Today’s guest is Stefano Barbini, owner of San Lorenzo lodges in Italy – White Deer in the Dolomites, Holy Deer in Rome, and Blue Deer which is actually a custom built, luxury catamaran that Stefano likes to call his “sea lodge.”

If you like authentic travel, San Lorenzo lodges are the stuff of your dreams. White Deer is a 16th century hunting lodge, previously owned by a Bishop, that the Barbini family reclaimed. Holy Deer is an expansive apartment in Piazza Novona – which was once inhabited by a Pope and his mistress.

Stefano himself had a 25 year career in fashion, and was the CEO of Escada in Italy and France. His wife, and co-owner Georgia comes from a well known fashion family in Italy as well. Leaving fashion to start anew in hospitality – they knew they wanted to do something differently.

Stefano and I discuss how he and Georgia found these incredible jewels, how they play host to their guests personally, and the secrets to discovering the heart of Italy.

Support the podcast by booking any of the luxury hotels HERE

Listen to hear:

• 02:23 – About Stefano’s view from his favorite spot in the Dolomites 
• 04:01 – How Stefano and Giorgia became magnates in the Italian fashion industry
• 05:15 – How and why they left it all to buy a 16th-century hunting lodge in the mountains
• 06:17 – The crazy history behind the mountain lodge, and the Bishop who lived there
• 07:25 – Lessons and mistakes Stefano brought from fashion into the luxury travel industry
• 08:40 – Stefano’s unique philosophy about hospitality, and how you might find him as your driver or Giorgia as your cook 
• 11:30 – What experiences and activities you can enjoy at San Lorenzo Lodges
• 12:45 – One of Stefano’s favorite memories of a guest… pajamas = luxury 
• 14:52 – How Blue Deer and Holy Deer came to be
• 20:24 –  Some of Stefano’s favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy
• 24:22 – What will you might about the world after visiting San Lorenzo Lodges

Listener Exclusive Amenities

Breakfast & Transfers Included

Dinners included at White Deer

A walking experience in Rome City Center with Stefano at Holy Deer

An included wine tasting in the Private Cellar at White Deer

An included wine tasting on Blue Deer

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