Double the pleasure
A two centre break in Rome and Umbria offers the best of Italy’s capital and countryside, writes Rosalind Erskine
While Paris may be seen as the ultimate city of romance, it is Italy that holds the key to many hearts. With its history, world-renowned food and wine and beautiful landscapes, Italy will always delight no matter how many times you visit.
If a trip that includes a city break and a country retreat is what you’re looking for then a couple of days in Rome followed by a tour of Umbria – one of Italy’s central regions – will tick those boxes.
If you want to be close to the action of the Eternal City but feel a million miles away too, then a stay at the contemporary A.ROMA hotel is a must. Just 15 minutes away from the Vatican City, the hotel’s location within the rolling green hills on the outskirts of the city centre makes it the best of both worlds.
Having recently been brought
Views across the city from the top floor bar are unparalleled
up to date by owners LDC Hotels, the A.ROMA caters for business guests – it has become well known for its conference facilities – as well as those looking for a city break. Through a dark, sliding glass door lies the minimalist lobby, complete with modern artwork and masses of marble, giving a nod to Rome’s history. The design of the building itself and accents in the décor include subtle Asian touches – mixing east with west.
Consisting of 276 rooms – this is by no means a boutique affair – it is still possible to find peace and quiet within the large private gardens or by the outdoor pool, where it is easy to forget that the bustling city is nearby.
While Italy and indeed Rome are famed for their cuisine, it is of no surprise that the hotel’s offering is top class – if a bit unexpected. Catering for international tastes of all sorts, the Sapori dal Mondo restaurant comprises no less than ten food stations that serve menus from all over the world. With live cooking stations and a street-food feel, this restaurant is perfect for families or solo business travellers looking for a quick bite. A fresh buffet-style dining experience allows guests to sample everything from a freshly-baked pizza and an American feast, to an array of fine Asian delicacies.
Il Giardino Bar is an altogether more formal affair, without being stuffy. Serving lunch and dinner on a shaded terrace, the menu here has all the Italian delights from basic but delicious pasta to caprese salads, plus a range of cocktails and drinks. Healthy options are also available, as are those with Asian influences.
After dinner, guests can make their way to the speakeasy-style Sky Star Bar. Located on the top floor of the hotel, a simple ring of the bell will alert staff to open the doors to the bar, which seats only a small number of guests. Views across the city are unparalleled, and although perfectly located, the bar may be missing a trick as sundowner drinks aren’t possible due to the 9pm opening.
In addition to the modern interior and well-positioned location, A.ROMA’S crowning glory is its spa – SPA.ROMA. Set over 2,500sqm, guests can indulge in facilities that include a salt water pool, Finnish sauna, cold fog showers, Turkish baths and a biosauna. Treatments range from bespoke massages and facials (which I would recommend) to more cosmetic offerings.
While a city break is all well and good, the ability to be able to truly get
away from it all is an enticing option, which is why a trip to Villa Monte Solare (also owned by LDC Hotels) makes for the perfect escape.
Once the private home of an aristocratic family, the beautiful villa is situated within the hills of Umbria and close to neighbouring Perugia. The history of the building goes as far back as 1780, and the immediate grounds are home to a charming church and Lemon House, now the spa – both of which date back to the 16th century when the villa was a convent.
It’s hard to imagine a more tranquil setting, which is why it is easy to understand how Villa Monte Solare has become a luxury spa destination – and so much more. With around 80 hectares of land, covered in more than 3,000 olive trees (some of which are over 200 years old), the villa is also a destination for guests who want to explore the Umbrian countryside and all its delicacies, as well as indulge in a relaxing retreat. Activities include biking, hiking, truffle hunting, wine tasting, olive oil tasting and cooking classes (which are held in the Villa’s on-site kitchen, created specially for guests).
Inside, the history and charm of the villa is evident in the original features, which range from murals to cotto floors and period furniture. Any modern additions, such as TVS and a Jacuzzi bath, have been done sympathetically and with the overall look and feel in mind.
With only 25 rooms, each with their own unique quirks (one bed has a former fireplace as its headboard, and many include hand-painted, floral wall art), it is the beautiful views of the Umbrian hills that are the piece de résistance here. Although the space and tranquillity come a close second.
Restaurant Dolium makes the most of its home-grown produce and wines to deliver daily and seasonal dishes characteristic of the region – a true taste of Umbria. Each dish is topped off with the most flavoursome olive oil that is produced from their very own olive trees. Healthy, hearty and tasty would be the best way to describe the cuisine at Dolium.
After a day exploring the beautiful countryside and quaint villages (or relaxing by one of the two pools on the jade green and wooden vintagestyle sun loungers), a visit to the spa is a welcome indulgence at Villa Monte Solare. Le Muse Wellness can be found in the Villa’s beautiful gardens in the former Lemon House.
The complete peace of the setting is ideal for a relaxing, bespoke massage. Here you’ll find options such as a ‘red wine’ massage, which includes a plate of local cheese, meat and wine after, to the Mont Saint Michel Treatment, which uses mud from the Bay of Mont Saint Michel.
It is not just the location, wonderful food and activities but space and peace that can be found in spades when staying at Villa Monte Solare that truly sets it apart.
Flights from Edinburgh to Rome Ciampino Airport with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) start from £12.99. A deluxe double room in the A.ROMA hotel (www.hotel-aroma.com) starts
from €450 per night. Classic rooms at Villa Monte Solare (www.villamontesolare.com/en/) start from €149 per night (average mid-season rate).