ALESSANDRO SIRONI, OWNER, FILARIO HOTEL & RESIDENCES AND HOTEL WINDSOR

Posted in People on 7 August, 2024

A true advocate for Italian craftsmanship and heritage, this hotelier reminds us that the real luxury of hospitality is found in the resonance of simplicity.

WORDS BY Jess Miles

In a time where luxury hospitality seems synonymous with excess, Alessandro Sironi believes less is more. “I value the perfect execution of the simple things, rather than having a huge variety of facilities and services,” Alessandro says. A far cry from the all singing and dancing, bells and whistles in tow offerings found at large scale resorts, the hotelier’s second property is a welcome break from the noise. “I wanted this to be a beautiful place for design connoisseurs, for travellers with an eye for detail, looking to connect with local culture and experience places for what they are.”

Just an hour from the French border, Hotel Windsor effortlessly fuses the charm of the Côte d’Azur with the Italian allure of the Ligurian coast. “The beauty of this area is the simplicity, the originality. It’s very genuine. It’s not a mainstream destination, which I think is what makes it meaningful. People come here and don’t really know what to expect.” Nestled on the shores of Laigueglia, a picturesque fishing village that offers a quieter alternative to hotspots like the Amalfi coast or Cinque Terre, the 25-room hotel reopened in 2022 after lying abandoned for nearly two decades.

Photographs courtesy of Design Hotels

With the success of Hotel Filario & Residences under his belt (which he opened in 2015 at the age of 26), and an affinity for the sentimental, Alessandro couldn’t resist the restoration project. “Both are projects of passion,” he says. “Having grown up in Como, I always thought it deserved something new and fresh – Filario was reflective of the Lake Como I know, whilst being a fun contemporary departure from the very classic, glamorous hotels it’s well known for. And then here at the sea, I used to come as a little kid on vacation, playing on this very beach.”

Picturing Hotel Windsor in the mind’s eye, you’ll likely envision a historically charming property, sandwiched between higgedly sunset-hued buildings and the shore, backed by the mountainous terrain beyond. And whilst this is a true picture of the original geometric façade, the interiors surprise and delight. Working alongside architect Simone Subitoni, together with his partner in both life and design, creative director Alice Muzzioli, Alessandro’s reimagination of the hotel is defined by his love for modernist Italian art and design and a contemporary take on the understated glamour of the Italian Riviera of the 1950s and 60s.

A soothing palette of sandy neutrals, soft sage, and muted teals reflect the surrounding landscape between the sea and the undulating forests. Clean walls paired with grey terrazzo and ash parquet underfoot, form an understated backdrop for classic design pieces to make their statement. “We had a very clear idea of the hotel being this place of intrinsic quality and subtle elegance, from the service and food to every single piece of furniture we selected.”

Merging nostalgic aesthetics with modern sophistication, original 60s and 70s pieces by Italian greats such as Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, and Vico Magistretti are complemented by contemporary products from Cassina, Lissoni, and Bonacina. Hand-made Japanese paper MOON pendant lights by Davide Groppi cleverly placed in each of the guestrooms make a smile-worthy feature for passers-by on the promenade out front, as they glow through each of the windows come evening.

Often mistaken to be contextually lacking, the devil is in the detail of this minimalist design. Ask about any piece in the hotel – guests apparently do so all the time – and Alessandro or Alice will happily share its tale. “All the playful illustrations you see on the menus and branding, Alice developed with Italian illustrator, Luca Boscardin, who also designs beautiful toys,” he shares. Looking to the vibrant mono-drenched moor head sculptures, another story unfolds. “In collaboration with design atelier OVO, we created a Ligurian take on Sicilian moor heads, which are usually crowned with pinecones and leaves, but instead are adorned with regional symbols like the artichoke of Albenga and zucchine trombetta.”

Despite there being many a book lining the bar wall for the design curious to get lost in, it’s the sea breeze gently rippling past lucid linen curtains, and the slow sound of breaking waves that lulls and soothes. A late afternoon coffee – made smooth and strong, biscotti treat on the side – as the sun melts into the horizon, completes the sensorial experience that one yearns for whilst being on holiday. “That’s why we don’t provide coffee machines in the rooms,” Alessandro says. “In Italy, we take pride in well-crafted coffee, and I want guests to experience only the best. I’d rather have a barista-made coffee brought up to them than offer something substandard in-room.”

Stripped back but with high standards, is a sentiment at the very core of Alessandro’s hospitality style, so it’s no wonder that the hotel’s restaurant, Savō, follows suit. Listed on Michelin Guide, Chef Gianluigi Erme’s menu showcases the region’s specialty produce without complication. Within a 5km radius of the hotel, olive groves, farms growing basil and artichokes, and vineyards producing the finest wine are aplenty. “Our chef is so passionate about Ligurian produce. He goes to every single farmer himself to select only the finest ingredients,” Alessandro says. “Then on our doorstep, we have the sea for freshly caught fish and seafood. It’s incredible.”

At Hotel Windsor, indulgence and authenticity go hand in hand. Guests can lounge on the private beach, frolic in the crystal-clear sea, or wander through the charming alleys of Laigueglia. With activities ranging from vineyard tours to hiking along scenic trails, Hotel Windsor offers an indulgence of simple pleasures. Alessandro Sironi’s evolving vision, honed by his impressive early start and deep sense of Italian hospitality, ensures that every guest experiences the cultural richness and natural beauty of this lesser-known Ligurian locale.