Ask a Hotelier: Marie-Louise Sció
Raised in the glamorous world of Il Pellicano, Roman hotel heiress Marie-Louise Sciò embodies dolce vita and Italian lifestyle like no other. Who better to answer our travel questionnaire!
September 13, 2023
The Corte della Maestà is an Antica Residenza in the medieval village of Civita di Bagnoregio – and one of Marie-Louise Sciò’s secret tips. © Studio GDS
Situated in southern Tuscany, Porto Ercole doesn’t conform to the general perception of a celebrity hotspot: Unlike Saint-Tropez, it doesn’t have a wanna-be celebrity catwalk. But it has Il Pellicano, the legendary refuge for international jet-setters who come to escape the masses and enjoy the lovely view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy have stayed here, now it’s favored by people like Josh Hartnett and Margherita Maccapani Missoni. Marie-Louise Sciò, Creative Director and CEO of the Pellicano Hotels Group, is the tastemaker who ensures that many years after it opened, the legendary luxury hotel is still talked about, albeit very discretely: “We stand for luxury that whispers rather than shouts.”
What’s your all-time favorite destination?
Italy.
Which other countries or cities inspire you?
Helsinki, Finland - because of the architecture.
An unforgettable sight?
The Northern Lights.
Where will you go next?
Austria!
The "Il Pellicano" in Tuscany draws you in with its casual, Italian charm. © Pellicano Hotels Group
Which hotel do you keep on returning to?
The "La Colombe d'Or" in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Your favorite classic hotel?
I can't do without Claridge's" in London.
What’s your favorite hideaway?
I can't do without Corte della Maestà" in Bagnoregio.
Any other favorite hotels?
I can't do without La Perla" in Corvara in Badia.
Fragrant Swiss pine, soft throws and lovingly chosen details await guests at "La Perla" in Corvara, Badia. © Gustav Willeit
What are some places you would like to explore in the future?
Places that haven’t been explored yet!
Where would you like to go for dinner?
In Rome.
Your favorite meal – and at which restaurant?
I can't do without Piatto Romano" in Rome - and all the vegetables there!
Describe your perfect travel day?
Driving with good music.
Claridge’s in London’s Mayfair is a favorite haunt of stars and heads of state – which may have contributed to the hotel affectionately being called the “Annex to Buckingham Palace.”© James McDonald
Which three beauty products are essential when you’re traveling?
Augustinus Bader face cream, eye cream, and lip balm.
What do you always have in your case?
A scarf.
Recommended holiday reading?
“The Creative Act. A Way of Being,” by Rick Rubin. Or a biography – I love biographies!
Is there a film location that made you want to travel there?
"Badlands" by Terrence Malick.
The famous La Colombe d’Or on the French Riviera. © provided
A song that reminds you of a holiday?
"Sì, viaggiare" by Lucio Battisti.
Your vacation look?
I don't have a standard look!
What is your ultimate tip for a relaxed holiday?
A good travel companion.
Which personality would you like to welcome in your hotel?
An interesting personality!
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2023.
