Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1546381
G U T T E R C R E D I T T E E K AY ight years ago, when restaurateur Grégory Marciano sold Sushi Shop, the Paris-based chain that has franchises across France and other European markets, "we didn't have a Plan B." So, he and his wife Olivia, along with their three young sons, decided to move to Italy, a place where they'd long loved visiting. "It was this little dream, but what could we do there?" The answer opens this fall: the six private apartments at La Réserve Firenze, housed in a magnificent quattrocento palazzo in Florence's tony Santo Spirito neighborhood. It's the first Italian outpost for the French mogul Michel Reybier, who partnered with the Marcianos on the project, lured by the distinctive appeal of the building and neighborhood. "Our neighbor is Massimo Ferragamo, and the Frescobaldi family lives on this street—it's very chic," Grégory explains. Indeed, the vibe is more akin to staying with a wealthy Florentine friend than having a room in a conventional hotel. "You go to the bar on the top floor and everything is included, you do your laundry, and they won't ask you to sign anything. It's a homey feeling." Guests will have insider access to exclusive experiences: Alessia Antinori, the winemaker and one of Grégory's close friends, will come to the hotel to host tastings, while a local violin maker will open up his atelier for visits. If you want to play tennis, you'll literally be right at home: The Marcianos will invite guests to their house, just 10 minutes from the hotel, to play on the court in their garden. The residential feel has even prompted the ultimate inquiry, Grégory adds. "We already have a request from a couple who'd like to stay for a year in one of the apartments," he says. One down, five to go. —M.E. FLORENCE THE HOTELIERS TO KNOW TAKING RESERVATIONS Fancy waking up with a view of Buckingham Palace? The 114-room Waldorf Astoria London—Admiralty Arch hotel is now accepting reservations for stays from March 1, 2027. The fit-for-a-king reboot of the former Royal Navy's administrative HQ has an unbeatable location overlooking the mall, and a superb captain at its helm: the much-respected General Manager Guillaume Marly. — M . E . RANDE'S ROAD RULES Entrepreneur Rande Gerber has always preferred a little adventure with his downtime. As he launches Crazy Mountain, the nonalcoholic beer he created with partners George Clooney and Mike Meldman, Gerber shares six favorite ways to get out and play. 1 Portugal for Padel "Great young pros there who love a good game. They'll keep you working hard for the win." 2 Colorado and Montana for Skiing "Beautiful places, fresh powder, and good food." 3 Tahiti and Bali for Surfing "Great surf, great culture, and a laid-back vibe." 4 Italy for Bocce "Playing during dinner, the old buildings with so much history, and, of course, the pasta and wine." 5 Europe by Motorcycle "My favorite two weeks every year. No real plan, just a few friends on bikes and a map." 6 Malibu for Everything "Where the mountains meet the beach. It's got all I need outside my door." E P H OTO BY M AT H I E U S A LVA I N G , C O U R T E S Y O F L A R É S E R V E F I R E N Z E ; P H OTO BY R A N D E G E R B E R , C O U R T E S Y C R A Z Y M O U N TA I N ; © 2 0 2 6 H I LTO N -room epting reboot able m: The rooftop and bedroom (inset) of one of the six private apartments at La Réserve Firenze 156 156 BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M