Page 141 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

nied by Scarpa’s bar stools, and a striking nude IF YOU GO
statue by Emilio Greco takes pride of place in
the entry foyer. All of the bedrooms feature an
original artwork and a sleek, tailored style, al- Getting there: Fly into Florence Airport, Pere-
though a couple of signature suites retain 19th tola. There is a train which runs from the airport
century frescoed ceilings and painted wooden into historic Florence.
beams. Eating Europe food tours: www.eatingeu-
rope.com
The result is a feeling of unforced eclecticism, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria
like a private home that has evolved organically Novella: www.smnovella.com/en/
over time. In fact, many of the artworks on dis- Mio Concept Store: https://mio-concept.com
play come from the family’s own collection, in- Il Torchio: www.legatoriailtorchio.com/en/la-
cluding pieces by Giuseppe Chiari, a native bottega/
Florentine who was a jazz musician as well as a Bottega Storica d’Art: www.alessandrodari
visual artist. Grand Hotel Minerva: 97 rooms and suites.
Maestrelli, who studied clinical psychology Amenities include a seasonal rooftop pool and bar,
and neuroscience before entering the hospital- gym, jacuzzi hot tub (to rent privately), multiple
ity industry, clearly embraces an environment restaurants, Bistrot Bar, and al fresco dining April
that appeals to a deeper realm of the human through October. https://www.grandhotelminerva
spirit. “The idea,” she explained, “is to create a .com/en
hotel that adds to your experience of the city—
a hotel with a heart and soul.”

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