Rocco Forte Opens in Puglia and 2nd Hotel in Rome in May 2019

Main Photo: The pool at Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia

Date: May 2019

Locations: Savelleteri di Fasano, Puglia, Italy and near The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

Names: Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia and the Hotel de la Ville, Rome

No. of Keys: 40 suites and (Rome) 104 rooms and suites.

Sellers: In Puglia, the resort is an original farmhouse dating back to the 16th century. In Rome the property was a historical 18-century palazzo.

Buyers: Back in May 2019, Rocco Forte Hotels opened the doors to Masseria Torre Maizza. Following a significant renovation, the stylish retreat combines Rocco Forte’s signature Anglo-Italian style of service, warmth and hospitality with a contemporary, modern design in Italy’s most exciting destination, Puglia.

Set in the charming area of Savelleteri di Fasano, along the Adriatic coast and surrounded by ancient olive groves, the resort is an original farmhouse dating back to the 16th century.

An investment of over six million euros has brought the property back to its natural beauty. The resort now features 40 lavish suites all with stunning views of the Apulian countryside, including the addition of the magnificent two-bedroom Torre Suite, located on the top floor of the masseria’s original tower. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels has worked with local artisans to restore the masseria by combining local heritage with a contemporary design to create a sense of modern Italian elegance.

Using local Apulian ingredients, celebrated chef and Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels, Fulvio Pierangelini has crafted a menu of authentic Italian dishes for the hotel’s restaurant, Carosello that overlooks the ancient orchard, the poolside restaurant and the sunset rooftop bar.

The romantic Apulian countryside and the resort’s gardens provide the perfect backdrop for weddings and private events.

Guests have a variety of amenities to choose from while staying at the resort including a 20-meter pool, a 9-hole executive golf course, access to a private beach club, fitness center and spa treatments at the Rocco Forte Spa. Tailor-made experiences and excursions are available and can be created by the concierge for guests to discover the wonders of Puglia.

Commenting on the opening, Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels said: “Masseria Torre Maizza is a small gem which I am particularly proud of. It holds all the charm, character and flavors of southern Italy, offering guests a unique perspective on the local treasures.”

And also in May 2019, Rocco Forte Hotels has unveiled their second hotel in Rome today, Hotel de la Ville, following an extraordinary renovation to the historical 18-century palazzo. Located in the heart of Rome, atop the Spanish Steps with sweeping views of the Eternal City, the hotel’s enviable setting is a destination in itself.

The 104 well-appointed rooms and suites are amongst the most elegant and spacious in Rome, while the signature suites offer unrivalled panoramic views of the city from their large terraces. The magnificent Suite de la Ville located on the 8th floor, and accessible by a private elevator, is the hotel’s crown jewel, furnished with a curated collection of contemporary and antique furniture and its own collection of art, it boasts two panoramic terraces – perfect for entertaining. Designer Tommaso Ziffer, in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, was inspired by The Grand Tour of the 18th century when English and German nobles collected pieces of art during their cultural journeys to European cities. Using the backdrop of the timeless palazzo, Ziffer has recreated a contemporary retrospective of The Grand Tour by taking guests on a playful voyage of discovery. Working with local artisans, the lavishness of the 18th century is weaved boldly together and shown through the display of handmade wallpaper from local designers Rubelli and Dedar, rich Italian fabrics and historic tapestries from Zardi & Zardi.

Hotel de la Ville is home to six innovative food and beverage outlets where celebrated chef and Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels, Fulvio Pierangelini has created an eclectic menu ranging from the most classic of Italian dishes to creative modern Mediterranean delicacies. The diverse offering ranges from all day dining at Da Sistina, serving authentic trattoria style food with modern touches, to Mosaico, the hotel’s main restaurant serving Mediterranean gourmet cuisine that overlooks the courtyard. The bold Julep bar offers all varieties of cocktails whilst the rooftop terrace bar, aptly named Cielo, will be entertaining guests with creatively crafted drinks, a fusion of “aperitivi” and memorable views of the Roman skyline.

At the centre of the hotel is the enchanting courtyard, a hidden retreat away from the bustling city that embodies the life and spirit of Italy. Fusing three buildings into one, the courtyard design has been lifted by George Carter, a designer who specialises in creating gardens inspired by the simple geometry of 17th century. To keep within the Grand Tour concept, obelisks, remarkable greenery and black and gold touches bestow a mystical feel that is further romanticised with prudent lighting, evocative of ancient candle-lit spaces.

Bringing a piece of Sicily to Rome, the 550 square meter Rocco Forte Spa is the most technically advanced in the capital offering relaxing and indulgent treatments carried out by an expert team of therapists using Irene Forte Skincare products. The spa is an all-encompassing healthy retreat for physical and spiritual wellness cocooned in the centre of the bustling Italian capital.

Commenting on the opening, Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman and CEO of Rocco Forte Hotels said: “Rome will forever be one of the top destinations in the world for both business and leisure travelers. It embodies the intricacies and wonders of Italy throughout the ages whilst being perfectly contemporary. I am so proud of Hotel de la Ville, it has all the vibrancy and elegance of this extraordinary city”.

Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de la Ville & Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Sicily; Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown’s Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotel Amigo, Brussels and Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg.

Future openings: The Westbund Hotel, Shanghai in 2019 and Villa Igiea, Palermo in 2020

THPT Comment: Rocco Forte Hotels Established by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 12 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Lord Charles would have been proud!

First Seen: Rocco Forte Hotels website

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