Rocco Forte New Italian Hotels
Love is the soundtrack of Puglia
Puglia was first associated with ultimate romance in 1958 when Domenico Modugno, an Apulian native, won two Grammy Awards for his timeless global hit “Blu dipinto di Blu” better known worldwide as “Volare”. Over 50 years later, Masseria Torre Maizza, a Rocco Forte Hotel launching on May 1st, embodies the colours, the nature, the charm and exoticism which inspired Modugno’s famous song.
Set off the beaten track, in Puglia’s picturesque area of Savelletri di Fasano only minutes away from the Adriatic coast, Masseria Torre Maizza is a renovated 16th century farmhouse, typical of the area, lavishly draped in ivy and surrounded by centuries old olive trees resembling natural sculptures.
The intimate 40 rooms and suites resort has been entirely renovated by Director of design Olga Polizzi blending her colourful prints with local white linens and terracotta for a light and elegant feel with rustic tones. Heavy carpets and wicker furniture have been used throughout the suites, many of which have their own private patios and original fireplaces for an added touch of romance on chillier evenings. Typically, Olga Polizzi has personally sourced the best local craftsmanship and artefacts giving each suite and room an entirely personal character and sense of place.
At the heart of the resort is the local cuisine, artfully interpreted by Rocco Forte’s Creative Director of Food, Maestro Fulvio Pierangelini, as if it were a grand local home using a feast of natural products from the Masseria’s own gardens and orchard. Pierangelini’s artful menus are served by candlelight in the vaulted dining room or open air, whether in the gardens or under the stone colonnade surrounding the 20 metre pool. Gourmet guests with a particular passion for cooking will be able to book private lessons and take a taste of Puglia home with them.
The resort offers a wealth of local tailor made experiences and excursions to coastal villages and historical towns, including the extraordinary Matera which is this year’s European Capital of Culture. The lazier romantics can stay at the resort and relax at the spa, play the 9-hole golf course, head down to the private beach club or simply enjoy each other and the heady feel of the Masseria.
The resort may be booked as a whole, becoming the dream location for a small wedding, a renewal of vows celebration or simply a wonderful multi generation family occasion. For the more frequent individual bookings of Masseria Torre Maizza’s Celebration Experience, guests will be treated to Champagne, chocolate truffles and a romantic breakfast in bed starting from 357 Euro per night.
The Roman sky is the limit
Launching May 23rd, the Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel, is the most awaited opening of the year in Rome and promises the ultimate views over the eternal city. Indeed the historical structure artfully spread over several levels means that the suites and large terraces are quite unrivalled in town offering a totally unique high rise angle and the grandest of panoramas.
Architect Tommaso Ziffer has collaborated with Director of Design Olga Polizzi in bringing to life the aesthetics and cultural sentiments of the 18th and 19th century Grand Tour of Europe in a contemporary key. The result is a bold and vibrant feel which pervades the building offering a sumptuous theatrical set reflective of Roman intricacies throughout the ages up to modern days.
The creative atmosphere culminates in the Signature Suites, soon to be unveiled as the most panoramic in town. Strong colour schemes with soft and bright tones are tactfully combined with an eclectic collection of local contemporary craftmanship, bold furniture, large digital representations of ancient art and rich tapestries. “A room is a set for people’s lives, a true work of art in itself” states Ziffer whilst commenting on the suites at the Hotel de la Ville.
The Canova Suite, named after the famous Neo Classical sculptor, blends high art and lavish style to elegant effect. Spacious living areas, featuring a sitting room and a king sized bedroom combine light colour shades with luxurious furnishings and a curated collection of objects of art. The Roma Suite offers an elegant apartment in the heart of the city and a perfect solution for families. Sitting on the 8th floor and reached by private elevator, the Suite De La Ville is the hotel’s crown jewel, offering extraordinary space, a curated art collection and antique furniture presented in contemporary flare. The private dining room and the two large terraces with panoramic views over Rome make the Suite De La Ville ideal for memorable evenings and entertaining. It is also perfect for families, with the option to connect with the Roma and Canova suites on the seventh floor to make a lavish multi-bedroom residence.
The three Signature Suites at Hotel de la Ville are fully equipped for entertaining and are served by a private butler and a dedicated concierge who will tailor unique Rocco Forte Suite Experience benefits and unique adventures to match the guests’ wishes. Be one of the first to enjoy the newly designed rooms and suites and receive a 30% discount on published rates, including breakfast and „aperitivo“on the spectacular roof top bar. Guests staying in one of our suites will also receive complimentary limousine transfer from the airport or the train station.
For more information please visit our website www.roccofortehotels.com