Il Salviatino appoints new general manager, Joao Mendes de Almeida | News
Set in 12 hectares of centuries-old gardens with stunning views of Florence’s iconic Duomo, Il Salviatino is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Managing Director, Joao Mendes de Alemeida, and Operations Director, Stephanie Loison. Having worked with some of the best luxury hotels in Europe, the couple brings exceptional expertise and leadership to their new roles.
Joao Mendes de Almeida brings an impressive background to his role as General Manager. Most recently he was General Manager for filmmaker George Lucas’ unique property in Umbria. Previously, he was catering manager at the Four Seasons Geneva for seven years, where he developed extensive expertise in the food and beverage industry. He then became hotel manager at Hotel Trasierra in Seville, where he refined his human resources management and operational skills. Joao has a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) in Switzerland and brings a global perspective and deep knowledge of luxury hospitality to his role as General Manager at Il Salviatino.
Stephanie Loison will take on the role of Director of Operations, with a strong background in luxury hospitality and management. After starting her career in guest relations at the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon, Stephanie obtained her Masters Diploma in Hospitality at Les Roches, Switzerland. She later became hotel assistant manager at the Four Seasons Des Bergues, where she played a key role in opening the property, leading staff training initiatives and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Her continued commitment to delivering unforgettable hospitality will contribute invaluable expertise to her role at Il Salviatino.
The appointment of a new General Manager and a Director of Operations reflects the evolution of Il Salviatino as a year-round destination. From the 2026 season opener in late March, João and Stephanie bring complementary skills: Joao’s expertise in luxury F&B and service excellence, combined with Stephanie’s strengths in people development and operations management. Together they will deliver a better experience at every guest touchpoint.
Alessandra Rovati Vitali, owner and creative director of Il Salviatino, said: “I am so pleased to welcome both Joao Mendes de Almeida and Stephanie Loison to Il Salviatino. As a family business, we chose to appoint Joao as General Manager, and Stephanie as Director of Operations, because 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. Together they have the vision and expertise to ensure that every aspect of Il Salviatino reflects the care and attention to detail that our guests deserve.”
Joao Mendes de Almeida, General Manager of Il Salviatino, says: “Il Salviatino offers something very rare: a historic, family-owned Florentine villa with world-class dining and an extraordinary setting. I am excited to collaborate with our culinary team at Da Giacomo al Salviatino to showcase the best of Italian cuisine and hospitality, while ensuring that every touchpoint, from Rosa Bar to in-room dining, reflects the unique charm of the property. We want guests to feel that they have discovered something special.”
Stephanie Loison, Director of Operations at Il Salviatino, said: “I’m so excited to be joining Il Salviatino at such an exciting time. Great hospitality starts with great people, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate team. Together with Joao, we want to ensure our employees have everything they need to create the kind of seamless, memorable experiences that make Il Salviatino so special.”
The appointments come as Il Salviatino continues to strengthen its position in the luxury travel market, having recently joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. General Manager Joao will be responsible for overseeing all operational and strategic aspects of the hotel and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Working alongside Joao, Director of Operations, Stephanie Loison will lead all department heads, including the esteemed Da Giacomo al Salviatino restaurant, Rosa Bar and Aquae Vitali Spa, while motivating and strengthening the property’s team.
For accommodation, room prices start from €695 per night. For more information, please visit https://salviatino.com/.
