Our specialist team

Creator of Essenza and the Le Pratola Collection, Margherita has been successfully taking care of guests in Italy for many years, consistently achieving 5-star guest review ratings. Also a qualified banker and property developer, Margherita's passions are travel, Italian design, running and Tuscan wines. Email Margherita.

Following a successful career in International Banking & Finance Iain Co-founded Essenza to combine his passion for Italy and delivering exceptional authentic client experiences. Married into an Italian family, Iain also has 20 years in luxury Italian property ownership, management, funding, and development alongside other international business interests. Iains' other passions include producing and collecting Italian wines, Tuscan Olive oil production and cycling and skiing throughout Italy.

Voted Conde Nast Top Travel specialist, Chiara knows Italy intimately and can guide guests with precision. Chiara's essential book of contacts means there is little she cannot organise. Also a qualified interior designer of homes and yachts, Chiara's passions are travel, cooking, baking and everything Italian. Email Chiara.

After completing her studies in Interpreting and Translation, Marcella's love for foreign cultures inspired her to travel worldwide, exploring new destinations and staying up-to-date with travel trends. She worked across various roles in the travel industry, from product development to customer experience and travel technology solutions. With her passion and love for Italian culture, Ishe aims to inspire travellers and help them experience Italy like a local.

Ginevra is a detail-oriented Sales Manager with a passion for luxury travel and personalised customer experiences. With over six years in the villa rental industry, she excels at building relationships with clients and property owners. Additionally, Ginevra has a strong interest in graphic design and sports, having competed in the Italian National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship for five years, and enjoys skiing and yoga.

Camilla is one of our Travel Planners. She oversees itinerary planning and liaises with clients while in residence for Essenza. She is an interpreter and translator proficient in English, Chinese and Italian; her passions are foreign cultures, gastronomy and nature. Camilla looks after our guests with passion and professionalism.

Antonia has worked in the tourism industry on the stunning Amalfi Coast for many years and considers herself privileged to have helped visitors enjoy this incredibly iconic and fascinating region of Italy. She is passionate about providing exceptional hospitality and creating authentic and unforgettable experiences. She is also interested in painting, advertising graphics, website design, and communication through social media.

Francesca has always been passionate about travel, transforming her love for authentic experiences into a career. After graduating in Marketing and Communication, she realised her true calling was to help others discover her home, Lake Como. Working in the hospitality sector, she creates tailor-made trips to offer personalised experiences, ensuring each journey becomes an unforgettable memory.

With a BA in cultural anthropology and an MA in Global Studies, Marica has decided to apply what she learned in university to the tourism sector. After working as a freelance travel planner and tour leader for several years, she joined Essenza to create bespoke travel experiences to assist travellers in discovering her beautiful homeland, Italy. Besides traveling and exploring new cultures, Marica is passionate about horseback riding, yoga, and literature.

With a strong foundation in Tourism Studies and extensive experience as a Certified Environmental Guide and Travel Designer, Sofia has cultivated a deep expertise in crafting bespoke travel experiences, has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for curating immersive, tailor-made itineraries that leave a lasting impression. An avid traveller with a global outlook, she remains deeply rooted in her homeland, Italy, and especially in Puglia, which she sees as an endless wellspring of beauty, traditions, and flavours.

Abbie is our marketing and sales intern, currently based in the UK. She is a final-year student of International Tourism Management and is also learning to speak Italian. Her passions include Italian art and culture, history, and nature. Abbie became captivated by Italy during her first trip there and has since made it her mission to assist others in experiencing the wonders of Italy.

Fascinated by toursim with a background in linguistic studies, Carmela thrives on making guests feel at home while in Italy. With a deep passion for quality hospitality, she loves to pamper our guests ensuring they can relax and enjoy every single moment of their journey. Her goal is to allow travelers to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of their destination. Travelling and discover new places, as well as meeting new people, are Carmela's greatest joy.

Whilst completing her Psychology degree at Loughborough University, Alessia rediscovered her love of travel and started working as an independent travel agent. Being half Italian, Italy has always been a special place for her, so she joined Essenza's team to combine her knowledge and passion for travel, ensuring that every guests's holiday runs smoothly. Being an avid traveler she hopes to explore more of the world but to also return to her roots in Italy as much as possible.

Roseli (Rosy) considers herself "a citizen of the world." Born in Brazil to a Tuscan family and raised in Belgium, she has a background as a professional translator and over 15 years in the luxury fashion industry. After serving as Chief of Staff and Master of Ceremony for a Tuscan Mayor, she ventured into entrepreneurship as a Destination Wedding Planner, certified by the Gay Wedding Institute (USA). As the Founder of Let’s Wed! in Italy, Rosy is dedicated to creating authentic, tailor-made weddings that celebrate the uniqueness of each couple's love.

Luca's graduated with a First in History from the University of Oxford. Luca's ability to relate historical events means he's able to explain in an engaging manner the 'why' to much of how Italy operates today. Luca's passions encompass global travel, learning new languages, economics and international relations.

Lucy is a Senior Media Buyer and Essenza's campaigns manager. She uses her digital expertise to create effective strategies and compelling campaigns. From a young age, Lucy has been passionate about cycling and is a keen mountain biker regularly travelling abroad for adventures.

Essenza's Chief Accountant, Diane, has over 30 years of experience working in the field of finance as a qualified accountant and tax advisor. She is responsible for looking after the financial requirements of the business. Diane's passions are travel, property development and spending time with family and friends.

Arsen is an experienced estate and house manager, taking good care of our client's needs and inspecting new properties. Arsen's background in wine production and olive oil harvesting means he's full of practical advice and support. Together with his wife Ergisa, Arsen expertly manages Villa Le Pratola, Gaiole in Chianti.