Monthly Archives: August 2016

La Fiermontina Urban Resort

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Lecce

My initial introduction to Puglia was the shining star Lecce, which is nestled in the middle of the Salentine Peninsula, surrounded by the brilliant sapphire blue Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Lecce is the perfect springboard to reach the picturesque hill towns and cliff clinging villages of all that is Puglia. Intricate Baroque architecture dates back to the early Roman Empire, the entire city is composed from one distinctive material Lecce stone or la Pietra Leccese. Soft porous sandstone that casts a slightly golden glow to the treasured intricately carved buildings in the historic center. Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of the South.

Courtesy of La Fiermontina

La Fiermontina lobby

Narrow cobblestone streets limit cars to the locals which adds charming allure to this very walkable city center. Imagine carriage wide streets flanked by brightly colored flower filled balconies, enormous wooden doors fitted with massive bronze lion head rappers. This is Lecce, you can explore for hours steps from your hotel. The hotel we recommend is the outstanding recently restored villa known as La Fiermontina Urban Resort.

They must have read my blog posts on my love of: The Arrival – the moment we sauntered upstairs to the art filled lobby, helmed by a woman in a gorgeous pink linen outfit – we were handed a frothy lemonade concoction, an instant heat soother! Later, not only did the owner meet us and make dinner reservations for us, she gave us a map with directions to the Atelier which designs the very chic employee linen outfits.

Essential to Lecce is at least a three-night stay at the architecturally stunning La Fiermontina. The 17th Century Palace is partially surrounded by ancient city walls, the modern rooms built of the beautiful local stone are restful and tastefully decorated with pieces from the owners amazing art collection. Parisian born brother and sister Giacomo Fiermonte and his sister Antonia, came upon the land and the original house while visiting Old Lecce. Originally Giacomo intended the site for a personal residence, the major restoration was accomplished with the Italian architect Antonio Annicchiarico to envision the restoration incorporating a portion of the 17th century villa into the new project.Courtesy of La Fiermontina

The slightly buffed arched star pinnacle ceilings in my Suite 7 reminded me of a cathedral. The high ceilings are found in almost all of the rooms and public spaces, wooden beams and vaulted stone is in abundance providing texture and a seamless elegant simplicity.

My beautiful terrace abutting an original Roman town wall overlooked the sculpture garden and provided a mesmerizing platform for stargazing. Antiques and family treasures are shared in the rooms and public spaces; this property is truly a labor of love and a nostalgic homage to their Pugliese heritage. The owners are frequently in residence, greeting guests, providing dining suggestions and in my case, the delightful Antonia joined us in the garden for an aperitivo. Personal and professional, truly a significant measure of familial pride in this endeavor.

An intimate setting with only 16 rooms and suites, La Fiermontina also offers a spa, garden setting dining and a very impressive modern art collection enhancing the public and private spaces. The collection is a tribute to the grandmother of the Fiermonte family, who was wooed and pursued by two artists. Antonia married a French sculptor and eventually left him for another artist, his best friend. The muse is in residence, inhabiting each and every corner of this gorgeous chic Palace.

The urban resort offers the only and most essential hotel pool in the ages old olive tree studded garden. Loungers are strategically placed beneath the canopy of the enormous twisted trees, truly a peaceful sanctuary on a typically sizzling summer afternoon; at night, the massive cubist Fernand Léger sculptures are punctuation points to the gnarled olive trees, natures sculptures.

The historic center of Lecce is dotted with small artisan shops, traditional trattorias and ristorante’s serving Salento meals and local wine. Corner cafes dot the narrow streets, gelato shops tempt; opera season fills the winter months and the Roman amphitheater hosts concerts and recitals. Lecce is oozing with historic architecture and artistic charm; delicious dining with cuisine from the sea and the farm, the foodie movement is a natural occurrence in the area encompassing Puglia.

Highly recommend La Fiermontina and an adventure in Lecce.

I’m pining to return and walk the narrow winding streets again and again and sit below the whispering olive trees at La Fiermontina.

 

 

Villa d’Este Lake Como

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Villa d’Este, a five star luxury Hotel on the banks of Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence built as a summer Palace and converted to an elegant hotel in 1873, it is surrounded by a 25-acre park. The luxury and magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact in this classic Palace.

We’ve sent clients with marvelous results. The Hotel is family friendly, a superb location for a long Italian weekend, or a stunning location to disconnect for a week. Life moves slowly on the lake, the gentle ripples of the sparkling water lend itself to kicking back and chilling.

Lake Como is a 56 square mile gem in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, long a summer destination since distant Roman days. This is a grand, traditional and stately hotel, elegance and calm prevail, nothing is out of place, and everything is perfect. Drop dead views while dining lakeside or lazy lake gazing from the floating pool at the edge of the dock.

During my Italian sojourn in July, at the invitation of Resident Manager Massimo Dorino, I meandered by train from Milano to Lake Como. A very civilized method of transport, it seemed perfectly suitable to arrive in such leisure. Warm staff greetings, the stately Palace is decadent and indulgent, I felt quite royal!

Lunch on the lakefront pebbled terrace, of course we were offered the center perch on the edge of the lake, more royal favors granted. Classic service is attentive by professional waiters, many have worked at Villa d’Este for decades. Old school charms, and impeccable service – the waiters, attired in proper jackets denoting their stature in the server ranks, are practitioners of skilled service. From an era when waiters were respected for their role, men who take great pride in their chosen profession.

Lunch service was similar to a delicate dance; we enjoyed the prime view seat, as our waiter made certain to adjust our chairs for the absolute finest view. Suggestions for appropriate wine with your meal, certainly Signora! But you must enjoy a Spritz cocktail as well.

Absorbed in the scenery, the scrunching of gravel behind us indicated an excellent course was upon us! I perked up when I heard the rapid shuffle and scrunching as an army of waiters delivered silver trays and domed lids to present each treasure from the kitchen. It became delightfully silly as we awaited each course – as if trumpets were announcing the scene. Oh, did I mention the delicious truffle pasta or the morsels of delectable cookies despite declining dessert? Truly enjoyable, old school, decadent charm…you don’t find this combination of divine scenery, professional service and elegant grandeur in many locations.

Gardens. The design of the lower part of the gardens is from the Renaissance period. The most outstanding landmark is the 16th century Mosaic with its Nympheum. Countess Pino surrounded the gardens with mock fortifications in an effort to keep her bored military husband from returning to the Napoleonic Wars.

Activities: Indoor pool, outdoor floating pool, tennis, spa, and water sports.

Villa d’Este, we would recommend a serene week and if in Milano, at least escape for a day to breathtaking Lake Como.

Naturally, our Clients are treated as Royalty!