Rome Cavalieri
Part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts. Enclosed in fifteen acres of lush Mediterranean parklands, in the heart of Rome.
Standing tall in its grounds of 15 acres, just 10 minutes serenity from the city’s hustle, Cavalieri’s exterior won’t win any beauty contests but this 5-star property, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, isn’t about love at first sight. Firstly stand on your balcony, and preside over Rome’s skyline, prosecco in hand, breathing in the heady aroma of Jasmine flowers that curl around the balustrading, then you start to understand what the fuss is about.
Each palatial suite is molto Italiano adorned with 18th Century antiques and marble bathrooms, some with Swarovski crystal taps, and hydromassage tubs, all spilling with Acqua di Parma products.
The hotel boasts a impressive art collection and best of all it’s home to the Pergola, the rooftop 3 Michelin starred restaurant, the only one of its kind in Rome. You really are spoilt for choice with menus for water and salt, as well as wine. The most delicious of all 7 courses is their signature dish Fagottelli “La Pergola,” divine pasta parcels exploding with butter and liquid parmesan - this is more than just carbonara. Just when you think you can’t take anymore, a heavy, silver trinket box is placed before you, on opening its many drawers you are delighted with delicate sweets from jellied candies, hazlenut chocolate or a fairy-sized lemon merengue. After dinner you can sigh heavily out on the terrace or enjoy a smoke in the adjoining cigar lounge.
Rome Cavalieri is the grand dame of 5-star deluxe hotels with its breathtaking views, state of the art Spa and an outrageously giant pool to boot, but if you’ve had enough of the high life, you can take advantage of the free bus shuttle service which runs frequently from the hotel and head for the nearest pizzeria. We won’t tell.
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| Taking in Rome's skyline with the the Basilica in the distance |
The Acqua di Parma products were a great touch but the tea (silver service no less) ordered in the room after a heavy day's sightseeing much needed by me, gasp, was at an astronomical price, in my view. I think however chi chi or pricey the hotel is, tea and coffee should be included in the price or there should be tea making facilities - very British I know.
Il Salviatino, Florence
A majestic Florentine villa, steeped in history, that has been lovingly restored to its former glory, set in the wooded hills just outside Florence.
Situated just 10 minutes away from Florence, in the foot of Fiesole hill surrounded by woodland sits the majestic, aristocratic villa Salviatino. Sipping on a potent Negroni on the terrazza you feel rather cool headed and smug looking out towards the famous dome shimmering in the heat of the city below.
The once derelict estate has been beautifully restored with dedicated love. The look is seriously sumptuous but so, so stylish, combining linens made from local artisans and delightful toiletries produced by herbalists in Northern Italy with the latest hi-tech components such as a Wi-Fi light controls and a large plasma screen subtly imposed in the freestanding mirror in front of the bed. I imagine Winter here is a snug affair, the large suites exude warmth with dark wood panelling, and huge marble fireplaces, with the sun streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. Unearthed treasures have ensured individuality to each refurbished room like ancient stone baths and 19th century frescoes and each floor has a different fragrance created individually by an Italian perfumery. The hotel is also environmentally savvy with rainfall showers.
A few breezy minutes in a gleaming white golf buggy brought me to the unfinished Devarana Spa tucked away within the gardens along with a large hopeful hole in front of it – the beginnings of a pool, which will open in July. Once the garden matures around the building, the meaning of Devarana ‘Garden in heaven’ in Thai-Sanskrit will make sense and become a leafy haven in the quietude of the grounds, away from the hotel.
Eager to wallop away my Tuscan feasting I tried the aromatic detoxified and contoured massage, its technique to eliminate toxins and fight the accumulation of cellulite and water retention. By the end I was literally in a dream, as my mind and excesses floated away and the Thai masseuse had to gently shake my now super soft skin to wake me.
You will surely be tempted into Florence and the hotel offers a shuttle bus, dropping you off at the Ponte Vecchio. Go shopping, check out the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Bargello, the Boboli Gardens and the many restaurants, some of which are partnered with Il Salviatino ensuring quality including L’Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi, famous for its Florentine steaks. True to its unconventional style, the hotel has also started Club Salviatino, a members club hosting all sorts of events covering art , music, politics and film. Check out their blog for more details http://www.salviatino.com/blog.
Each guest is treated to their own Service Ambassador (or slave) who is supposedly waiting in the wings for your call, be it personal shopping or wine tasting. Like an enhanced concierge tending to your every request, requirement and reservation. We secured 2 tickets to the Bargello collection – a helpful procurement on a busy Saturday. There are a flurry of eager staff loitering with intent to help you in various strategic locations – in the hallway near your room, next to the lift doors, at the entrance of the villa – for there is no front desk, the hotel’s way of shrugging off traditions and greeting their guests as if they were staying at a friend’s country pad rather than a paid-for establishment. This is without a doubt, a slice of grown up seduction.
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| The suite |
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