text Martina Olivieri
The new La Gemma hotel and its restaurant Luca’s
Refinement, elegant design and gourmet proposals just a few steps from Piazza del Duomo
Timeless refinement, careful and elegant design, appealing aesthetics. Just a few steps away from Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo and Via de’ Tornabuoni, La Gemma Hotel (created by the Cecchi family and directed by General Manager Laura Stopani) is a true oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence’s lively centre, and you instantly realise this as soon as you cross the threshold of the entrance.
Famiglia CecchiThe hotel’s interiors are inspired by the colours and sculptural elements of the Duomo, reflecting the cathedral’s beauty with a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks and delicate ivories, flanked by bold geometric patterns, opulent marble, sumptuous fabrics and custom-made furniture.
The rooms and suites exude splendour and glamour, while at the heart of the hotel is Paulo Airaudo’s not-to-be-missed gourmet restaurant Luca‘s: a high-end dining concept open to all and designed to present classic Tuscan cuisine at its best.
Chef Airaudo has worked around the world, moving from Mexico to Peru and gaining experience in legendary restaurants, including Arzak in San Sebastián, The Fat Duck in London and Magnolia in Italy. Over the years, the chef has had big success, culminating in a 2 Michelin star rating at his restaurant Amelia in San Sebastián in Spain. Airaudo’s distinctive style is to draw inspiration from classic dishes and quality seasonal ingredients, then elevate them to contemporary levels with extraordinary artistry. The inside of the restaurant mimics this combination of contemporary and traditional, simple and innovative.
With a soothing mix of Tuscan greens, Luca’s is a dreamy space inspired by the art deco period and elements of the cathedral, with velvet cocktail chairs and sofas and a wine-filled wall that gleams like a Byzantine altarpiece. “The concept of fine-dining is evolving. People want happy places where they can enjoy themselves and have a good time”, says the Executive Chef who awaits you at Luca’s for a sensory experience that is hard to forget.
