When it comes to luxury travel, it’s fair to say that it isn’t often something truly new comes along. Yes the Four Seasons may build a new property here or the Oetker Collection might acquire a new hotel there but, in general, the heavy hitters remain the heavy hitters, expanding their empires out across the four corners of the globe.
All of which, of course, makes the recent launch of The Dedica Anthology rather exciting. The Milan-based hotel group, helmed by former Maybourne Hotel Group CEO Stephen Alden, bounded into the market with not one, but seven, high-end properties in its portfolio, promising a fresh spin on classic European luxury. Among these properties, which can also be found in Budapest, Florence, Prague, Milan and Nice, are two flagships: Palazzo Naiadi in Rome and the Grand Hotel dei Dogi in Venice.
Occupying a 19th century palace on the Piazza Repubblica, and featuring a wing built by Pope Clement XI as a Vatican grain store, Palazzo Naiadi combines modern comforts with all the antiquity one visits a city like Rome to experience. The remains of a Diocletian thermal bath dating back to AD306, for example, can be seen on the lower ground floor while up on the roof you can sip a vodka martini by the pool as you enjoy views over Michelangelo’s Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Alternatively head to the spa for a signature treatment drawing on Ancient Roman techniques, enlist a personal trainer to take you on a run through the Villa Borghese or sit down to wakame tuna at Tazio, the hotel’s restaurant inspired by the black-and-white paparazzi photography of Tazio Secchiaroli. Most importantly, of course, are the 238 rooms decked out in a fittingly neoclassical style. Feeling really decadent? Check in to the impressive Sophia Loren Suite which come complete with Murano glass detailing, an enormous spa bath and a butterscotch-hued sitting room that exudes old school glamour.
Also occupying an historic palace, this time built in the 16th Century for the noble Rizzo family, is the Grand Hotel dei Dogi. Best arrived at in the traditional manner – via water taxi to a private pier – the hotel is just 20 minutes from St Mark’s Square but boasts one of Venice’s largest landscaped gardens at more than 2,000 square metres.
After spending a day taking in the city’s sites, lose yourself among the garden’s tranquil fountains, flora and fauna, marvel at the hotel’s collection of priceless sculptures, frescoes and paintings or ease weary limbs with a personalised massage in the secluded stone courtyard. Finally, tuck into seared sea bass or pea risotto at the charming Il Giardino Segreto restaurant before sinking into bed in one of the hotel’s 64 opulently decorated rooms. Trust us, you’ll never want to leave.
For more travel inspiration, check out our edit of the world’s most iconic hotels…
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