Thelma West’s Bold Move From Gemstones to Green Getaways
Former gemstone dealer and designer Thelma West has launched a stunning eco-friendly boutique hotel in Italy. The Lagos-born entrepreneur turned a 40-acre estate in Puglia into a luxury escape blending sustainability, design, and local culture.
Known for her jewelry design work in London, West co-founded the hotel, Casina Cinquepozzi, with her husband, Naples native and former Apple executive Stefano Liotta. The hotel opened this spring and sits on an 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
A Hotel Rooted in Restoration and Heritage
West’s approach to hospitality is deeply inspired by her love for restoration. She compares it to how she works with old jewelry pieces—bringing new life to something aged yet beautiful.
“When we discovered this place, the mission wasn’t to change it,” she told Robb Report. Instead, she focused on preserving its character while enhancing its charm with custom design and local materials.
West partnered with local artisans to restore original features like hand-painted ceilings and traditional ceramic tiles. Each room tells its own story, offering guests a unique and culturally rich experience.
Sustainable Design Meets Luxury in Puglia
Casina Cinquepozzi isn’t just about style—it’s built around a commitment to sustainability. The property runs on energy-efficient systems and follows regenerative farming practices. The on-site vineyard and olive grove supply organic products used in tastings for guests.
Furniture is custom-made from local materials, and even the architecture honors the region’s past. The hotel is named after the five ancient wells on the estate, linking modern comfort with historical depth.
Living the Dream, One Walk at a Time
Now based in Puglia, West says her mornings are simple but fulfilling. “I just go for a walk through the vineyard or the olive grove,” she said. “I sort of get lost enjoying that silence.”
Her new life is a balance of creativity and calm—a refreshing contrast to her time in London, where she designed luxury gems. Even there, she created a small garden space called “the nest” to reconnect with nature.
A Space That Celebrates Black Women in Hospitality
Thelma West’s journey from Nigeria to Italy highlights the power of Black women in luxury design and sustainable travel. Her work brings together culture, craftsmanship, and care for the earth—offering a new kind of wellness for travelers.
By blending African heritage with Italian tradition, West is setting a new standard in boutique hospitality. Casina Cinquepozzi isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience, a vision, and a legacy.
