MILAN — Aquazzura is strengthening its ties with the world of hospitality.
Following in the footsteps of the branded bar unveiled at Rome’s famed Hotel de Russie in April, the luxury accessories label founded by Edgardo Osorio has joined forces with another jewel of Italian hospitality, the recently opened Collegio alla Querce hilltop Tuscan retreat, which is part of the Auberge Collection’s portfolio of 30 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts and residences.
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Through his Aquazzura Casa home line, Osorio is bringing added flavor to new culinary experiences offered at the location: an afternoon tea moment served at the Conservatorio atrium and the Sunday brunch at La Gamella fine-dining restaurant at the heart of the hotel.
Both moments are now marked by tableware from Aquazzura Casa’s Secret Garden collection, in a color palette designed exclusively for Collegio alla Querce. Inspired by lush botanical beauty, the green-hued range features exotic motifs and recalls 18th century porcelain, offering a richly ornamented canvas for chef Nicola Zamperetti’s culinary creations.
The Sunday brunch at Collegio alla Querce.
“With these new offerings, we hope to give guests an experience that is as beautiful as it is flavorful,” said Lorenzo Maraviglia, general manager of Collegio alla Querce, adding that the collaboration with the brand “represents an authentic meeting of two Florentine excellences, united by a shared vision of celebrating beauty, creativity and Italian savoir-faire in every detail.”
In particular, the afternoon tea served Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. features the “Inspired by Florence” tea collection, including the “Il Mistero di Venere” spiced black tea with rose; the “Santa Maria del Fiore” Earl Grey with blue flowers; the “La Leggenda di Boboli” black tea, or the “Il Segreto dei Medici” jasmine green tea, among others. Served with a selection of sweets and savory bites, the teas can be flanked by an Amedei hot chocolate; a single-origin coffee; Champagne Pol Roger, or tea-based cocktails. Prices range from 50 euros to 60 euros a person, depending on the pairings.
Priced at 160 euros a person, the brunch is served every Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Set across the kitchen island, it offers seasonal delicacies, live pasta show cooking and features a different Tuscan winery every week. These present a selection of labels paired with the dishes on the menu to offer guests a journey through regional flavors.
The La Gamella restaurant at Collegio alla Querce.
Once an educational institution, Collegio alla Querce was turned into a contemporary 83-room hotel offering views of both Florence’s historic town center and the hills of Tuscany. The 16th-century property’s transformation was overseen by the award-winning Spanish father-son architectural firm Esteva i Esteva and the Florentine interior design firm ArchFlorence, while landscape gardener Francesca Watson designed the outdoor spaces.
In addition to its dining venues and event spaces — which include the Bar Bertelli housed in the former principal’s office; the poolside Cafe Focolare; the original chapel Sala Dorati, and the Il Teatro theater — the retreat features Aelia spa, the first in partnership with Furtuna Skin.
The location showed a penchant for collaborations with other industries since Day One. To mark its opening in May, the resort partnered with Cabana to introduce both a private dining experience and a seasonal boutique, which showcased an edit of artisan-made tabletop and home decor from Casa Cabana.
The Afternoon Tea moment at Collegio alla Querce.
As for Osorio, he introduced the Aquazzura Casa line in 2022 out of his passion for interior design and the art de la table. As reported, the following year he expanded the scope of his footwear brand with bags, while earlier this year he moved into eyewear with a sunglass collection.
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