Francesco Giovannelli Appointed Monastero Manager at BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere

Atmosphere Core Strengthens Its European Heritage Debut in Piedmont

In a strategic move that signals its refined entry into Europe's heritage hospitality landscape, Atmosphere Core has appointed seasoned Italian hotelier Francesco Giovannelli as Monastero Manager of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere.

Nestled in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills of Piedmont, this 18th-century monastery-turned-luxury retreat marks Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts' first heritage property in Italy - and a defining milestone in the brand's European expansion. This follows the group's earlier announcement when Atmosphere Core expanded to Europe with Borgo Monchiero Heritage, signalling a bold new chapter for the South Asian hospitality powerhouse.

A Leadership Appointment Rooted in Place and Precision

With over 15 years of hands-on hospitality leadership across Italy - including Piedmont and Tuscany - Francesco Giovannelli brings a nuanced understanding of regional cultures, guest expectations, and service traditions.

His operational journey spans:

• On-ground team leadership
• Revenue coordination
• Service excellence management
• Multi-departmental hotel operations

Recognised by Leading Hotels of the World for service distinction and honoured with the Hospitality Award 2025, Giovannelli's approach combines commercial acumen with cultural sensitivity - a vital pairing for a property where history and hospitality converge.

Upon assuming his new role, he noted that Borgo Monchiero represents a deeply special heritage experience, emphasising his priority to translate centuries of history into operational excellence that guests can feel at every touchpoint.

The Vision for Heritage-Led Hospitality

For Atmosphere Core, this appointment reflects more than staffing strategy - it embodies brand philosophy. The group has consistently demonstrated this approach through strategic leadership appointments across its portfolio.

Chief Operating Officer Ashwin Handa underscored that leadership at such properties must merge operational strength with a profound respect for place and people. Borgo Monchiero is not simply a hotel conversion - it is a custodianship of history reimagined for modern luxury travellers.

Under Giovannelli's stewardship, the property is poised to deliver a distinctive guest journey - one that balances sacred architecture, regional gastronomy, and contemporary comfort with quiet sophistication.

A Monastery Reborn in the Langhe Hills

Built in 1773, BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere is a masterfully restored monastery blending Romanesque architecture, sacred frescoes, and northern Italy's celebrated art and culinary traditions. For those curious about the region, Piedmont is home to Turin's storied luxury real estate landscape, and the broader country continues to enchant with its enchanting world of luxury real estate.

Set amid the rolling vineyards of Langhe - renowned globally for Barolo and Barbera wines - the three-storey hillside retreat offers:

• 19 indulgent rooms reimagined from former monastic cells
• A private chapel for weddings and intimate ceremonies
• A restaurant showcasing authentic regional cuisine
• An elegant lounge bar
• A panoramic swimming pool
• A wellness sanctuary featuring sauna, infrared therapies, and a private jacuzzi housed within a centuries-old water reservoir

The experience is immersive yet intimate - heritage preserved without theatrical excess. Lovers of historic luxury properties may also appreciate the Matild Palace Budapest, another UNESCO World Heritage luxury hotel, which shares a similar reverence for architectural legacy.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts: A New Experience Awaits

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts curates distinctive properties inspired by local culture and immersive environments - from remote island escapes to inner-city landmarks.

With a portfolio of over 16 exclusive properties across inspiring global destinations, the brand positions itself at the intersection of bespoke elegance and authentic discovery. Recent milestones include Atmosphere Kanifushi winning the World Travel Awards for the sixth consecutive year and the launch of ATMOSPHERE KUFRI in the Himalayan heights.

Borgo Monchiero represents its first European heritage chapter - expanding a portfolio already celebrated for immersive, culturally anchored experiences.

The Strategic Expansion of Atmosphere Core

As one of South Asia's leading hospitality groups, Atmosphere Core continues its ambitious growth across Asia and Europe. The Atmosphere Core Summit charted a bold future for luxury hospitality, and the group has since delivered on that vision with new properties across diverse geographies.

Its foundational ethos - Joy of Giving - anchors each property in meaningful connection to destination and community. Through portfolio brands such as THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, COLOURS OF OBLU, and ONE Atmosphere, the company champions sustainable stays, intuitive services, and agile operational models.

With Giovannelli at the helm of its Italian heritage debut, the group signals a confident, culturally intelligent expansion into Europe's luxury heritage segment.

A New Chapter for Italian Heritage Hospitality

Francesco Giovannelli's appointment marks a thoughtful alignment of leadership, locality, and legacy. At BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere, centuries-old stone corridors now echo with contemporary hospitality vision.

In the Langhe hills of Piedmont, history is not simply preserved - it is curated, interpreted, and elevated.

And under its new Monastero Manager, the monastery's next chapter begins.