TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
This question is always a tricky one for me, as I like to believe I belong to three different countries. I am Paris born, Italian raised and London based. Overall, I am a citizen of the world and my home is London. My mother is very French and my father is very Sicilian, and they met in Marble Arch in the seventies – could not be a better combination!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT SLH AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT IT?
I have recently joined the sales team as Sales Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but I have been with SLH for over 11 years now. My previous role was with the revenue account management team, which led me to meet the most wonderful hoteliers, the independent minds behind our brand. My favourite part about my job is the hotels – our unique portfolio covers so many extraordinary locations, which makes my job very easy when it comes to selling such beautiful properties.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITING AN SLH HOTEL?
While every visit to an SLH property comes with special memories, I must say I truly treasure my trips to Rome as we have 12 sensational properties concentrated in the most beautiful open-air historical site in the world. I love walking from one hotel to another, each wonderful in their own way – plus when I leave, I have a few more kilos to lose after all the incredible food I have had the chance to taste.
Another memorable experience was in Positano at Villa Franca, a private home turned clifftop retreat located on highest point of the most photographed hill on the Amalfi Coast with breath-taking views. After our meeting, we were treated to a lovely dinner with Rosa and Massimo Taddeo, the hotel’s owners, and the next morning they generously arranged for their private boat to drop me off in Sorrento. Let’s just say I would love to commute to work like this every day!
WHICH SLH HOTEL DO YOU MOST WANT TO VISIT?
I have always wanted to go to Bali, and Viceroy Bali has been a long awaited dream for me. I am forever daydreaming about the Balinese jungle, the infinity pools and the delicious cuisine – I hope to go very soon!
Another place that I would like to return to is Portugal – the people, the food, the music, it has it all! And we have some amazing properties in Lisbon, as well as further away from the vibrant city, like Casa Palmela in the beautiful Arrábida Natural Park, where I would like to trek to a secluded beach and then return for a farm-to-table dinner with paired wines.
Last but not least, Morocco is always in my heart and Dar Ahlam is on my list, a traditional terracotta Kasbah which is a member of our Considerate Collection. This eco-friendly oasis carefully selects each and every one of its experiences for guests to be fully immersed within Berber culture, learning how to treasure and respect the ancient ways of the desert for generations to come.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CITY AND WHY?
My favourite city is the one I live in, chose to make my home, and recently bought a flat in. There is nothing like London – this city has so much to offer on every corner and for every type of traveller. Yes, it’s true that it rains a lot but I am writing this while the sun is shining and this city truly transforms when there is the tiniest bit of sunshine. That said, I do also enjoy lazy weekends on the sofa when the weather decides to be British!
New York is also the city of my dreams, where I have a movie moment at every turn. Walking along Fifth Avenue with that Starbucks cup of coffee in your hand as thousands of people pass you by is a powerful feeling. Lastly, Bangkok feels like my home in Asia as the city I have visited the most in this part of the world – I love everything about it, the humidity, the heat, the crazy driving – and I have even learned some Thai over the years.
WHICH DESTINATION DO YOU MOST WANT TO VISIT AND WHY?
Aside from Bali, I would love to visit Africa, the real Africa. I am still looking into the best way to do this in the most sustainable way. The magical, almost mystical city of New Orleans is also on my wish list.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY, OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love to stay active and I am always on the move, so I would say the gym is a very important part of my week. When the weekend comes, I often hit the city and look out for comedy shows! When I am not out and about, I am usually in the kitchen cooking for my friend like an Italian ‘mama’, as I am a passionate cook and I also am absolutely obsessed with luxury food halls – if I ever go missing, you’ll most likely find me in the Harrods food court.