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.

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.

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, she aims to inspire travellers and help them experience Italy like a local.

Before joining Essenza, Elena built a successful career in banking as an IT Project Manager, with extensive experience in business process design. Leading complex projects, she developed a structured, analytical approach to coordinating people, processes and systems, which she now applies in the travel sector. A passionate reader of English literature and a lover of British culture, Elena spent several months in England to further her language studies.

Camilla is our Head 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.

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.

Abbie began her journey with Essenza as a Marketing & Sales Intern and has since progressed to become Head of Travel Planning Operations. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in International Tourism Management and spent a year living in Umbria, where she studied Italian and developed a deep appreciation for the country's culture, history, and landscapes. With a flair for organisation and a passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences, Abbie is dedicated to bringing to life authentic, seamless itineraries tailored to each client. Her love for Italy began on her very first visit, and she now takes great pride in helping others discover its beauty.

Eva holds a PhD in Foreign Languages, Cultures and Literatures and a Master's in Digital Tourism and Hospitality Management. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Italian, she combines academic expertise with a deep passion for Italy, contributing to both Operations and Product departments. She supports Travel Planners in executing seamless client itineraries and curates Essenza's portfolio of luxury villas, including on-site inspections. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures every journey is perfectly crafted. When not unlocking authentic Italian experiences, she enjoys reading and sports, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and functional training.

Based in Milan, Ambra supports Essenza’s guests and Travel Planners in bringing each itinerary to life. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in economics and linguistics, with further studies in translation technology, marketing and travel. She has worked as a university lecturer teaching Italian to foreign students, and for several tour operators as a tour manager and destination manager, running trips on site, planning itineraries and managing corporate events. She loves learning languages and exploring Asian cultures and cuisine, and enjoys fitness and sailing.

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.

Edie has joined the Essenza team as an intern after graduating with a BA in French and Italian. Learning languages has been central to Edie’s academic journey and remains at the heart of their aspirations as they begin their career. From starting Italian at a beginner level in their first year of university to living and working in Italy during their Year Abroad, Edie’s passion for the language continues to grow, and they are excited to channel it into their work at Essenza. Outside the office, Edie enjoys playing tennis, practising yoga and going for walks.

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 works as Chief Historian. He speaks four languages and holds a First Class degree in History from the University of Oxford and a Master's degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics. Luca is co-author with Sir Anthony Seldon on 'Truss at No 10: How Not to be Prime Minister'. 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. 

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.