of the exterior of Collegio alla Querce in Florence, ItalyWith five dining venues, the resort highlights the best of Italy's culinary traditions. The sophisticated La Gamella, housed in a light-filled orangerie with arched ceilings, will offer classic Tuscan flavors and seafood dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Conservatorio, a casual all-day eatery, will transform into a vibrant evening spot with live music.
However, the property praises its Bar Bertelli as "the nightly star of the show" for its innovative cocktail program, largely inspired by its unconventional venue — the former principal's office, where guests will indulge in concoctions and small bites surrounded by a collection of archival memorabilia.
The hotel's Aelia spa is nestled among lush greenery and comprises four treatment rooms, some of which have private plunge pools and a steam room. The holistic treatments will embrace Tuscany's nature by incorporating organic ingredients like herbs and olive oil.
Auberge Resorts Collection's European portfolio will continue to expand next year with the addition of Cambridge House in London's Mayfair, slated for a late 2025 opening.
Nightly rates at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection will start from $1,100 and you can book your stay on aubergeresorts.com.
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