Interview by Titti Chiarello - Photography Annalisa Ceccotti

Growing up in the beautiful countryside near Forte dei Marmi, nestled between Vaiana and Pozzi, Serena Simoni is an energetic and vibrant thirty-year-old with a soft spot for children. As she prepares to graduate from Pisa University with a degree in Political Sciences, she’s also working at Azimut Benetti in Viareggio, one of Italy’s most renowned shipyards. Serena, what can you tell us about your relationship with Forte dei Marmi? “I feel nostalgic for those blissful summers spent with my friends from Milan, Florence, and Parma, enjoying dips in the sea and savoring warm focaccine in the shade of the Fortino… I promise they have been absolutely wonderful! It warms my heart to know that my memories align with those of many city kids who have now grown up just like me. It feels as if a beautiful thread connects us all, a connection made possible thanks to Forte’s enchanting magic.” You mentioned that during your summers, you also worked… “Absolutely, I had the best job ever: taking care of children, and I continue to do so with my dear three-year-old niece Anna, my brother’s daughter.” When did you begin working as a babysitter? “I was around nineteen when I first cared for Ambra, a few months old and the daughter of restaurateurs from Forte dei Marmi. Later, I also looked after her sister Diletta. Eventually, I babysat Francesco, the son of vacationers who visited even in winter. I still stay in touch with these kids, who are now adults.” Didn’t you feel nervous around those little toddlers? “Not at all. I have prior experience caring for my little cousins, and Forte dei Marmi makes everything quite simple. The beach is ideal for children. It’s very child-friendly with attentive lifeguards keeping a watchful eye on them in the water, regularly raked and clean beaches, and welcoming beach resort staff.” There are also many green spaces dedicated to them, and not only in the center. “Yes, it’s true–a stop at the well-equipped playground or some fun rides was always part of the plan, just like a simple bike ride. Everything is designed for children and, of course, for those who care for them. There’s so much beauty in Forte, and it’s all within reach.