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Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection — Florence, Italy

Who stays here: A careful renovation of a cultural institution, now a romantic retreat just outside the bustle of the city.

The rolling hills of Tuscany are no stranger to standout hotels — to make a splash in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations requires fortitude and a keen eye for novelty. Auberge Resorts rose to the challenge, transforming the Collegio alla Querce into a sophisticated Tuscan retreat that captures the spirit of the countryside and combines it with enviable proximity to Florence.

To call the institution that once stood here a mere boarding school would be reductive. In buildings dating to the original 16th-century palazzo that first stood on the site, some of Europe’s most elite students passed through this school for nearly a century and a half. The closing in 1999 left a gap in the cultural landscape, and the UNESCO-recognized buildings forlorn. Enter Auberge, whose careful renovation preserved stonework, frescoes and coffered ceilings, as well as a chapel and theatre — complete with original balcony seats — that now serve as special event spaces. At the inauguration of the new hotel, alumni returned for a deeply moving ceremony on the gorgeously restored grounds.

Also worth noting are the former headmaster’s room, now a stylish cocktail lounge, and the most exclusive suite, Residenza la Quercia, which spans multiple floors, two living rooms and a terrace that shows off the best of Tuscany — right down to the unmistakable Duomo.

Defining features:

• Dozens of bespoke experiences, from private tours to cooking classes and wine tastings.
• Aelia Spa with a garden pool, private treatments, and meditation and yoga classes.
• Complimentary shuttle service to the center of Florence.

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