Heaven in the heart of Rome
ROME’S appeal, from its blockbuster ancient sites to its charming piazzas, is hardly a secret, which makes the tranquillity of Villa Spalletti Trivelli so extraordinary. It is difficult to believe we are just a stone’s throw from tourist hotspots the Trevi Fountain and Forum.
Built in the early 1900s, the hotel has been in the same family for more than a century. Although modern luxuries abound – including a chic rooftop bar that has just opened following a £4million refurbishment – the villa is also filled with precious heirlooms.
A 16th Century clock chimes as we walk down parquet floors to meet other guests for drinks. As my husband Nick and I admire the Rubens and 15th Century Flemish tapestries (a present from Spain’s Charles V) in the drawing room, we sip Sariano Pomario, the villa owner’s award-winning red wine. When Andrea Spalletti Trivelli offers to drive us to his winery for a tasting the next day, we readily accept.
Pomario, the organic winery and olive farm, is on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, and we spend an afternoon sampling the goods. There’s more wine over a lunch of pasta with mushrooms and truffles, and a glass or two with some local cheeses.
The next day, our sightseeing begins in earnest, first visiting the Quirinal Palace which sits on top of the highest of Rome’s seven hills.
Later, we make our way to the recently restored Trevi Fountain. It is said that throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return (£2,300 is tossed in each day). I just hope it’s true – I’m already desperate to go back.
Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com, 020 8682 5060) offers four nights’ B&B at Villa Spalletti Trivelli from £1,350pp, including return BA flights to Rome.