HEAVEN ON EARTH
I found luxury hotel living at its best in the heart of two of the most beautiful and historic Italian cities
When you imagine the perfect and most amazing hotel experience, what do you see? My list is not too long and fussy, but it certainly includes a super- comfortable bed with silky-smooth natural linen and firm pillows, beautiful and crisp interiors that complement their location, a spacious room and a bathroom with all the bells and whistles, including a comfortable bath and shower space, gentle organic toiletries, a fluffy robe and slippers — and then, of course, great service and strong and speedy wifi. Not too much to ask, right?
I found all of this during my recent stay at two Rocco Forte properties in Italy — heaven on earth, really. Established in 1996 by renowned hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and his talented sister Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotel Group has perfected the art of the luxury hotel and now has 10 multi-awardwinning properties. What makes them stand out from the crowd is not only the fact they exceed all expectations of a luxury hotel, but that they are all set in magnificent buildings that are landmarks as fine as the historic monuments that surround them.
After a rather warm and bumpy walk from the station, I was relieved to spot Hotel Savoy on a buzzing Piazza della Republica. I instantly felt elated, entering the exquisite, brand-new lobby and reception area — a fluid white space skilfully curated by director of design Olga, with vibrant accents of local art adding to its grandeur.
The newly renovated hotel celebrates a contemporary Italian aesthetic, with hints of Florence’s ancient roots combined with local fashion and the best artisanal collaborations the city has to offer visible within the public space.
“It is wonderful to see how many craftsmen still work and create their masterpieces in the centre of Florence. We commissioned many artisans from the city, a lovely experience which I hope will make the hotel feel truly Florentine,” says Olga.
The rooms — of which there are fewer than before the recent renovation — are remarkably spacious and airy, offering a comfy lounge area leading into a beautiful bedroom fitted with the most exquisite leafy wallpaper and overlooking the scenic rooftops. The walk-in closet, dressing table and expansive bathroom are completed with understated classic and interior accents in serene shades, textures and patterns, creating sense of calm.
Next, on what was my first visit to Rome, I was quite delighted to have the opportunity to experience the pulse of the Eternal City from the Hotel de Russie, said to be one of the best hotels the metropolis has to offer. The hotel is situated between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, offering an oasis of greenery, tranquility and luxury that is true to French poet Jean Cocteau’s description of the hotel as “paradise on earth” in 1917.
Being a bit of a garden fanatic and in an effort to escape the fancy crowd, I was immediately drawn to the incredible garden. I was so astounded by its scale and the birdlife within that I was instantly glued to the garden bench with a cold Aperol in hand.
The interiors of the hotel are a charming fusion of old and new, with modern accents skilfully positioned within the classical architecture of the building reflecting Italian aesthetic in its truest form. One of many great memories from my stay would have to be the welcoming cocktail kit left in my room by the wonderful guys from the Stravinsky inhouse cocktail bar, to prepare my own rather pleasant gin martini, followed by flopping on their super-comfy queen-size bed after a long day of touristing!
“It is wonderful to see how many craftsmen still work and create their masterpieces in the centre of Florence.”
OLGA POLIZZI, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN