Italian Dreams

A Visit to Italian Palazzo Ducale Venturi, Italy

Situated in a picturesque Apulian Borgo in Salento, in the southern end of charming Puglia in Italy, Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic palace from the 16th century. The palace has been carefully restored to offer 20 refurbished bedrooms, a unique restaurant, one indoor and one outdoor pool, luxury spa and Puglia’s first Cryotherapy chamber, alongside a wealth of experiences to enjoy Apulian traditions and explore the local area.

Located in the quaint village of Minervino di Lecce, Palazzo Ducale Venturi boasts two outdoor spaces, the main green garden, and a secret citrus grove. The main garden is accessed through a rose garden, which overlooks the outdoor saltwater swimming pool, as well as the pool bar and the old armoury, recently restored to house the gym, wellbeing area and four majestic suites with floor length windows for guests to enjoy the magical Apulian sun. Other rooms include the Ducale Suite which features direct access to the garden and pool, and the intimate Abbess Room on the first floor which has its own antique stone spiral staircase and access to the indoor pool. After a busy day exploring the local sights, the citrus garden is an oasis of peace, relaxation and Mediterranean scents, the perfect place to enjoy a book or an Aperitivo at sunset.

History and design - The noble Palazzo Ducale Venturi, once called Castello Nuovo, is recognised as a historical residence, and offers five centuries of history, art and culture and hints of the extensive past can be found in every nook and corner. Restored under the supervision of The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, once through the door, visitors are greeted by an enormous antique fireplace in the lobby, and in the garden, they can admire a well, made from Lecce stone dating back to the 13th century. Each of the guest rooms are different, with the design offering a taste of the original Apulian palazzo style but with a modern twist. Majority of the rooms in the main building feature original 16th century vaulted ceilings and art work, typical of old Salento architecture and in the corridor on the first floor, guests will even see an old wooden door set into the wall like a work of art. Legend has it that the Duke Venturi himself had a passionate love affair with the Abbess of the convent near the present-day Church of St Anthony in town and in order to meet her, he had an underground tunnel built, which still exists, connecting the palazzo to the monastery. Throughout the hotel guests can also admire its extensive art collection of modern and classic works of art, from original paintings and sculptures to statues.

Spa - Choosing to stay at Palazzo Ducale Venturi, guests can relax and regenerate at the dedicated spa, which is the first in Puglia to offer cryotherapy, a hi-tech treatment that operates at -190° for extensive health benefits. Guests can also find a massage room; well-equipped gym and the ancient oil mill has been restored to be the hotel’s heated underground swimming pool. After a swim in the palazzo’s pools, guests can stretch out in Pilates or yoga class in the garden. For those wishing to personalise their stay with a classic or typically Mediterranean fragrance in their rooms, the hotel has a remarkable selection of essential oils to choose from.

Food and drink - The palazzo brings a distinctive culinary experience to Salento with its restaurant that is exclusive to guests. The restaurant is headed up by Chef Antonio Russo who offers an elegant but unpredictable menu, inspired by the fresh products of Salento’s nearby sea and local area. Example dishes vary from a starter of crispy cuttlefish with urchin, a pasta main of spaghetti alla chitarra with anchovies and wild fennel and orange scented aubergine pie with ricotta, candied fruit and chocolate sauce for dessert.

Experiences and activities - As part of the large variety of extra experiences offered by the hotel, guests can try their hand at cooking traditional dishes using the palace’s restored salt ovens with Chef Antonio. Complimentary

bikes are available to use for the day to explore the highlights of the heel of Italy and guests can take part in whisky pairing masterclasses with a special whisky menu paired with Apulian ingredients. For a touch of romance, guests can surprise their loved ones and enjoy an intimate evening under the stars having an aphrodisiac themed dinner in the hotel’s secluded citrus grove.

Palazzo Venturi is in a strategic position, a short distance from all the pearls of Salento which are rich in history as well as natural beauty and pristine beaches. The hotel is just 6KM away from the sea and close to the nearby towns of Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco, Santa Maria di Leuca and Lecce. Just an hour’s drive away, the nearest airport is Brindisi.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is also the first historical residence in Italy to be certified Green Key, an international recognition that rewards excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism sector. The palazzo is also one of the first hotels in Italy to ensure that it caters for any mobility or care needs. Through an innovative system of glass walls and mobile pressure handles, every guest with disability or mobility needs can choose any hotel room they would like, and it will be adapted to their needs with the help of the hotel’s specialist staff. Four legged friends are welcome too, at no extra cost.

BOOK IT

Palazzo Ducale Venturi reopens from 1st May through to 30th November 2022. Nightly rates at Palazzo Ducale Venturi start from €200 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis.

BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & BRITISH

London, full of exquisite luxury hotels, all individual in their own way, whether they have balcony views over the Thames, are in the heart of the buzzing theatre district or hidden down a leafy suburb, they all have their own piece of uniqueness, but as far as quirky and imaginative go nhow London has to be at the top!

With its riot of eccentricity that includes vibrant funky furnishings, contemporary artwork, a riot of colour throughout and a Big Ben rocket ship (honestly) in reception, this hotel really does pull you further and further down the rabbit hole getting curiouser and curiouser around every corner.

Situated on City Road, on the fringe of Shoreditch, from the outside nhow looks non-assuming and discreet, but once you walk through those doors – WOW!

The large open plan lobby is an unconventional mix of vibrant hues, quirky decor, funky furniture (armchairs are upholstered using red military coats and gold tassels), neon signs adorn the walls along with unconventional images of past monarchs and the bare concrete ceilings, visible pipes and industrial lighting most definitely take you away from the real world and wrap you in a surreal bubble to simply relax and savour the moment.

The hotel has 190 rooms, spread over 8 floors with one suite on each of the first seven floors and then a penthouse on the top floor, each room is uniquely designed with a punky high-tech vibe by architecture and interiors studio, Project Orange. We were staying in The Penthouse reached by a long, dark, moody lit corridor, where Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t seem out of place. Each bedroom door was painted in bold colours with brass door furniture making them look like a regular front door.The penthouse is housed at the end of the corridor on the angled part of the building and walking along to get to it is an experience in itself, once reached there is artwork around the door containing picture clues to films such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland and Lord of the Rings,

Through the main door, before you even enter the suite is a guest toilet (in case you’re planning on entertaing during your stay) and then you’re speechless.

A brightly coloured green shag pile carpet that resembles a freshly mowed lawn, hessian wallpaper, a large green sofa, sea blue rug and giant wicker chairs all come together to create an outdoor roof garden vibe.

The walls of the suite meet in a sharp point overlooking City Road – a great place for a ‘Titanic’ selfie, before you slip into something a little more comfortable. The gowns are embroidered with King and Queen (just request your preference) and you certainly feel like Royalty as you sit in one of the wicker chairs, cool glass of wine in hand overlooking the London skyline (just don’t look down!)

There’s a lot of space even with an eight-person dining table, coffee table and life size dog ornament! Dotted around are lots of retro nods, an old-fashioned dial phone with a cute quote, along with the essentials of a mini-fridge,

tea making facilities that include a porcelain kettle, teapot and an espresso coffee machine.

The hessian walls continue through into the bedroom, with a comfy king size bed, vibrant green print floor to ceiling headboard and large gold-rimmed TV – all very sleek and slightly reminiscent of a cabin on a luxury yacht.

The freestanding roll top bath, set against a large flower design wall was just calling out my name for a little bubble time and the gold sink, walk-in rain shower and marble floor simply added to the opulent feel of the bathroom.

The main restaurant at the hotel is currently being refurbished, so dinner is served within the lobby, where seated areas aplenty are dotted around the central bar.

Dining began with cocktails before we indulged in some unusual but delightfully delicious food.

A rosemary doughnut and King prawn bao bun, were our choices, both infused with flavours and textures that definitely got our taste buds wanting more.

Next up was roast porchetta and Cornish crab tagliolini, cooked al dente, with a mild chilli kick, it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Portion sizes here are not small, so be prepared to roll out of your chair at the end of the evening! And roll is what we did, straight back to the eighth floor where it was time to watch the bright lights of the capital whizzing by below us.

After a restful night’s sleep, who doesn’t love breakfast, especially when its room service and you can indulge at your leisure. A fabulous combination of cooked and continental arrived with trays full of pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit salad, toast and preserves, fresh juices and coffee along with poached eggs on a creamy bed of avocado and toasted muffin – we knew there was a reason for the large dining table!

If after all this food you’re feeling a little guilty you can always take a trip down to the basement where the nhow London has its very own gym, a ‘Mind the Gap’ sign by the lift doors, metal grate entrance, and sound of an approaching tube train playing constantly in the gym, is a definite nod towards the London underground.

nhow London is an experience in itself, somewhere you’ll be talking about for months to come, with its vibrant, funky rather quirky vibes it might not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s definitely an experience everyone has to try at least once.

BOOK IT

Prices start from £144 room only and from £174 including breakfast.

For more information or to book, visit

www.nhowlondon.com