Atmosphere Core has appointed Francesco Giovannelli as Monastero Manager of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, marking the group’s foray into the European heritage hospitality landscape. Nestled in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills of Piedmont, the property represents the brand’s first heritage address in Italy under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.

With over 15 years of hospitality leadership experience across Italy, including Piedmont and Tuscany, Giovannelli brings strong operational expertise spanning revenue coordination, service delivery, and department leadership. His hands-on understanding of regional cultures and guest expectations has earned him recognition from Leading Hotels of the World for service excellence, followed by the Hospitality Award 2025.

Commenting on his appointment, Francesco Giovannelli said, “Borgo Monchiero is a special heritage experience, and I am honoured to lead this exceptional project for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. By working closely with teams on the ground, my priority is to translate heritage into operational excellence and results that guests can feel at every touchpoint.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, added, “Francesco’s appointment reflects our focus on appointing leaders who combine strong commercial and operational acumen with a deep respect for place and people. His experience and sensibility are ideally suited to Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, where history and modern hospitality come together.”

Originally built in 1773, the restored 18th-century monastery blends Romanesque architecture, sacred frescoes, and the art, culture, and cuisine of northern Italy. The three-storey hillside retreat features 19 rooms reimagined from former monastic cells, a private chapel for weddings and intimate ceremonies, a restaurant highlighting local gastronomy, an elegant lounge bar, a panoramic swimming pool, and a wellness area with sauna, infrared therapies, and a private jacuzzi set within a centuries-old water reservoir. Located in a region renowned for Barolo and Barbera wines, the property offers an immersive luxury escape rooted in history and terroir.

With this appointment, Atmosphere Core strengthens its expansion strategy across Europe, reinforcing its vision of delivering culturally immersive, experience-led hospitality in distinctive heritage settings.