11 hours ago
Florence's House Of Nine Mixes Superyachts And Supper Clubs To Acclaim
It seems like visiting Florence, one of Italy's most popular cities, is high on every traveler's list. From the handmade pasta to the ornate art and architecture to the allure of aperativo hour, wandering stunning piazzas with a gelato in hand is almost irresistible. Known as the cradle of the renaissance, as well as the birthplace of gelato, Florence has seen a marked increase in tourism over the past decade. With tourism comes long lines and endless crowds. So where do locals and visitors in-the-know gather to eat, drink and be merry? Enter House of Nine, Florence's first membership club and hotel gaining a reputation for breaking the mold for luxury and accessibility. The lifestyle brand seamlessly links disparate ventures including a boutique spa, fitness, restaurant and, now, two luxurious superyachts, private chef included, into a chic portfolio that sums up their all encompassing ethos of fostering community.
A typical scene from Daisy's Restaurant
The House of Nine concept comes from husband and wife team Ginevra Moretti and Max Fane. The original hotel was upgraded from a four star property to a five star a few years ago including the adjoining gym and restaurants spaces. Daisy's Restaurant, named after Fane's grandmother, became the star of the show featuring a full lineup of raw bar delicacies, handmade pastas and innovative cocktails. With the new space filled with buzzing guests and a lineup of unique performances from some of the most talented musicians in the area, the two realized that they had the makings of a supper club turned cultural salon. By showcasing incredible local musical performances, themed dinner shows including Brazilian and Cuban nights and the food and drink that bring them together they've created not just a performance space but a shared community. Now, with the launch of their bespoke superyacht program, the perks for guests and members alike are stacking up.
Curiosity, one of two bespoke superyachts
While the hotel is located near the city center just steps from both the Medici Chapels and the Duomo, the superyacht charters begin with a short two hour transfer to Piombino port. Unlike typical charters, guests can choose 2-3 day itineraries instead of a whole week with options to split time between their superyacht of choice, Curiosity or Electa, and in the hotel. All meals on the yachts are included with an onsite chef and staff at the ready. Expect traditional Italian fare from fresh seafood to risotto with a twist depending on what the chef finds fresh daily. Breakfast is a la carte and lunch is served family style while dinner is typically a plated affair with optional wine pairings. The menu changes trip by trip and is fully bespoke and amenable to guests dietary restrictions.
A fully loaded seafood tower
Still not sure about splitting time? Both superyachts offer something that the hotel doesn't have: sunset aperitivo hour. Nothing makes a perfect spritz, pour a glass of bubbly or cheeky gin and tonic taste better than being anchored near some of the most pristine spots on the Tuscan coastline. All routes sail around Elba, the stunning island notorious for being Napoleon's home during his first exile. Today, Elba is more known for whimsical seaside towns dotted with cafés, shops and visitors from all over Italy and abroad looking for a respite in various scenic harbors before returning to the buzzing metropolis of Florence.
