Aperitivo with the house managers, Maria and Cristina.

Me with Ginaluca, working on another garden project.

We had a wonderful year in 2023. This year seems like it will be even more exciting at La Fortezza. We welcomed some new team members last year. I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce them to you. While Chef Leo is still working at La Fortezza, he decided he wanted to expand his private chef business. Of course we encouraged him to follow his dream. With every door that closes there is always another that opens and in this case, we hired a wonderful chef that had previously worked with us on special projects. Martina she is a divinely creative chef. She is always enthusiastic and willing to take anything on. Her food is innovative, modern and delicious. her desserts are truly exceptional. More on that in a minute.

One of the things that was an unexpected treat was that Martina, reads Tarot cards. Of course our guests loved having their cards read. As did our styling clients at Vietri. It proved to be a super fun activity for everyone in the evening. Not surprisingly I drew the “Fortress” card.

Martina’s desserts were so exceptional at breakfast, lunch and dinner. She and I decided we should work on a La Fortezza Dessert Cookbook together. We will be writing and testing recipes all summer long and then photographing the cookbook in September. Very exciting news, indeed. It will release in Spring 2025.

We said good bye to our house manager Irelva last May she took her donkey and a horse with her. Very quickly, in June we hired Maria our new house manager, she is young and full of energy and has a great attitude. She’s quiet and lovely and eager to help. We had a great summer together and I am so happy she’s working with us this year. She is helped by our rock, Cristina who will co-manage the property with Maria. Of course Gianluca is with us and has been for nine years. I honestly could not do it without the help of the La Fortezza team.

We have some great retreats booked and some fun projects around the garden planned this year. So watch this space.

Thank you to the entire La Fortezza Team that keeps us running smoothly, you guys are the best!

See you soon. x

Meet the Team 2024

Annette’s Roast Chicken with Potatoes Roasted in Olive Oil, Garlic, and Aromatic Salt

2-4-6 Beautiful Gifts for the Holidays