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Amazing Rome
Writer Anatole Boyard once said that Rome was a poem pressed into service as a city. It isn’t a difficult sentiment to understand. With its twisting streets and ancient ruins, Rome seems like it could only have been conjured up in the mind of a romantic. Anyone can travel to Rome, but turning that visit into an experience is its own challenge. Luckily, Susan Boehnstedt traveled to this storied city recently to scope out the best places for her treasured clients to stay, dine, and tours to truly discover the soul of Rome with people who know the history of those streets better than anyone. With a strong commitment to excellence always at the forefront of her mind, Susan’s travels can only be the best example of what a Roman holiday can look like.
While hitting the streets is the best way to take in Rome’s history, equally important is where you unwind at the end of a long day of exploring. Pampered in luxury, Susan stayed at the Palazzo Manfredi,
a Relais & Châteaux
property built in the 1700's. Situated just steps from the famed Colosseum on the site of a former gladiator training school, it goes without saying that this boutique hotel offers up some pretty incredible views and history. Despite the age of the building, the interiors are noticeably chic, blending modern design with exotic textures. The vibe of each suite is contemporary, but in a way that’s warm and inviting. For example, in the Grand View Suite, renditions of traditional Roman sculpture sit comfortably next to oblique glass chandeliers and geometric wallpaper. Literally, a home away from home. Lunch or dinner at Palazzo Manfredi’s Michelin-starred Aroma
is a must. At the core of the menu is traditional Italian flavors amped up with Chef di Lorio’s unique riffs and fresh ingredients. A huge thanks goes out to hotel manager, Matteo Moretti, and Creative Destinations
for organizing this portion of the trip at Palazzo Manfredi.
Situated just two kilometers away near the Quirinale Palace, is the family-owned and operated Villa Spalletti Trivelli. Despite its location in a prime tourist area, this gem of a hotel holds luxury and privacy above all else. Housed in a former private villa, walking through the drawing rooms furnished with antique furniture makes it feel like guests have stumbled into a museum. Rooms are spacious, updated, and gently modern with great use of dark wood and tapestries to lend the spaces a homey feel. The villa also offers guests a multi-purpose wellness center to escape the bustle of the city outside, as well as a new rooftop terrace to soak in the Roman sun while enjoying some aperitivi. A highlight for Susan was the family-style dining featuring lemon-perfumed meatballs (grandma’s original recipe) and homemade Tiramisu, as well as the grand, comfortable hospitality of owner Andrea Spalletti. It’s one of those places where you come as a guest and leave as a friend. Creative Destinations
did a great job coordinating this portion of the trip as well and making this lovely connection.
The close proximity of these two hotels to popular tourist attractions make visiting a breeze. This also holds true for The First Roma Arte. This hotel, nestled between the Tiber River and located just minutes from the Spanish Steps, seeks to blend contemporary art with the deeply rooted culture of the city around it. Susan spent three nights in an Executive Junior Suite, which features amenities such as a private sitting room, free WiFi, and Aqua di Parma toiletries. However, what really sets the design of each room apart are the generous pops of color (often a striking shade of blue) and the works of contemporary Italian artists the hotel puts on display. A generous thank you goes out to General Manager Daniele Carta, whose commitment to excellent service and attention to clients was evident throughout the length of Susan’s stay. Be sure not to miss spending time at the hotel’s rooftop bar. You may come for the cocktail experience, but you’ll definitely stay for the view!
Susan rounded out her exploration of the Roman hotel scene with several sight visits. A tour of Hotel Eden
with Sales Executive Gianluca Tammaro showcased this hotel’s over-the-top luxury and its reputation as the place to be seen. It’s well-situated near the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese gardens. Rooms are spacious and decorated with obvious attention to detail in subtle shades of gold. Wood and marble accents further add an aura of both warmth and richness to each space as well as hidden lighting almost everywhere. The attention to detail in unreal. The best way to describe the Hotel Eden is grand luxury, but presented to guests discreetly, in other words "Dolce Vita". Rooms booked with a view look out over the city and nearby gardens, but the skyline views from the hotel’s La Terrazza dining venue are a must-see while enjoying Chef Fabio Ciervo’s
bold take on local cuisine.
Next was J.K. Place Rome
with Marco Laureana and Samuel Porreca, represented by a great company Susan and her team work with as well, J. Mak Hospitality. This discreet luxury property is tucked away near a bend in the Tiber River and the Borghese Palace. Entering off the cobblestone street outside makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped into a private home. The decor expertly walks the line between classic and contemporary, paring clean lines with dark, warm tones in the guest common areas. The vibes of each space are noticeably quaint and intimate Despite the modern interiors, J.K. Place Rome pays homage to the artistic history of the city with both classic and cutting edge examples of Roman sculpture. Rooms are decorated simply, but well-placed pops of gold, marble, and bright colors lend just the right amount of character. Simply put, boutique and stunning!
The last hotel on Susan’s roster was the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie. Situated between Piazza Spagna and Piazza Popolo, it was once described as “paradise on earth” by French poet Jacques Cocteau. Guests staying at this boutique hotel today would likely agree with him. Between the sprawling gardens and expansive rooms, this property feels more like a private estate than a hotel. While the building maintains the classic aura that first attracted crowds of artists and writers, accommodations are modern. Photography, bas relief, sculpture and furnishings all echo Rome’s antique history, or even the gardens outside, but in a way that feels fresh. Enjoy a meal in the garden at Le Jardin de Russie, and you might just forget you’re in the heart of a big city.
In addition to sharing her latest hotel discoveries, Susan also took several tours with Onirikos
(one of her favorite Italian suppliers and a BIG thanks to Stefano Bajona and team) that allow clients to get a true insider’s glimpse into the Eternal City. A half-day walking tour of the Vatican museums with a professional guide showcases an important slice of Roman religious and artistic history. VIP passes ensure you won’t be spending time in the notoriously long queues. Highlights include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, of course featuring Michelangelo’s famous fresco murals. For lovers of architecture, Onirikos
also offers a half-day walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. A guide begins with a history of the famous arena, which hosted gladiatorial tournaments for up to 50,000 spectators. Heading up Via Sacra, guests then learn about the history of the Roman Forum, including explanations of Julius Caesar’s rule, and the details of the empire’s rise and fall.
Another tour that focuses on the Colosseum and Roman Forum is curated by Imago Artis
(thanks to CEO & Founder Fulvio De Bonis & J. Mak Hospitality, Creative Destinations, and host Patty Van Wyck). While there is some overlap in content, this program takes clients to a whole new level of exclusivity. Guides lead you into normally sectioned off areas of the Forum. Only certain companies in Rome have such access (and Critics Choice can book this tour directly for you). During this same tour, Susan and group were whisked away into a private home to view ruins, and then given a fascinating education and tour into the behind the scenes workings of a high end art restoration studio. The atmosphere to the whole experience is incredibly intimate. It’s Roman history, up close and personal! Truly once in a lifetime experiences.
It’s that side of Rome Susan’s travels hope to showcase; a little of the old, a little of the new, and with a large dose of that famous Italian charm.
Critics Choice Vacations sells Italy (one if their top selling destinations) and any of the experts there can craft a dream trip just for you. Reach out today to start planning. It is always a good time to visit Italy.
This article was written by Nikki Link, Blog Spot nicolegoesglobal.blog, and email nicoleklink1994@gmail.com.
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
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