An Italian Empire

Sir Rocco Forte

Masseria Torre Maizza

After what seemed to be a period of brief uncertainty a decade ago, it is clear now that the Rocco Forte Hotel Group has entered an entirely new episode in its ever-evolving property empire. The collection is expanding, established properties are enjoying a revival and the business is organically embracing other areas. Skincare lines, wellbeing retreats, interior design, restaurants, bars and lifestyle resorts all fall naturally under the Forte family remit.

This spring saw the eagerly awaited opening of Hotel de la Ville. Resting elegantly aloft Trinità dei Monti in the very heart of the eternal city, this 19th-century palace literally oozes Forte finesse and has been masterminded by architect Tommaso Ziffer. Having opened in May this year Hotel de la Ville boasts many of the trademark details of designer Olga Polizzi’s elemental touches.

A vibrant, modern-day icon sitting above the Spanish Steps, the hotel is set within an 18th-century palazzo which holds a peerless position in the city. A confluence of classical

Roman romance, understated contemporary cool, sweeping panoramic views and zestful design make this one of the hottest new Italian arrivals.

A harmonious design collaboration between Olga Polizzi and Tommaso Ziffer, Hotel de la Ville’s 104 rooms and suites are filled with playful, contemporary furniture and sumptuous fabrics that draw influence from the era of the Grand Tour and the memories that would have been collected during the journey.

With traditional wooden floors, elegant marble bathrooms and wonderful views over via Sistina and the rooftops of the Eternal City, each suite is both spacious and architecturally rich in detail. Among the utterly luxurious accommodation is one of the very largest suites in Rome. A private penthouse with its own wraparound terrace, this unique residence can also be seamlessly linked with other suites to create an exclusive six-bedroomed apartment. Featuring parquet floors, leather-clad cabinetry and contemporary art, sculpture and antiques, the penthouse even boasts its old well-stocked library, kitchen and office.

Junior suites all share the same sense of

Hotel de la Ville, Rome

Masseria Torre Maizza

sumptuous luxury with carefully selected furnishings and eye-catching accessories. Fabrics and rugs embrace monochrome and geometric design details, and black lacquered antiques bring a touch of understated opulence to the interiors.

Hotel de la Ville is very much the glamorous sister to Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Russie which is but a stone’s throw away. Both properties share a sense of timeless sophistication where contemporary design elevates and enhances original Italian architecture.

There are six different dining experiences at Hotel de la Ville where Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini delivers authentic Roman gastronomic experiences with a modern and creative touch.

The lavish bistro and bar are opulently furnished in rich velvets and brocades. A VIP lunch pavilion features a lofty domed ceiling, while a courtyard garden provides a restful backdrop for morning coffees. The super-chic roof terrace bar overlooks the city and provides the perfect spot for a romantic sunset aperitivo.

Hotel de la Ville’s spa brings a little piece of Sicily to Rome with the floral scent of orange blossom which evocatively perfumes the air along with other nourishing Sicilian botanicals picked from Verdura Resort’s organic farm in Sicily.

While Hotel de la Ville’s great reveal this summer is pretty big news in

Italy, it is not the only new hotel to open its doors in 2019. The Rocco Forte Collection is also expanding its offering in other areas of Italy and beyond. Embracing the upsurge of interest in lifestyle and experience-led vacations, an exciting addition to the collection is Masseria Torre Maizza, a luxurious resort in Puglia. Perfectly designed to appeal to a slightly younger generation, Masseria Torre Maizza celebrates laid-back luxury throughout its 40 spacious suites.

While two Italian hotel openings in a year might sound extravagant, the Rocco Forte development plan does not end there. In 2020 Villa Igea will open its doors. Set in the confines of bustling Palermo overlooking the harbour, Villa Igea is the city’s most impressive hotel property. A historic building steeped in a rich political heritage, it is a respected landmark in Sicily’s society.

Sir Rocco Forte’s great Italian expansion is inspiring, and it is unlikely that there is any organisation better suited to pulling off so many lavish developments in such a small timeframe. With other hotel projects waiting in the wings, the group is now researching opportunities in Venice and Milan. Where next? The word is that Sardinia, Positano and Capri are all on the radar. One thing is for sure, Sir Rocco Forte’s Italian Collection seems to be ever expanding and, in turn, keeping the luxury hospitality business in Italy well and truly on its toes.