Great Escapes
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Where the Creative-Minded Go For Their Roman Holiday
By Ilona Kauremszky
Welcome to Rome’s Ludovisi district, an aristocratic enclave where La Dolce Vita still feels deliciously close—and where an Aperol spritz is practically a daily ritual at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.
Along the Roman Aurelian Walls, grand estates once belonged to wealthy Romans who built palatial country retreats. Today, a few surviving historic villas have opened their doors to curious visitors, revealing historic studios, walled gardens and art-filled spaces once hidden from public view.
From this elegant diplomatic row, you’re near storied Via Veneto, where Federico Fellini filmed his cinematic masterwork.
Down on heritage-rich Via Margutta, a legendary haunt of Goethe, artisan ateliers endure, while nearby in Villa Malta’s gardens, it’s said that a date tree by the German writer once grew there.
Stay Over
From a former 19th century palazzo rises this 78-suite stunner, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. Named after an homage to the Villa Borghese Gardens next door, this boutique hotel has become the stylish stay, where Italian flair and French finesse seamlessly shift like the Eternal City itself. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel brings the drama indoors with frescoed ceilings of the dazzling Roman sky in every suite. Best of all, Rome’s storied landmarks are within walking distance. Descend the Spanish Steps, sweep through Piazza del Popolo, toss in a Trevi Fountain sighting, then follow the cobbled lanes toward Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. There’s always time for (another) gelato. sofitelrome.com
Villa Views
Set down that icy glass of Aperol spritz—its emblematic orange hue matching the blazing sunset, and watch Rome turn molten. At Settimo, the 7th floor rooftop restaurant, magic hour is any hour. Panoramic views from this exclusive perch showcase Rome, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, its focal point. Beneath your feet, an enclosed community of artist residences from the renowned French Academy edges the Villa Medici Gardens. settimoristorante.it/en
Must Try Dine al fresco and splurge on the 5-course menu of Roman cuisine with French savoir-faire; wine pairings are optional.
Artist-in-Residence
Ascend the corkscrew stone staircase inside Villa Medici and step into the world of Cardinal Ferdinando de’Medici, whose lavish residence later became home to the French Academy in Rome. Today, the villa is a museum and gallery, while its expansive gardens on Pincio Hill have become an envied spot for artists-in-residence. villamedici.it/en
Must Try Complete the French connection, and view the gypsothèque, a remarkable collection of plaster casts created by French artists and fellows over the centuries.
Antiquity on Full View
Cardinal Scipione Borghese knew a masterpiece when he saw one—and built a collection around them. Today, the Borghese Gallery delivers Rome’s ultimate double act: four extraordinary early Bernini marbles and six Caravaggios, the world’s richest gathering of the painter’s work in one museum. Raphael, Titian and Canova round out the star cast. borghesegallery.com
Must Try Advanced reservations are required.
