Kiwi Curated
Spring into Italy
by Darren DunneAt Kiwi Collection, Italy perennially places near the top of our most popular destination list. It doesn’t take an anthropologist to unpack the reasons, as it’s hard to beat the blend of culture, climate and cuisine that permeates its every corner.
Spring into Italy
Framed by the towering Mount Etna and Mediterranean Ocean, the picturesque town of Taormina enjoys a rich heritage that dates back hundreds of years. There’s plenty to love, like the scorching summers and celebrity sightings, plus the fact it’s home to San Domenico Palace Hotel, a hilltop retreat with oodles of charm. The hotel sits at the center of town and is built on the site of a 15th century monastery. The monks and their spartan lifestyles have long departed, leaving behind the original facade and soaring ceilings. The rooms and suites are decorated in classic Sicilian style, and we particularly recommend the Garden Suites, with their private plunge pools and views over the neighboring amphitheater. There’s also the small matter of the two-Michelin starred Principe Cerami Restaurant when it comes time to dine.
Spring into Italy
Of Rome’s fabled seven hills, Quirinal is the most iconic, containing the Palazzo del Quirinale—one of three official residences of the Italian President—and the Trevi Fountain. It’s also home to Villa Spalletti Trivelli Roma, a beautiful period residence that’s lost none of its authenticity in conversion to a boutique hotel. The villa is the generational home of the Trivelli family, and their heirlooms form the backdrop to the 14 classically decorated bedrooms. Even though the villa is small in size, there’s a 24-hour gym and wellness center available. Cloistered above, there’s a rooftop bar and Jacuzzi on the terrace.
Spring into Italy
As one of the doyens of Italian architecture, Antonio Girardi has played a lead role in fascinating projects across Italy and further afield. His work on DOM Hotel Roma is particularly noteworthy as a successful mix of an aristocratic household atmosphere with all the 21st century mod-cons. The interiors retain many of the original structural components, such as exposed brick, coffered wooden ceilings, and even marble fixtures with ancient religious inscriptions. The 18 guest accommodations highlight this juxtaposition, setting stylish modern decor and against a storied backdrop. The Deer Club is the hotel’s trendy concept lounge, where guests are invited to dine and mingle amid a trendy, modern atmosphere
Spring into Italy
Rome’s Malaspina clan could conceivably be described as the world’s original socialites, hosting infamous parties in their palatial riverside abode. Centuries later, this home has been transformed into Palazzo Roma, a playfully stylish villa-hotel with an array of features that belie its small stature. A rarity for central Rome, the spacious private garden contains a swimming pool and deck. Inside, the 30 bedrooms are suitably lavish, counting amenities like marble bathrooms and period furniture. Offering more than a subtle nod to the villa’s party past, there’s also a nightclub in the basement. Don’t fret, it’s sufficiently soundproofed to ensure a restful night’s slumber for non-party goers bedding down above.
Spring into Italy
We turn our gaze next to Chianti wine country, home to America’s most popular variety of red wine. Hotel Relais Borgo San Felice is nestled in the heart of the region, and consists of an entire Italian village that’s been converted into a unique hotel. There are 33 guest rooms and 20 suits arrayed around the winding streets and alleyways, with each boasting modern accoutrements like complimentary Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Some of the buildings and gardens house the hotel’s communal spaces—two restaurants, an open-air swimming pool, tennis courts, wellness center and conference rooms. You’re deep in sleepy Italian countryside here, surrounded by 140 hectares of vineyards and rolling hills. Florence is just an hour by car should its sights prove tempting.
Spring into Italy
A little closer to the action in Florence, Hotel Savoy neatly packages up everything that’s great about this cultural hotspot: beautiful architecture, elegant style, and the best in Italian hospitality. The hotel sits on the famous Piazza Della Repubblica, a centuries old meeting point at the heart of the city. The Duomo is a short stroll away, while the famous works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci at Uffizi Gallery are also close at hand. Hotel Savoy is part of Rocco Forte’s prestigious collection, and contains the brand’s range of toiletries in each room’s Italian marble bathroom. The fitness center overlooks the city, while the city’s cafe culture can be experienced at the ground floor Irene Bar and Restaurant.
Spring into Italy
Overlooking the calm waters of the Adriatic, Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel wraps an exclusive boutique hotel experience in a rustic Italian visage. The vibe here is distinctly calm, with white-washed walls and simple wood furnishings adorning the interiors. Outside, a pristine outdoor pool runs parallel with the ocean, while a field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello is just 30 minutes away by car. After a day spent lounging by the pool, indulge in a specialty treatment at the Aqua Wellness Center, located on-site.
Spring into Italy
A 1920’s Art Nouveau gem in the picturesque town of Viareggio, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte and its magnificent facade stand proudly on the town’s central promenade. Culinary delights abound at Il Piccolo Principe, which serves up twice Michelin-starred fare in a beautiful setting. Elsewhere, the beach is just a two minute walk away, and there’s always the rooftop pool where one can sunbathe, cocktail in hand, overlooking the Sea of Versilia.
Framed by the towering Mount Etna and Mediterranean Ocean, the picturesque town of Taormina enjoys a rich heritage that dates back hundreds of years. There’s plenty to love, like the scorching summers and celebrity sightings, plus the fact it’s home to San Domenico Palace Hotel, a hilltop retreat with oodles of charm. The hotel sits at the center of town and is built on the site of a 15th century monastery. The monks and their spartan lifestyles have long departed, leaving behind the original facade and soaring ceilings. The rooms and suites are decorated in classic Sicilian style, and we particularly recommend the Garden Suites, with their private plunge pools and views over the neighboring amphitheater. There’s also the small matter of the two-Michelin starred Principe Cerami Restaurant when it comes time to dine.
Of Rome’s fabled seven hills, Quirinal is the most iconic, containing the Palazzo del Quirinale—one of three official residences of the Italian President—and the Trevi Fountain. It’s also home to Villa Spalletti Trivelli Roma, a beautiful period residence that’s lost none of its authenticity in conversion to a boutique hotel. The villa is the generational home of the Trivelli family, and their heirlooms form the backdrop to the 14 classically decorated bedrooms. Even though the villa is small in size, there’s a 24-hour gym and wellness center available. Cloistered above, there’s a rooftop bar and Jacuzzi on the terrace.
As one of the doyens of Italian architecture, Antonio Girardi has played a lead role in fascinating projects across Italy and further afield. His work on DOM Hotel Roma is particularly noteworthy as a successful mix of an aristocratic household atmosphere with all the 21st century mod-cons. The interiors retain many of the original structural components, such as exposed brick, coffered wooden ceilings, and even marble fixtures with ancient religious inscriptions. The 18 guest accommodations highlight this juxtaposition, setting stylish modern decor and against a storied backdrop. The Deer Club is the hotel’s trendy concept lounge, where guests are invited to dine and mingle amid a trendy, modern atmosphere
Rome’s Malaspina clan could conceivably be described as the world’s original socialites, hosting infamous parties in their palatial riverside abode. Centuries later, this home has been transformed into Palazzo Roma, a playfully stylish villa-hotel with an array of features that belie its small stature. A rarity for central Rome, the spacious private garden contains a swimming pool and deck. Inside, the 30 bedrooms are suitably lavish, counting amenities like marble bathrooms and period furniture. Offering more than a subtle nod to the villa’s party past, there’s also a nightclub in the basement. Don’t fret, it’s sufficiently soundproofed to ensure a restful night’s slumber for non-party goers bedding down above.
We turn our gaze next to Chianti wine country, home to America’s most popular variety of red wine. Hotel Relais Borgo San Felice is nestled in the heart of the region, and consists of an entire Italian village that’s been converted into a unique hotel. There are 33 guest rooms and 20 suits arrayed around the winding streets and alleyways, with each boasting modern accoutrements like complimentary Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Some of the buildings and gardens house the hotel’s communal spaces—two restaurants, an open-air swimming pool, tennis courts, wellness center and conference rooms. You’re deep in sleepy Italian countryside here, surrounded by 140 hectares of vineyards and rolling hills. Florence is just an hour by car should its sights prove tempting.
A little closer to the action in Florence, Hotel Savoy neatly packages up everything that’s great about this cultural hotspot: beautiful architecture, elegant style, and the best in Italian hospitality. The hotel sits on the famous Piazza Della Repubblica, a centuries old meeting point at the heart of the city. The Duomo is a short stroll away, while the famous works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci at Uffizi Gallery are also close at hand. Hotel Savoy is part of Rocco Forte’s prestigious collection, and contains the brand’s range of toiletries in each room’s Italian marble bathroom. The fitness center overlooks the city, while the city’s cafe culture can be experienced at the ground floor Irene Bar and Restaurant.
Overlooking the calm waters of the Adriatic, Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel wraps an exclusive boutique hotel experience in a rustic Italian visage. The vibe here is distinctly calm, with white-washed walls and simple wood furnishings adorning the interiors. Outside, a pristine outdoor pool runs parallel with the ocean, while a field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello is just 30 minutes away by car. After a day spent lounging by the pool, indulge in a specialty treatment at the Aqua Wellness Center, located on-site.
A 1920’s Art Nouveau gem in the picturesque town of Viareggio, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte and its magnificent facade stand proudly on the town’s central promenade. Culinary delights abound at Il Piccolo Principe, which serves up twice Michelin-starred fare in a beautiful setting. Elsewhere, the beach is just a two minute walk away, and there’s always the rooftop pool where one can sunbathe, cocktail in hand, overlooking the Sea of Versilia.