Chianti
VillaHosts
Before our guests arrive, the VillaHosts get to know them and are able to present them with wonderful experiences based on what interests them. We want to make our guests feel like they are part of the fabric of our communities rather than tourists just peeking in for a moment. Their experiences are real, genuine to the culture and personally meaningful.
Cecilia
I was born in Italy, but moved around a great deal while younger, giving me an appreciation for different countries and lifestyles. I lived in Brazil, the United States and Switzerland, but returned to Italy to study in Florence for my university education. I always knew I'd return to Italy and am happy to call Tuscany my home!
Before becoming a VillaHost with A Season Away, I was a hotel concierge at a Chianti property whose owner was the head of YPO (Young Presidents Organization) for all of Italy. Because of this, I had my hand in planning many of the events for these young executives. As such, I am equally at ease with a company president or a stay-at-home mother. I have a one year-old daughter myself!
My role as a VillaHost in Cortona is to interpret your dreams so that at the end of your holiday you feel you have found your own private Italy. My family has a weekend home overlooking Lake Trasimeno, not far from Cortona, so I know the region like the back of my hand!
What I enjoy most about being a VillaHost is sharing the best Italy has to offer. That said, sometimes it may be a simple, unplanned event that is most memorable: stopping by a bread shop to try warm focaccia... going to the St. Mark Cloister in Florence to admire one of the most beautiful frescoes ever made... grocery shopping in Sant'Ambrogio market followed by breakfast at Cibreino...
I think the greatest advantage of having the guidance of a VillaHost is that your own passions and interests may lead to getting to know and enjoy Italy in a deeper way. By getting to know you over the course of weeks, not days, we will be able to guide you most appropriately.
