A family driven by a passion for hospitality and a desire to turn travelers’ dreams into reality.

It all began with Maria, Luigi’s mother, who, in the late 1960s, transformed the family home, "Casa Maria", into a summer guesthouse. She welcomed tourists to support her husband, Francesco, who had emigrated to New York to work as a chef in one of "Little Italy’s" renowned Italian restaurants.

Maria’s teenage sons, Giacomo and Luigi, helped her run the guesthouse during the summer, working in the vegetable garden to provide guests with fresh produce, fruit, and wine. Through hard work and dedication, the small family villa evolved into a boutique hotel, "Parco Maria", surrounded by a lush garden in the early 1980s. This transformation brought the family together, as they all collaborated in managing the hotel.

In the early 1990s, Luigi pursued his dream and founded Imperatore Travel World, a tour operator that has since become a leader in the Italian inbound travel market, with offices in multiple countries. In 2003, the family acquired Therasia Resort Sea & Spa on the island of Vulcano in the Aeolian archipelago of Sicily. Perched dramatically above the sea in an untouched natural setting, the resort quickly became a symbol of refined hospitality.

In 2011, Botania Relais & Spa was added to the family’s collection, nestled within a lush three-hectare park. Both properties are managed with passion and expertise, with Luigi’s wife, Rita, playing a key role in their daily operations. Her dedication ensures that every guest’s stay becomes an unforgettable experience.

Since 2021, Luigi and Rita’s daughter, Francesca, has joined the family business. After attending a prestigious Swiss hotel management school and gaining experience in luxury hospitality worldwide, she began working at *Therasia Resort Sea & Spa* on Vulcano. Soon, Pierluigi, their second-born, will also bring his international education and experience to the company.

Today, "Therasia Resort Sea & Spa" and "Botania Relais & Spa" are part of "The Leading Hotels of the World", a prestigious organization representing the pinnacle of luxury hospitality worldwide.