Il Salviatino Names New General Manager and Director of Operations
The Florence property introduces its first dual leadership structure ahead of its spring reopening.
Photo: Courtesy of Il Salviatino
Il Salviatino has appointed João Mendes de Almeida as general manager and Stephanie Loison as director of operations, introducing the Florentine property’s first dual leadership structure ahead of its 2026 season reopening at the end of this month.
The 39-room hotel, set within 30 acres of gardens overlooking Florence’s Duomo, is positioning the move as an operational reset as it continues to transition into a year-round destination. The pairing brings together two complementary backgrounds, with Mendes de Almeida focused on food and beverage and service delivery, and Loison overseeing day-to-day operations and team management across departments.
Mendes de Almeida most recently served as general manager of a private property in Umbria owned by filmmaker George Lucas. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, initially in catering before moving into broader operational roles, and then held a hotel manager position at Hotel Trasierra in Seville. He holds a degree in International Hospitality Management from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne.
Loison began her career in guest relations at the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon before completing a master’s diploma at Les Roches. She later joined Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva as an assistant manager, where she was involved in opening operations, including staff training and service rollout. At Il Salviatino, she will oversee department heads across the property, including the restaurant Da Giacomo al Salviatino, the Rosa Bar, and the Aquae Vitali Spa.
“I am so pleased to welcome both Joao Mendes de Almeida and Stephanie Loison to Il Salviatino,” said owner and creative director Alessandra Rovati Vitali. “As a family-owned property, we chose to appoint Joao as general manager, and Stephanie as director of operations, as they bring such complementary strengths—Joao’s [expertise] in creating exceptional food and beverage experiences, and Stephanie’s talent for building and leading passionate teams.”
For Mendes de Almeida, the focus will include strengthening the property’s dining and service touchpoints. “Il Salviatino offers something truly rare, a historic Florentine, family owned villa with world class dining and an extraordinary setting,” he said. “I’m excited to work with our culinary team at Da Giacomo al Salviatino to showcase the best Italian cuisine and hospitality, while ensuring every touchpoint, from Rosa Bar to in-room dining reflects the property’s unique charm.”
The appointments follow Il Salviatino’s recent inclusion in Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. Room rates currently start from $805 per night.
