SPLENDID SPRING SOJOURNS: THE TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE FOR A REJUVENATING BREAK
Winter is finally starting to break to spring, and this means that we can all start to enjoy spending some time enjoying warmer weather, fresh air and outdoor escapades. From Italy to the Netherlands and Scotland, we uncover the best destinations to visit this spring…
Wander through the eternal city of Rome
Once considered the capital of the world, ancient Rome is steeped in nearly 3000 years of history, culminating in a backdrop of awe-inspiring architecture. The pride of the city’s ‘golden era’, caput mundi, can still be experienced through the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, all built during Rome’s defining era. Without even trying, the capital provides a comprehensive lesson in artistic heritage, dotted with beautiful fountains designed by Bernini, Michelangelo sculptures, Caravaggio paintings and Raphael’s frescoes, not to mention the trove of delights hidden away in the Vatican.
As you meander through the Eternal City’s picturesque streets and shady gardens, you naturally slip into the la dolce vita way of life, soaking up the city’s effortless style, perfumed with a freshly-ground macchiato. With longstanding respect for mama’s cooking, the Italian diet caters to all with crispy, thin-based pizzas, verdant salads, simple pasta dishes and, of course, a scoop or two of exquisite gelato. Located in central Italy’s Lazio region, the nearby Frascati and Castelli Romani hills ensure a steady flow of local wines, mainly white, worth exploring, including Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia Puntinata.
Also a fantastic shopping destination, the illustrious Via Condotti is renowned for its designer boutiques, with glamorous Italian fashion labels such as Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti and Giorgio Armani all calling this stylish street home. Elsewhere in the city, the most talked-about opening is Colosseo Quadrato, the new Fendi headquarters at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, housed in a striking building from the Fascist era. Opened in honour of the Italian fashion house’s 90th anniversary, the headquarters features a free-entry gallery that’s a must for fashion and design lovers.
WHERE TO STAY
A true Roman luminary between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the classical and cosmopolitan come together at Hotel de Russie.
An enduring favourite of artists and writers, stars and politicians, Hotel de Russie was dubbed “paradise on earth” by French poet Jean Cocteau in 1917, and the accolade still stands today. Visit the hotel’s stunning Mediterranean tiered Secret Garden, with rose bushes, orange trees, and mature pine, and listen to the gentle sounds of the small waterfall flowing between three nymphaeums, to experience the magic for yourself.
Indulge in one of the best aperitivo experiences in the city in the Stravinskij Bar, sipping expertly mixed cocktails under the stars. Surrender to bliss in the sublime De Russie Spa and dine on fine Italian classics in Le Jardin de Russie before heading up to enjoy exceptional comfort in the stylish surrounds of your luxury room or suite in the heart of Rome.
With a stunning wraparound terrace that overlooks the historic Piazza del Popolo, the hotel’s Popolo Suite offers some of the most exclusive views in the city. Elegantly marrying accents from Rome’s classical and contemporary heritage, antique wall reliefs and sculptures are displayed alongside a curated collection of bespoke rugs, mid-century furniture, and a colour palette that echoes Papal Rome. With a generous dining table as well as numerous sitting areas both inside and out, including one with a stunning Meridian sofa, the Popolo Suite is ideal for entertaining, while the stylish marble bathroom with Irene Forte Skincare products promise decadence. Adding to the elegance, the separate bedroom is harmoniously decorated with a botanically-inspired theme and outfitted with a king-sized bed that invites serene, sumptuous relaxation and rest.
Discover Edinburgh’s burgeoning art scene
Edinburgh is filled with fascinating monuments to honour Scotland’s glorious past. Once known as ‘The Athens of the North’, the city has an incredible array of world-class museums, grand architecture and exciting art galleries to explore.
This season, guests can venture on a walk through the cobblestone city streets of the Royal Mile, entering Festival Village where Van Gogh Alive resides. From March 17th to July 17th, families can immerse themselves in the multi-sensory experience that exhibits the life and work of the world-famous Dutch artist. A kaleidoscope of colour, the experience includes over 3,000 images from the artist that are spectacularly presented with stunning detail, including iconic works like Starry Night, Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings that were inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints, promising to be one of the highlights of Scotland’s cultural calendar in 2022.
The Scottish Gallery is the oldest fine art dealer and gallery in Scotland, specialising in 20th century and contemporary Scottish paintings and objects. The space is a prime place to pick up artworks by local Scottish artists. Exhibitions change constantly so there’s always something new to discover.
For modern and contemporary art, head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The complex comprises three spaces; a fantastic sculpture park set in extensive parkland and two indoor spaces, Modern One and Modern Two. Modern One showcases works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection, alongside special loans from around the world. Visit to explore Expressionist and modern British art, contemporary 20th century French and Russian art collections, and paintings by household names such as Matisse and Picasso. Modern Two, on the other hand, presents a changing programme of exhibitions by international artists, alongside a number of permanent large-scale projects, such as The Stairwell Project by Richard Wright.
WHERE TO STAY
The Balmoral has been a city landmark since 1902 and has unrivalled views across the iconic skyline, filled with splendid facades and styles.
A welcome in bespoke Balmoral tartan; Hebridean blues, heather hues and classic Scottish art; whisky ambassadors with 500 malts – The Balmoral is a love letter to Scotland. Looking up to Edinburgh Castle, savour Michelin-starred dining, French-Scottish bistro fare, award-winning afternoon tea and a serene urban spa at the city’s most majestic spot.
Browse art over dinner at Number One at The Balmoral, a Michelin-star restaurant, which is decorated with a print of a Scottish oak tree by Adam Ellis, alongside artwork from London’s Royal College of Art.
Palatial in both inspiration and spirit, The Balmoral’s iconic Scone & Crombie Suite is named after the stunning Scottish palace of Scone in Perthshire and the historic Crombie Castle in Aberdeenshire. From the custom-made tapestry Devonshire Swans wallpaper in the entrance hall — ideal for discrete, private check-ins or private dinners — to the rich fabrics and opulent furnishings used throughout the grand and generous space, the presidential suite is decorated with a nod to the city’s royal connections. Elegantly complementing the design, the colour scheme is serene with shades of delicate blue and grey, evoking Scottish skies and lochs, and a dash of soft yellows, like wild gorse, in the bedroom. Botanical, natural accents are woven throughout, while the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light reveal the skyline of the city’s Old Town as a compelling contrast. For added decadence, the living room has a working fireplace and the spacious Italian marble and mosaic bathroom features a freestanding bathtub, a separate shower and luxurious Asprey toiletries. Ideal for lavish longer stays and larger groups, the Scone & Crombie can be transformed into either a two- or three-bedroom suite.
Drive through the Tuscan Hills of Florence
Drive through cypress-strewn hills with exhilarating freedom while staying at Hotel Savoy in romantic Florence. Hotel Savoy has partnered with SlowDrive, allowing guests to choose their dream vehicle from the incredible selection of stylish cars and enjoy a memorable escape through wildflower-lined roads, grapevines and village piazzas. SlowDrive believes in helping you rediscover the wonderful pleasures of driving and the sensory experience that only a vintage car can give. Central to their philosophy is curating authentic moments, allowing you to embrace the excitement of hearing the roar of the engine and feeling every vibration on the steering wheel. Leave the bustle of the city and slow down to get lost in the joys of a scenic journey through the Chianti countryside.
As ever, the Hotel Savoy Concierge team is always on hand to help curate the perfect itinerary. All services are bespoke to combine the charm of vintage cars, history and natural beauty into one unforgettable and unique experience. The team will plan all the pre-arrival details so guests can set off on the ideal Tuscan road trip and the drive of a lifetime. Treat your senses to this picturesque and pristine landscape, enjoying total relaxation with the wind in your hair.
Hotel Savoy and SlowDrive also offer assisted private tours to guide guests through the winding roads of the enchanting Italian hills with the unique feeling of driving into some of the most beautiful sights in the country, such as Siena and Pisa. Soak in the wonders of the spectacular landscape as you explore the remote country lanes. SlowDrive also provides guided vintage tours which can be shared with loved ones. Starting at the typical Tuscan town of Fucecchio and driving towards Chianti, it will take you through luscious vineyards, olive groves and charming medieval villages, such as memorable San Miniato with its white truffles and Renaissance palazzi, including the ancestral home of the Bonapartes. Sigh with happiness as you pause in shaded golden-stoned squares to sample local wines and take stunning photographs, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
There is nothing like the freedom of a road trip to explore away from the well-travelled paths and get under the skin of authentic local life. Tuscany has something delicious (quite often literally) to discover around every citrus-scented corner and Hotel Savoy is there to hand-pick the very best of undiscovered Italy with the emotive experience of driving across an exotic location. This is Italy by road – there is no greater adventure.
Experience tulip season in Amsterdam
Inspiring renewal and rejuvenation, the spring season is ready to bloom at Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam’s leading luxury lifestyle palace located in the heart of the city. In honour of the country’s national flower and colourful tradition, Conservatorium offers new and returning guests an exclusive package to experience the famous flower season in an unforgettable way as travel restrictions to the country continue to ease.
Joining the country’s fragrant crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths, and Dutch tulips, the hotel’s own orange tulips will once again grow on-site for guests to enjoy. Conservatorium also offers customizable flower experiences and the Let it Bloom package.
Whether securing tickets to the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens – the largest spring garden in the world, home to seven million bulbs and 800 varieties of tulips – and breathtaking helicopter sightseeing tours, to seats at the Flower Parade or directions to surrounding flower markets or many ‘pluktuin,’ or picking gardens, Conservatorium curates personal experiences for guests to experience the blossoming flowers in and around the capital:
LET IT BLOOM
Starting at €750 per night
Available for stays 24th March – 15th May 2022
- Two nights in a guest room or suite (in a Deluxe Guest Room to Residence Suite)
- A welcome bouquet of tulips in-room
- Keukenhof tickets
- Breakfast in the Brasserie
- Access to the spa and fitness area of Akasha Holistic Wellbeing
Minimum two-night stay. Blackout dates may apply.
Escape to an Italian palazzo in the Gulf of Palermo
Having been under the rule of great civilisations, from Greek and Roman to Arab and French, Palermo has an incredibly rich artistic legacy. From The Palazzo dei Normanni, which was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman domination (and today houses the city council), to Monreale’s cathedral, commissioned by the Norman ruler of Sicily William II, this is a city steeped in history — and a culinary whirlpool.
Reminiscent of Arab souks, Palermo’s markets, from Ballarò, to Capo and Vucciria, are perhaps the best places to soak up its theatrical and vibrant atmosphere, with market sellers singing the merits of their wares at the top of their lungs and locals sourcing the freshest vegetables.
There is an endless list of things to do during your stay: stroll down Corso Vittorio Emanuele and pass by churches, palazzi and the city’s breath-taking cathedral; Glide through the Gulf of Palermo aboard a private boat; venture out to the medieval village of Castelbuono, and sample sea-fresh fish and raw crustaceans with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
WHERE TO STAY
A coral-hued Art Nouveau palazzo nestled at the base of Mount Pellegrino in the vibrant city of Palermo, Villa Igiea sits in a prime location overlooking the beautiful marina. Each suite has been given a contemporary twist by designer Olga Polizzi and is furnished with classic antiques and delicate fabrics. Terraced gardens surround the sparkling pool and at the Igiea Terrazza Bar, the finest aperitivos are served amid charming frescoes.
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, which opened on 17 March. A long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, trace their paths through tiered villa gardens that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea; on excursions to Palermo’s bustling markets, Baroque palaces and ancient sites, or yacht trips along its picturesque coast; and through Villa Igiea’s Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars and palatial Art Nouveau interior.
With smooth wooden floors, an earthy palette and resplendent with hand-stitched fabrics, curated artworks and antiques, the beauty of Sicily is reflected throughout the décor of the Suites with sea views and terraces. Find peace in which to read or entertain in the light-filled sitting room or on your private terrace. Make sure to savour the spectacular views over terraced coastal gardens leading down to the water. Inside, the adjacent bedroom is furnished with a super-king-sized bed with a pillow menu to ensure exceptional slumber, a walk-in wardrobe and a serene en suite bathroom, crafted from Carrara marble and exquisite handmade Sicilian floor tiles. Luxuriate in the decadent bathtub or separate walk-in shower and enjoy Irene Forte Skincare products created from local botanicals.
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