Spa Canada Magazine

THE SPECIAL ONE IN HOSPITALITY

I often feel my job is a privilege one, where I visit, people who I meet, most important what I learn, that most people will never have the opportunity to experience and can only dream about. Going to Florence was a part of my dream to come true!

Florence was a city I was determine to visit, I have written many articles on the world of creative arts, to visit it's home most certainly was a memorable trip, of learning and to embrace Firenze and the Italian way of life.

There are few cities in the world that history of the arts, sculpture, architecture and design runs through it's life line, to make Florence what could be called "The Special One" of destinations.

With Florence you feel like you are taken back in history to where many other cities of the world captures the ideas of the Renaissance.

Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, is a vital part of the history of this great city, with it's arts, design, architecture and the beautiful gardens. You feel you are going back in history where you could rub shoulders with Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci, yet with all the latest modern amenities around you. What would these great men make of wide screen TV's Internet and all the mod cons in your room? They would probably paint a picture of the day, of a high-tech lifestyle and e-mail, then send on the pictures on a PDF file to fellow friends and artistic fellows.



Through Patrizio Cipollini General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and his team, it runs like a luxury Italian car as it purs along without you knowing you're moving. Elisa Baldo Guest and Public Relations Assistant Manager, was a great help with this article, as people say I notice more than most people when good PR works.

What many people forget is that a hotel and spa are living businesses, where team work, innovation, great customer care and leadership make your visit perfect and everything is taken care of for your visit, without you knowing what goes on behind the scenes.

A RESTORATION TO MATCH THE HISTORY
The restoration of the hotel has been strictly overseen by Florence's Soprintendenza Per II Patrimonio Storico Artistico (Superintendant for Artistic Historical Patrimony), Ministero Per i Beni e le Attività Culturali (Department of the Fine Arts and Cultural Activities). One of the roles of the Governmental agencies was to determine which period artistic and cultural artefact's should be resorted. As such the artworks throughout the hotel are a testament to the many revolutions of artistic taste throughout the Palazzo's and Conventino's long history. The pictorial works in the courtyard were commissioned in 1555 by Alessandro de Medici to Jan van der Straet 1523-1605, a Flemish Mannerist artists.



The times of late Baroquet Art is demonstrated in the highly decorated suites on the first floor commissioned in the early 17th century, these frescoes were painted by Baldassarre Franceschini 1612-1689, a fine example of the Rococo style of decoration favoured by the nobility of the time. Eighteenth century is also represented in the hotel areas in many different ways. It is the masterpiece of the arts which elevates Florence to the top-floor of travel destinations.

The reception area could be a entrance from a stately palace, with paintings, sculptors and a large display cabinet of figurines, a chandelier of Tuscany (-> it is actually original Murano glass )crystal is the centre piece of the reception, throughout the hotel chandeliers can be admired.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is like a museum of history of architecture, design and the arts, "living home gallery", the hotel has two Renaissance palaces, whose previous residents is most certainly impressive, including a Pope, Italy's first railway company, five centuries of Florintine nobility and the Viceroy of Egypt, who sold it when his harem was barred from moving in, is this a story to test the Sands of Time. It took almost eight years to renovate to opening in 2008, so much had to be done to bring it up to it's glorious standard of today! The hotel is located on the edge of Florence's history centre and occupies two protected buildings the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Conventino a 16th century Palazzo, which once a convent, frescoes, base reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers have been carefully resorted to reveal vivid detail dating back over five centuries.

There are 116 rooms and suites none are alike, all of them are individual dimensions and window-sizes and many have idiosyncratic original features, including frescoes, friezes and ceiling art. Room amenities have been customer-made by Lorenzo Villoresi, the first Italian Perfumer to win the Coty Prize. His background is of ancient history and philosophy, Nobel, Gallery and Renaissance suites a total of 11 speciality suites, each offering distinctive historical art and features.




Frescoes are to be found in many rooms from the ballroom which grace the finest to the chapel in the hotel where in the ceiling and in the frescoes there is a hole where people upstairs could spy on what was happening in the chapel, this does not apply today.(would you like to add anything)-> people upstairs could actually attend the mass through the hole !(more than spying...)

Della Gherardesca Royal Suite - located on the ancient noble floor of the Palazzo. The centrepiece of the suite is a long, vaulted reception gallery, with five large windows overlooking the hotel's park. The gallery has detailed frescoes ceiling and original 18th century Capodimonte ceramic floor by Ignazio Chiaiese. An additional, separate living room offers a more intimate space and leads onto the king bedroom, featuring parquet floor and frescoes ceiling depicts the Paral throne, surrounded by angels. The opulent bathing lounge with central marble bathtube tells it's own fascinating history; former office of the President of Strade Ferrate Meridionali, the walls are adorned by mechanical-themed base-reliefs dating back to the early 1900's, featuring cogs, anvils and hammers, very much in keeping with the industrial times of a pass era. The Royal Suite also has a dining room with seating for ten, office and separate guest bathroom.

HISTORY OF GIARDINO della Gherardesca
The garden is just wonderful, there are many varieties of trees and shrubs, also sculptors and landscaped that you feel you are living in the garden. Giardino della Gherardesca, first known as Giardino Pinti, was originally designed between 1472 and 1480 following the purchase of the Palazzo by Bartolomeo Scala. The area directly behind the Palazzo was landscaped into a formal Italian-style garden, with the remainder of the 11 acre 4.5 hectare space dedicated to extensive vegetable plots, fruit orchards and a "ragnaia" an ornate traditionally used by hunters to capture small birds in the woods. The garden was the first palace in Florence to grow mandarin trees, which were imported from Naples in 1844, fact alluded  to it in the manuscript's of renewed 19th century botanist Antonia Targioni-Tozzetti (1785-1856). In 1857 the garden hosted the Fourth Exhibition of the Tuscan Society of Horticulture enhancing it's reputation for rare and exotic botanical specimens, which put the garden on the map of horticulture.

Amongst the most striking varieties are Taxus Baccata - decorative renewed as the longest living plant in Europe and a century old Thuja Tree, a hardy aromatic conifer also known as the tree of life for it's homoeopathic properties. Towering over the profusion of giant trees is an evergreen Sequoia, one of three species known as Redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. The garden also hosts an abundance of colorful Maples and prolific flowering Azaleas.
The property can be compared to a large British country estate, in an urban area, which is exceptionally unique. The gardens are a addition to the countryside, where you can hear many species of birds in a city environment.

STRINGS OF CLASSICAL VIVALDI AND MOZART, ART THE IDEAL INGREDIENTS OF A SUNDAY BRUNCH
What a great setting the grounds of the Four Seasons Hotel must be for classical concerts by the Fiesole Music School, the repertoire includes pieces by Vivaldi and Mozart, and is performed by the "orchestra dei ragazzi" conducted by Maestro Edoardo Rosadini. The orchestra is made-up of young boys and girls aged 10 to 17, carefully selected among those attending the school's courses.-> this is the description of the Sunset Concert which will take place on June 10th The events take place on a Sunday and are an ideal way to spend a Sunday Brunch and unwind in the Florence sunshine. Also available are painting classes within the garden a relaxing time to learn the art of brush strokes.

CANDLE IN FLORENCE, MAKES YOU DROP OFF INTO A ITALIAN DREAM. . .
By Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella
Drops of Light Candle Massage

All dressed in white with style and sophistication their presence took away the stress from my mind and body. . . as I floated into my treatment . . .



This is one massage that will leave a lasting memory; I savoured the warmth of the oils, which after a long journey took the stress away and I might add revived me. Pleasant fragrance of buttery drops, gives the massage an atmosphere and a harmony of the massage, the pleasant feeling of warmth and the sweet aroma from the candle, makes this massage very special.

Arriving from London I was booked into the spa to have a treatment called the "Drops of Light Candle Massage", exhausted from a early start that morning it was out of this world pleasure to relax for over one hour.

The spa occupies two floors with pillared facade in the Giardino della Gherardesca, overlooking the outdoor pool, well-known designer Pierre Yves Rochon, the spas ground-floor lobby and lounge is furnished with a simple and elegant cream and black design, accented by classic artworks and status and ornamental pillars, the lounge is a great place to meet fellow guests in the spa and the relaxation area is great to drift away after your treatment, enjoying the wonderful landscaped grounds.

For the walls of the treatment rooms stones from Tuscany has been used in grey which is called Pietra Serena, keeping with tradition of the area.

There are nine treatment rooms, honeymoon suite, colors are a cooling grey and light tans with that Italian style of design about them, to give you a feel of freshness and peacefulness.

The bespoke natural products of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest herbal pharmacies in the world, dating back to the 13th century to Florentine (or Fiorentini) monks. The spa is the only one in the world to feature the entirely natural products of the brand.

Created from the herbs and flowers that grown on the hillsides surrounding Florence the spa's signature treatment are a long revered the therapeutic and aromatic benefits for the Iris. The plant dried rhizomes produce arocs, a powder that is distilled to create a violet-scented extract. The extra formed the basis of the exclusive perfume that Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella created from Catherine de Medici - native Florentine and Queen of France in the early 16th century. The young Queen transported the herb formula for her precious Acqua della Regina (The Queen's Water to Paris) where it became known as Eau de la Reine, it was subsequently taken to Cologne and developed into Eau de Cologne.

The treatment menu is most certainly original was a Relaxing Treatment with Organic Lavender. Relaxing properties of lavender are enhanced by the combined action of heat and special massage techniques. Exclusive treatment that will relax the body and mind to a state of absolute harmony and balance. The heated herbal scent is made of organic lavender flowers from the Tuscan countryside.

Chianti Relax is another exclusive treatment the spa, this rejuvenation sensory massage features oils blended from grape extracts, infused with the warm, rich fragrance of Chianti wine. Designed to improve circulation, restore balance and leave the skin revived and luminescent from head to toe, only wish I could have tried these two treatments.

There are many other treatments and massages including Steps to Wellness, Head and Sports Massage.

Fresh Officina Facial in Florence
By Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
A complete deep cleansing skin treatment perfected for the seasons change. After purifying the face, creams by Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella products will leave the skin feeling soft, shiny and smooth; this is an ideal combination of manual techniques and innovative products that will leave you with a sense of perfect well being. There are many other treatments including Sensitivity Re-balancing Facial, Anti-ageing Facial and Especially for Him Facial.

Luxury Hand Care, basic Manicure and Pedicure are available, plus there is an Hair Dresser (from the famous "International Studio" of Florence) in the salon available. To make you feel really fit, why not go for a "Walk  in the Park" a personal trainer will take you through a series of stretches, breathing exercises, medication and aerobics, within the 11 acres of the grounds, to balance your life.

The beautiful outdoor pool is in the grounds adjacent to the spa building. Cabanas and sunbeds are available and is very popular with guests and secluded in the grounds.

Parlando e Conversando (having a conversation with you)
The Atrium Bar, the Palazzo della Gherardesca was unusual for it's time in that it's main interior space, now with a glassroof, light meals, coffee and cocktails are available.

The bar really reflects the fall when seasons were changing, darker wood, lighting reflect the seasons, curtains which have many different leaves and fruits of the changing seasons, they are over six metres high is the length of the curtains. There is also a Paravento Illustrato (blinds), of a French gathering in the corner of the bar in brown, shades of cream, gold and rustic, the merchants look as if they are Parlando e Conversando (having a conversation with you).

As sit writing the article a pianist is shuffling the ivory's of the piano, playing the well-known standard a "Theme from a Summer Place", could not of been composed for a more suitable place in spring and summer.

HISTORY THAT IS FIRENZE
The city dates back to Julius Caesar in 59 BC, the city is the capital of Tuscany, the country's most famous wine region that stretches from central Italy to the northwest coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Originally the city was within a rectangular wall bout 1,800 metres long. The city developed rapidly thanks to it's favourable position and the role it played in the area of Europe.

In the Medieval ages Margrave Hugo choose Florence s his residence, this initiated s the Golden Age of Florentine Art. In 1013 the construction was begun of the Basilica de San Miniato al Monte. The city became one of the most prosperous in Europe. The first gold coin was minted in large quantities to help to make Florence an important banking city, not only in the area, but across Europe. Before the Black Death in 1348 there was 80,000 people living in Florence, with about 15,000 are said to have supported by the city large woollen industry.

Lorenzo came to power in 1469 and he was a great supporter of the arts, commissioning works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Raphael, the Renaissance had arrived in Florence, the city was the place to be, with artistic, literary, scientific investigations that was backed by banking and trade which brought tremendous wealth to the region.

From 1420 to 1446 Brunelleschi created a group of works which were to represent one of the most important moments in the history of the City, artistic personalities determined the image of the Renaissance of the city, from Donatello, Masaccio, Sandro Botticelli, and many more.
In 1500 Michelangelo and Raffaello had created an artistic atmosphere in the area, while Leonardo was artistically involved in Milan. The great supporters of the arts were the Popes Clement VII, Julius II and Leo X. Raffaello came to Florence from Urbino in the same year. In 1516 Michaelangelo returned to Florence from Rome to designing the facade of San Lorenzo Church on the request of Pope Leo X. 1534 Michaelangelo under the Sistine Chapel frescoes.

In 1865 Florence replaced Turin as Italy's capital and the city was modernised with many of the medieval houses were pulled down. The Piazzo first renamed Piazza Vittorio Emmanuelle II, then Piazza della Repubblica the present was significantly widen and large triumphal arch was constructed at the west end. In the 19th century the population of Florence doubled. a foreign community came to represent one-quarter of the population, today there are many people from abroad who live in the Florence and Tuscany areas, many from the USA and Canada and other parts of Europe, plus a large Chinese community.

DINING TUSCANY STYLE
Central to Tuscany's identity is it's traditional cuisine, based on season's ingredients and fresh flavours. Ii Palagio, the hotel's main restaurant, serves Italian fare with ingredients sourced from Artisan producers. The lunch and dinner menus includes several prime piatti first courses and a selection of entrees inspired by the beautiful produces of the surrounding countryside.

WINES TO SUIT EVERY PALLET
The hotel's intimate wine bar has a remarkable selection of wines, it serves over 50 Italian wines by the glass including Tuscan sopecialists Sassiciaia and Ornellaia from the coastal vineyards of Bolgheri and Suvereto. This is a must for any wine buff.

LUNCHING ON THE PATIO
Lunching on the patio is a great way to let the hours take there course, my meeting was with Elisa Baldo Guest and Public Relations Assistant Manager, who spoke to me about the history of the hotel and grounds. Four Seasons Hotel staff are so well informed about the property they look after and the company in general, this I feel is a excellent part of the training.

Florence is a living studio of creativeness, the buildings are of age of precision of craftsman and originally of style which can only be accomplished in Italian culture. Tuscany Province of Italy natural crafts are given prominence.

The history is so much to mention about Florence, the great creative minds who laid the foundation stones of today, are responsible for Florence and it's growth, with many buildings around the world owing their beauty to these great creative minds. Florence and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze enables a writer to be creative, your pen just wants to express a city with so much Italian history and culture.

You can fell in love with a city, Four Seasons Hotel and Firenze, is a love that has no FINE (ending).

CIAO from Four Seasons Hotel Firenze