The best place to drink a negroni in Italy
Hotelier Marie Louise Scio has a love affair with her home country and shares her favourite spots to eat and drink.
If you’ve been fortunate to spend a few summers in Italy or are a hotel lover, chances are you’ve heard of Marie Louise Scio and the luxury hotels of the Pellicano Group.
Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a Bellini at the most chic of them all, Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole on the coast of Tuscany.
Maybe you’ve dived into those turquoise waters of the island of Ischia from the hanging rock beach deck at the Mezzatorre.
Or you’ve lounged around on the stripey beach beds on the seaside west of Rome at La Posta Vecchia.
Those unfamiliar with Italy’s brand of luxury hotels will soon have them on their radar. Pellicano Group recently struck a €200m ($325m) investment deal to expand across Italy. It’s great news for travellers, not because the country is short of hotels, but because these are not just hotels.
They are boutique boltholes filled with character, each with their own style and identity and deeply tied to the heritage of their location.
Scio, Pellicano’s chief executive and creative director, says her career as an entrepreneur has been driven by her love of Italy.
She has been dubbed a tastemaker, style icon, an authority on design and hotel guru. She is the undisputed heart of Italy’s luxury hotel scene and famous for throwing parties for the Italian elite. Italophiles can also seek to replicate the Pellicano aesthetic in ISSIMO, the e-shop and digital extension of the brand.
What inspires my work
My work is fuelled by a deep passion for Italy and its timeless beauty. It’s not just a place; it’s a vibe, a culture, a dish, a feeling that lights up my artistic soul. My work is like a tango with Italy’s rich history, culture and jaw-dropping design. Step into our hotels and ISSIMO, and you’re stepping into my love letter to this country.
What I love about hotels
Their personality and vision. It’s the unique charm they exude, the thoughtfully curated experience they offer, and the genuine warmth they make you feel. That’s what gives a hotel its heart and soul. A hotel with character is an immersive journey in itself.
Why hotel trends are unimportant
I don’t follow trends in general. What captivates me are timeless qualities and authentic experiences rather than fleeting trends.
Don’t miss lunch in Rome at …
Cesare al Pellegrino. Nestled in the heart of Rome, this place is more than a lunch spot; it’s a culinary haven. Bringing together the perfect blend of traditional Roman flavours and a charming ambience makes it my top choice. Their pasta with aglio, olio and peperoncino (garlic, oil and chilli) is outstanding and the daily specials are fabulous.
The place I always return to is London
This city’s cosmopolitan vibe and cultural diversity make it a destination I find myself returning to, lured by its energy.
I won’t travel without …
My trusty scarf and headphones. I also always bring a pair of sunglasses – at the moment, I’m loving the latest ISSIMO X LGR Gae glasses, a bold representation of contemporary and avant-garde style.
My go-to cocktail
The negroni, a classic blend of bitterness
and sweetness that never fails to delight my taste buds. Especially when crafted by our maestro Federico Morosi at Hotel Il Pellicano, it’s nothing short of liquid poetry – and perfect for aperitivo.
Favourite place to stay
Corte della Maesta stands as one of my most cherished retreats. It is nestled in the heart of Civita di Bagnoregio, and its charm and authenticity have captured my heart, with each detail weaving a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. The hilltop village of Bagnoregio, with its medieval mystique accessible only by a footbridge, adds a touch of enchantment.
Where I’m going next
The enchanting city of Vienna is my next destination. I’m excited to explore its cultural richness and architectural splendour.
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