Bringing his family for a tremendous visit to Florence, Michael Tollin, one of Hollywood’s most successful writers/directors/producers, spent a week at Club Salviatino this spring.
Michael, Robbie, Georgia, and Lucas Tollin on the Ponte Vecchio
With his successful, long-running television series, Smallville and One Tree Hill, Michael is one of the pre-eminent interpreters of issues among young people in the US. His insights into the ethics and principles of sports and youth have combined to create some of the most compelling feature-length films as well. Michael is one of the most down-to-earth, genuine guys in Hollywood. Everyone at the villa thoroughly enjoyed having the whole family as residents for the week. They used the terrific exercise room and equipment at the villa, and they enjoyed the Devarana Spa treatments, too.
On-site Devarana Spa at il Salviatino
On one day of their week, Michael took Lucas on a quick trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius - the perfect exploring adventure for a teenage boy, while enjoying the wonderful shopping opportunities in Florence was on the agenda for the ladies. Everyone had a bicycle tour of town and a cooking class one afternoon. At the end of the week we had a gathering that included the President of MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, Gary Marenzi, who had lived at il Salviatino as a student at Stanford in 1976.
Gary Marenzi on the balcony of a tower suite at il Salviatino
Gary was totally amazed at how the villa has been transformed into the most luxurious resort, but has retained its identity from years past. He sent me a photo of the villa in 1976 when it was occupied by Stanford University. The dignity of the villa il Salviatino remains true.
Il Salviatino in 1976 when Stanford University inhabited it
Mike Tollin and Gary are Hollywood friends, and we all enjoyed the group evening we had the last night Mike and his family were at il Salviatino. Mike had this to say as he left for Hollywood: “…Il Salviatino was like a dream for us! It is so beautiful there and perfectly situated for our trips to Florence and elsewhere in Italy, and the hospitality of the staff made us feel so comfortable and right at home. It was perfecto!! We are sad to say goodbye, but eager to return.” Indeed, the term “dream” continues to strike a chord with everyone who visits il Salviatino.
A view made for dreams from il Salviatino
jbb
