Elite Traveler January-February 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 HOTELS EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

PARKHYATTMILAN MILAN, ITALY

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE FLORENCE, ITALY

VILLAD’ESTE CERNOBBIO, TIVOLI, ITALY

Formerly a royal residence dating back to the 16th century, Villa d’Este is set amid 25 acres of manicured gardens (the lower part of the garden has a 16th century nymphaeum) and overlooks Lake Como. The hotel is all romantic, old-world charm, with suites and private villas staying true to their Renaissance heritage. Given the dreamy setting, it’s no surprise that many high-profile romances are thought to have blossomed here: Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad ‘Nicky’ Hilton Jr all visited, as well as kings and queens. We love the unique floating swimming pool with built-in Jacuzzi. Mosaic House from $23,000 per week. Contact Patrizia Penna, reservations manager, reservations@ villadeste.it, +39 031 3481, villadeste.com

Situated next to the botanical gardens of Giardino della Gheradesca, this grand Renaissance loggia consists of a main building, the 16th-century Palazzo della Gheradesca, and La Villa, a 16th-century former convent. In between, there are 11 acres of gardens. The Four Seasons is peaceful and secluded, but a 15-minute walk brings you to the city’s Duomo. All rooms and communal spaces are decadently decorated with original sculptures, oil paintings, gorgeous frescoes and plush fabrics. Head to the two-story spa, housed in a golden- yellow standalone pavilion, which offers an array of treatments. We love the Chianti wine massage, inspired by the rolling hills and fine wines of Tuscany. Royal Suite from$18,000 per night. Contact Emmanuele Selvaggi, hotel manager, +39 055 2626 250, fourseasons.com/florence

Italian style is epitomized at this hotel in the nation’s fashion and design capital; signature accents include handblownMurano glass and Italian marble. The most luxurious suites also feature views of the majestic Duomo cathedral. Taste the Italian cuisine of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Vun Andrea Aprea, before retreating to the cozy outdoor lounge Dehors for Milanese digestifs or sampling cocktails in the immense Cupola Lobby Lounge, which was recently renovated. The Presidential Suite, on the top floor, is decked out in Jim Thompson fabrics, Tai Ping carpets and a masterpiece by Italian artist Tancredi Parmeggiani, whose work has been showcased at the Guggenheim. Presidential Suite from$10,061 per night. Contact Linda Houben, events manager, linda.houben@hyatt. com, +39 028 821 1234, milan.park.hyatt.com

HOTEL EDEN ROME, ITALY

BELMONDVILLA SANMICHELE FLORENCE, ITALY

A former monastery, Belmond Villa SanMichele dates back to the 15th century, and the facade is thought to be designed byMichelangelo. Many of the original features remain, including cloisters, vaulted ceilings, domed arches and terra-cotta floors. The Florentine antiques and OldMaster paintings add to the Renaissance feel. The location is fantastic — tucked into a secluded forested hillside just below the ancient village of Fiesole, the views are breathtaking. Gaze down across Florence and to the Chianti hills beyond, or a bit closer by, check out the terraced gardens. Gourmands will enjoy the culinary school — the intimate classes uncover the secrets of Italian cooking with chef Attilio Di Fabrizio. Limonaia Villa from $8,300 per night. Contact Emanuele Manfroi, general manager, reservations.vsm@belmond.com, +39 055 567 8200, belmond.com/belmond-villa-san-michele

Reopened in April 2017 after nearly a year and a half of renovations, Hotel Eden burst back onto the scene with 98 new rooms and suites. The new Eden Spa, set under classic Roman vaulted ceilings, is the first spa in Europe to offer treatments by award-winning skin-care pioneer Sonya Dakar. Having fully trained the team on-site, Dakar will be in residence for short periods over the course of the year, so if you’re looking for that supermodel glow, make sure you time your stay accordingly. For those eager to indulge, La Terrazza offers world-class cuisine with floor-to- ceiling windows providing unbeatable views of the Rome skyline. Bellavista Penthouse Suite from $13,988 per night. Contact Luca Virgilio, general manager, info.her@dorchestercollection.com, +39 064 781 2737, dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden

Photos Niall Clutton, Hotel Photography