Villa Cora’s story is as opulent as its current incarnation; built in the 1860s by Baron Oppenheim, and visited by Princess Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, and the Russian composer Tchaikovsky. A landmark in its own right, this enchanting villa offers a serene escape just moments away from the bustling heart of Florence. With its magnificent trompe l’oeil frescoes, stucco-work, and polished parquet floors, Villa Cora is a true masterpiece of aristocratic design. Each of the 45 rooms and suites is adorned with antique furnishings and luxurious fabrics, evoking a sense of refined grandeur.
The outdoor pool is a rarity in the city, and the fragrant rose garden that surrounds it adds to the romantic atmosphere of the palatial villa and parklands. Spa treatments in collaboration with the beauty guru Sarah Chapman revive after a day exploring the galleries and museums of Florence, and the spa includes a tepidarium, sauna and hammam for true relaxation. The gym is likely to be needed after the temptations of the restaurants; Le Bistrot transforms the finest seasonal ingredients into elegant dishes, while a drink in the former dining room of the Baron is a must. The garden, rooftop and atmospheric bar offer a tantalising selection of scenic spots for a drink.
This meticulously restored palazzo nestles on the picturesque coast of Palermo and has been transformed into a sanctuary of opulence and elegance by Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi.
This beautiful villa-style hotel sits on a picturesquely rugged bay near Mount Etna and was originally built in 1919 as the seaside home of an English family.
With its enviable location in the Valley of the Temples, Hotel Villa Athena offers an unparalleled retreat steeped in history and luxury, where guests are treated to postcard-worthy views of the majestic Temple of Concordia.
The upscale Parioli neighbourhood location sets the tone for the stylish sanctuary that awaits in The Hoxton.
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