Page 10 - Dream of Italy - August / September 2021

CURRENCY EXCHANGE: 1€ = $1.18 at press time

from the Venice of hidden brick-lined alleys as well as the
Venice of noble marble-filled palaces.
The location allows guests to stay in the contem-
porary art district, site of the Venice Biennale, with its
prestigious international art and architecture exhibitions.
And it’s within easy walking distance to attractions such
as Piazza San Marco.

BOR GO DI SO TT O

Nestled in the tiny Tuscan village of Montefollonico is
Borgo di Sotto, a three-story 12th-century townhouse
thoughtfully and sustainably restored by the family that
10 has owned it for over a century. This was a five-year labor
of love spearheaded by Lourée Maya and her husband,
AUG/ SEPT 2021 tions. Family members and local artisans carried out the
Niccolo Pieranni, whose family has lived there for genera-

work, incorporating repur-
posed vintage wood, bricks
and tile. The bed linens and
Drea m of Ita ly curtains were handmade by rooms and suites, many
Ca’ di Dio features 66
Niccolo’s grandmother.
with views of the Venetian
Sustainability defines
lagoon and the Church of San
Borgo di Sotto’s restoration
and operation, focused on
include Murano glass lamps,
energy usage, water conser- Giorgio Maggiore. The décor

vation and waste reduction. marble-clad bathrooms and
Lourée brought her expertise as founder of Kynder, a travel subtle color schemes. The
platform that focuses on kind, eco-conscious hospitality. hotel includes internal court-
The home, featuring stone walls and timber beams, yards, two restaurants, a bar, a fully equipped gym and a
can be booked for up to eight guests or split into separate tranquil reading hall.
accommodations. A Tuscan local organic breakfast is Rates for a deluxe room start at 380€ and for suites
served on the first morning, with enough to last for the at 1,690€, with breakfast. (39) 041 0980238;
duration of the stay. www.vretreats.com/ca-di-dio
Rates for a room start at 125€ per night, with a
two-night minimum. The entire house can be reserved THE HOXT ON R OME
from 275€ per night. (39) 39 338 4299820;
www.borgodisotto.com The Hoxton Rome has opened in Parioli, the chic neigh-
borhood within walking distance of Villa Borghese, as

C A’ DI DIO the latest location for the British hotel chain known for
affordable hospitality with a clubby neighborhood vibe.
Ca’ di Dio, at the entrance of Venice’s Arsenale neighbor- Retaining the dusty pink façade of the renovated ’70s
hood, is a five-star hotel celebrating this city of contrasts building it occupies, the hotel become popular with expats
with a timeless aesthetic that’s both historic and modern. as a gathering spot for drinks, making it a good choice
Set within a complex dating from the 13th century, famed for travelers familiar with Rome who want to stay in a
architect and designer Patricia Urquiola drew inspiration new-to-them neighborhood.