Living La Dolce Vita
Rome has long been considered one of the grandest cities in the world and when it comes to honeymoons, there’s no escaping the romance that fills the air, says Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Where Bollywood queens go, the rest of us follow and thanks to Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerjee and Anushka Sharma all tying the knot in Italy, the country has shot to the top of many bride’s travel bucket lists. There’s certainly no shortage of beautiful places to visit. From soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast, to getting lost amongst the historic cobbled streets of Tuscany, enjoying a cruise along glamorous Lake Como and taking a gondola ride in Venice, you’ll need at least a fortnight to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer, and the capital Rome is the perfect place to embark on your adventures.
When in Rome
They don’t call it The Eternal City for nothing. Layered with history and creativity, every corner you turn in Rome, offers a new experience and a new pleasure. The best place to take it all in is from the city’s highest point, so head for the hills where you’ll find its most luxurious hotel: The Rome Cavalieri. Surrounded by a palm-fringed Mediterranean garden the five-star hotel is home to the lavish Grand Spa and fine dining restaurants making it the ideal place to unwind on your honeymoon.
Decadence and Design at Rome Cavalieri
No ordinary residence, Rome Cavalieri opened its lavish doors in 1963 during the heart of La Dolce Vita years where style, fashion and glamour ruled the city. Step inside it today and it’s as if the glory years never faded. From the moment you enter you’re transported into a world of stately splendour and fine art. For as well as being a hotel, Rome Cavalieri is an art gallery housing a private collection of over 1000 original paintings, tapestries, period furniture, statues and artefacts.
Providing more than luxurious accommodation, Rome Cavalieri is a lifestyle. Kick-off your shoes, pad barefoot over the soft pile carpets and sink into the satin sofas, relishing in the decadence of your new home. Every room at Rome Cavalieri offers an opulent retreat. The Imperial Rooms give you access to a luxurious private lounge which is stocked up with complimentary drinks and light refreshments throughout the day. Or for the utmost privacy choose one of the palatial suites, including The Penthouse which has a spacious roof Jacuzzi or The Planetarium Suite where the bedroom ceiling is lit up with a glittering fibre optic sky while in the living room, there’s a glass ceiling allowing you to enjoy the full spectrum of the night sky.
Spa break bliss
The Cavalieri Grand Spa Club is Italy’s most iconic spa and fitness facility and whether you spend your time floating across the glass-domed swimming pool, getting steamed up in the expansive Turkish bath, indulging in an Ayurvedic massage or having a personal training session, you’ll feel instantly refreshed.
Food Glorious Food
Any trip to Italy is a culinary treat and though pizza and pasta is plentiful, save room for the delicious meals served up at the hotel’s L’Uliveto Restaurant where you’ll be met with beautifully presented plates with unexpected flavours like salmon steamed in green tea, roasted octopus with aubergine caviar and hazelnut lamb served with persimmons, red wine and dark chocolate sauce.
Or, if you are lucky enough to book a table at La Pergola, the only three-Michelin star restaurant in Rome, you’ll dine on another level completely: it’s located on the 9th floor with gasp-worthy views of the city, and has been fully booked for the last 21 years.
And if you don’t want to keep the whole experience to yourself then invite the family to join you putting the ro-mance into Rome – the hotel is renowned for its spectacular roof top weddings where you’ll have both indoor and outdoor spaces, exquisite food and service and can end your celebrations with a private fireworks display over the city skyline.
City Break Sorted: Roma Pass
Immersing yourself in the city’s historical legacy is a highlight of any trip to Rome. At every corner, you’re reminded of the powerful Roman Empire, observed in impressive architectural ruins, remnants of majestic mosaics, towering obelisks and intricately designed buildings. There are endless options for how to spend your day – strolling around the designer shops, drinking coffee in the elegant piazzas and indulging in luxuriously flavoured gelatos should all be part of your itinerary, as should witnessing the Eternal City’s most important landmarks.
The monumental Trevi Fountain, prominent Spanish Steps and ornately decorated Pantheon are free to visit, but if you pick up a Roma Pass (available at the airport and around the city) you’ll also get free and discounted access to landmarks such as The Colosseum plus fast track entrance so you can beat the queues. Public transport is included in your pass giving you unlimited travel around the city on trains, trams and buses. The Roma Pass is available for 48 and 72 hours and takes the stress out of holiday planning: just pick one up, flick through the guide, choose your spot and get going.
www.romapass.it
For more about Rome visit www.turismoroma.it.
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