Santo joined Orient-Express in 1988, starting as head barman at Villa San Michele and moving shortly afterwards to Portofino, where he is now Restaurant Manager at the Chuflay.

His career started with a white lie, when at the age of 20 he told his mother he wanted to go to London. When she asked where London was, he said it was just beyond Florence—thus she was relieved he would not be too far away.
He still adores travelling and getting to know the world better, which is why he loves talking to guests and learning more about their different cultures and traditions.

During the winter closure of the hotel, Santo tries to travel and work in other Orient-Express hotels around the world, as well as visiting some of the Splendido’s regular customers to organise their private dinners.