By Simone Bandini
We get to know the ‘actors’ of Poggio Paradiso and – through the lens of their personal sensitivity – we try to evoke, and in a concrete way, the charm that this place undoubtedly exerts in its guests. Without forgetting to describe details of hospitality and service, starting with the brand new ‘Terme Miele’, the ultimate pampering for those in search of absolute peace, recovery and regeneration.
As usual, it is my friend Chris Romani who welcomes me with professionalism and cordiality at Poggio Paradiso. We haven’t seen each other for some time and, after the necessary personal updates, this time we review the key figures of the resort.
Starting with the most familiar face who knows the most about the events of this structure, the Hotel Manager Luigi Vecchione: “I support Chris in the management of the hotel, I mainly deal with the relationship and reception of guests, the staff organization and events, a fundamental sector for Poggio Paradiso. I try to be the point of connection between personnel and ownership – which is always very present and close to the needs of all of us”.
For Luigi, what really makes the difference is the philosophy of hospitality: “There are so many beautiful facilities but what really matters is the pleasure of making the guest feel ‘welcome’; when you arrive in Poggio you are still strangers – but in a short time you have already become part of the family”.
Proceeding towards the restaurant, after having spoken extensively last time with chef Alessandro Goracci, we now meet Emiliano Maineri from Rome, to whom we ask for his predilections: “I like cooking everything: I love first courses very much, but I am also passionate about desserts! I like both artisan bakery and pizza, I love fish from appetizers to main courses, from grilled ones to shellfish. With Alessandro we choose raw materials of absolute value, exercising our imagination in the interpretation of many classics. In fact, there is no shortage of local cuisine, but with a spark of cosmopolitan creativity that we both have. Our dishes must convey the heart and the idea, they must be seen and felt: from a dish you can understand many things about life and also about the chef!”. One last truly curious and enlightening statement.
Marco Amicone, who holds the role of Maitre and Sommelier, then approaches our table: “What conquers and excites me is the very work of presentation, explanation and food and wine pairing. A continuous challenge of perfectionism. It is priceless to receive the sincere appreciation of our guests, to see their satisfaction”.
If we move from the restaurant “L’Olivo” – Contemporary Tuscan Cuisine, towards the Spa, the desire to close ourselves in the inner peace of our soul and abandon, on the other hand, to its numerous health and wellness treatments, rises. So, we talk to Tania Bruni and Cecilia Fabri, managers of the brand new ‘Terme Miele’, about what can be expected from this health and personal beauty centre: “Here you will find a Spa path, with a special sauna, with stones sprayed with water and mint essential oil, to obtain a ‘good’ evaporation. There is a wall covered with Himalayan salt that spreads into the air, facilitating the well-being of the respiratory tract; a saline therapy known as halotherapy. Then, we have the panel cabin with infrared light: it is used to relax, to relieve pain, to improve blood circulation or as an immune booster: the soothing heat has a positive effect on mind and body. Finally, the emotional shower that mixes and nebulizes water and essential oil together with lemon and mint”. A true ecstatic oasis for the guests of Poggio Paradiso.
“There is also a relaxation room called “Sanctuary”, where you can lie down in comfortable armchairs, enjoying a herbal tea and listening to good music and sounds of nature with guided meditations (available in Italian, English and German). A true regenerating rest. Then we offer a variety of holistic treatments, called ‘Ritual’ with specific ‘Natural’ products and essential oils, de-contracting, relaxing, draining and detox massages, foot reflexology, Ayurvedic massages to reactivate the microcirculation. They are specific treatments that restore harmony and well-being between mind, body and spirit,” they specify.
The concept of Terme ‘Miele’, we think, is truly fascinating and manifests itself in the design of the premises. What about the treatments, is bee nectar used specifically? “Within our treatments we find a ‘Honey Spa Ritual’ which consists of a scrub and a massage with cosmetics based on bee nectar – which nourish and inebriate the skin”, they answer.
Let’s now return to the overall vision that the Poggio Paradiso family can give us. What does it feel like to work in this ‘happy’ land? If for Marco Poggio Paradiso is a sublime location with great potential, chef Emiliano says he landed in this land because he was looking for a different lifestyle, with alternative times and principles to those of the big city: “I slept for some time in the small house that now houses the Spa; the sense of tranquillity and peace that I have always felt is indescribable”. For Tania and Cecilia, working at Poggio Paradiso is a ‘spontaneous’ pleasure: being immersed in nature with friendly, kind and helpful people is like being with family, you feel at home: protected, pampered and in harmony. We close with the words of Luigi, who speaks of a real spell: “Here I immediately felt at home, there was no longer any reason to leave. When the ownership passed to the Romani family, their passion and ambitious and concrete projects brought great enthusiasm; in them I see the same love that I felt for this land and for these people. Tim Romani always says that this is not a place of passage but rather where to put down roots”.
And how can you blame him!
Info: Poggio Paradiso Resort, Loc. Torrita di Siena (Si) / Tel. and Whatsapp 338 5211390 / www.poggioparadisoresort.com / info@poggioparadisoresort.com
