Villa Elisa is, first and foremost, our family villa – my personal “buen retiro” where I love to unwind after the intense pace of my work as a designer in Milan. From my mother’s side, we are a family of creatives; the villa was designed by my aunt, architect Immacolata Fusco.
What makes Villa Elisa truly unique is its setting: it rises within the caldera of an extinct volcano, Roccamonfina, surrounded by a natural park filled with ancient chestnut trees and mineral springs. The villa itself is a clear example of organic architecture, blending seamlessly with the landscape so that the house and nature become one.
For me, Villa Elisa is much more than a physical space; it’s the ideal place to regenerate, reconnect with my roots and find inspiration for new ideas and projects. Here, the values of slow living and thoughtful creation come to life, making it the heart of my creative journey and a constant source of energy and vision.
Since its origins, the villa and its park have inspired creativity: the grounds are adorned with bucolic, nature-themed sculptures, crafted by local artisans who, while staying here, felt moved to shape the native stone into works of art. This tradition of spontaneous artistic expression is something I’m passionate about continuing – by inviting artists and creatives to spend time at Villa Elisa. The experience is informal and organic, encouraging guests to let the place inspire new ideas and collaborations. Most recently, we hosted New York illustrator Rob Wilson, which led to a beautiful creative partnership.
We’re just beginning to promote one suite as an exclusive accommodation, but Villa Elisa’s true vocation remains that of a peaceful oasis for artists and select guests – those seeking an escape from mainstream destinations. It’s not a typical hospitality venue; instead, we welcome individuals who value creativity, tranquility and authentic connections.
Antonino Biondo is the style and market editor at SHOW Media, where he covers fashion and lifestyle while also managing brand partnerships for Secret Trips
