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Phyllis Returns To Italy For An Unforgettable Summer Escape

Meeting Andrea Bocelli for the first time in 2015 at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, I never would have imagined that a decade later I’d be returning to his Tuscan villa in Forte dei Marmi for the second summer in a row. Back then, Andrea’s daughter, Virginia, and my niece, Gianna, were just little girls. Today, it’s amazing to see how they have grown!

Isabel, Phyllis, Andrea, Joy & Gianna (2015)

Phyllis, Virginia Bocelli & Gianna (2024)

Andrea, Gianna & Veronica (2024)

VIAREGGIO

After landing in Milan the previous evening, I headed south through the Tuscan countryside’s rolling hills, olive groves, and golden wheat fields to the glamorous Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, a historic Art Nouveau property perched along the Tyrrhenian Sea in Viareggio.

The hotel was buzzing with guests in town for the big Andrea Bocelli Foundation gala weekend — a summer magnet for global celebrities and international movers and shakers.

That evening, we kicked things off with cocktails on the rooftop Matio Terrace. The views stretched from the sea to the mountains, with warm breezes carrying the scent of citrus blossoms and the salty air. I spent time with Will Smith’s team, reconnected with familiar faces, and met new friends.

You could feel something special was about to begin…

Forte dei Marmi always finds a way to leave a mark on your soul. Nestled on Tuscany’s Versilia coast, I was surrounded by amazing friends (AJ, Paula, Christine, David, Erin, MK, Brielle, Matt, Mark & Kelly) in a place that literally takes my breath away

— what an unforgettable trip! We kicked things off with a special champagne toast at the hotel.

Mornings began with fresh cappuccinos and pastries, followed by sublime walks along the beach, listening to the waves.

I spent the day poolside, then headed to Marco Berti’s outstanding salon in Viareggio to get ready for the evening ahead!

VILLA ALPEBELLA & THE BIG ART FESTIVAL

That evening, Andrea Bocelli’s Villa Alpebella, a 15th-century farmhouse estate in the hills, was the setting for the Big Art Festival, an exclusive gala that blends art, music, exquisite culinary experiences, and live performances. The villa was transformed into an open-air stage framed by cypress trees and the gorgeous Tuscan sunset - a perfect backdrop for the event’s orange themed visuals.

Anastasia Radionova, Mark, MK, Kelly, AJ, Brielle, Matt, Erin and Paula

We were greeted by the elegant Anastasia Radionova, the face of the Big Art Festival. Every detail at the gala radiated orange — from glowing candlelit tables and centerpieces to vibrant floral arrangements and decor. Champagne D. Rock flowed freely and a specially curated multi-course menu offered guests the best of gourmet Tuscan cuisine.

It was wonderful to meet DJ Robyyn from Miami … before Will Smith took the stage!

Ronny J & DJ Robyyn from Miami

Cecilia, AJ, Will and Meghan

Gettin jiggy with Will Smith

Surrounded by lush gardens and centuries-old stone walls, Will was ushered into the performance space. Although I had only met his team the night before, we were all side by side on stage, and it felt like I had known them forever.

Seeing Will perform live, representing my hometown of Philly at the Bocelli’s estate, was utterly surreal. It became a full-on old-school hip-hop party, with hits like “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Miami,” and “Summertime,” blended with classics like “Quando, Quando, Quando,” which Matteo Bocelli joined him for on stage. It was a perfect mix for every generation in the audience.

AJ Mattia & Amos Bocelli

It was one of those nights you never want to end.

LAJATICO

Tonight’s gala took us to Lajatico, Andrea Bocelli’s hometown in the hills of Tuscany. The village, with its winding streets and wide-open views, is also home to the Teatro del Silenzio, the open-air venue Andrea created and returns to each summer.

Veronica Bocelli (center) and AJ

Before the concert, we joined guests for a private pre-show dinner on a majestic mountainside overlooking the open-air theater.

It was elegant, relaxed, and a chance to connect with all those in support of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s work.

Renowned vocalist Tung Duong, who many refer to as the “Vietnamese Andrea Bocelli,” gave a sensational pre-dinner performance, a true highlight of the evening.

Cecilia and Phyllis

If Friday night was Philly night, Jersey was in the house on this one, as we chatted with Margaret Josephs from the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The concert itself was outstanding — a celebration of Andrea’s 30-year career, with a stellar lineup that included Queen’s Brian May. Afterward, we danced through the night at Twiga in Forte dei Marmi.

Sunday was spent exploring Forte dei Marmi — the coastal town known for its refined boutiques and deep roots in Italian art and design. It was great running into Tung Duong again, a lovely person who I have kept in touch with since the trip!

We couldn’t resist stopping by Louis Vuitton’s ice cream parlor — which recently opened in front of the LV boutique just for the summer!

ALPEMARE

Alpemare, the Bocelli family’s beach club, was the site for a private dinner that evening for family and friends hosted by the Bocellis. I got the chance to catch up with Meghan Hudock, an amazing entrepreneur from Pittsburgh who also oversees the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist
Meghan Hudock (Italy in every step)

True to form, Andrea and his family made everyone feel at home, always approachable and moving through the crowd with quiet warmth and generosity. It’s always fabulous spending time with Matteo Bocelli!

One of the night’s highlights was hearing Cecilia Sordoni perform alongside Andrea and Matteo — her voice carrying the same grace and emotion that runs through the family. I’ve seen her at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City and in Baltimore, but there’s something extra special about hearing her in Italy.

LUCCA

Spent the day in Lucca, known as the “City of Art” due to its connection to the Italian Renaissance. Surrounded by intact city walls from that era, we shopped, enjoyed street food, and took in a few historic sites.

BELLA ITALIA

It was another unforgettable evening. Maestro Bocelli’s private seaside villa near Forte dei Marmi was themed in red, white and green for a “Bella Italia” gala evening hosted by Veronica Bocelli.

Over 500 guests, including celebrities and philanthropists from around the world, were dressed in red, white, and green. Sponsors of the event included Barilla — with greeters dressed in unbelievable gowns made out of pasta!

Elena Brunelli
(Veronica Bocelli’s mom in center)

Racecar Driver Martin Fuentes

The festive evening — all in support of the ABF’s humanitarian efforts around the globe, as well as Grace Sober Living, and the Saint Luke Foundation — included Italian-inspired gourmet cuisine and performances by Maestro Bocelli, Matteo, Brian McKnight, Patti Smith and others. Smith, who grew up in Woodbury, NJ, and actress Hilary Swank were each given a special Humanitarian Award from the foundation.

A night — and getaway — I’ll never forget!

Kevin Spacey, Phyllis, Christine & David Schwartz

Brian & Leilani McKnight, Phyllis, Christine & David Schwartz

To view a complete album of pictures from Phyllis' trip to Italy, click here.

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