Author Archives: gbooks

About gbooks

Our luxury travel service puts the ultimate touch on Journeys reflecting a unique experience of a lifetime; we design Legacy Travel for our clients. Our focus on bespoke Journeys entails more than a creative idea and a few reservations. We hand select our land teams, guides, behind the scenes experts - all who reflect our passion for excellence and personalized service. I’m passionate about travel and unique experiences; interested in meeting local people,studying architecture, discovering and learning as much as possible about every city I visit. I adore Paris, yearn to see more of Africa, a recent visit to Istanbul reminds me that there is much more to see in Turkey. A passage to India allowed me to explore the rich and diverse culture, and I barely scratched the surface of this amazing country. Love to sail, discover music and indigenous food of each region, seek out the best markets and design, and of course dine at the local restaurants. I particularly love roaming Africa, recently explored Argentina and India, which deserve another visit. A devoted Francophile, love all things Parisian, world music, excellent wines & champagne.

Indulge at Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Milano – Head Straight to The Penthouse!

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My recent Milano sojourn began at a private cocktail soiree at the Dorchester Hotel Principe Di Savoia, which is a Golden Ticket on any day! I also enjoyed a stay here, the fabulous refurbishing deserves a separate post, coming!

For nearly a century, the neoclassical Gem has been the benchmark for all of Milan. Allure abounds as you arrive through the enormous black and gold revolving doors which cannot be locked – during Covid, staff remained in place as the revolving doors are a cultural institution! I digress, Glammed to the Nines for cocktails, push the button in the private elevator to the tenth floor, gilded panels slide open to reveal a long glowing hall lit by enormous candles, your private entrance to the Presidential Suite! The entire tenth floor accommodates the sumptuous suite! Serious Swoon!

The height of glamour and a Milanese symbol of sheer excellence, with three dazzling, yet cozy bedrooms for your closest friends, adorned with hand painted frescoes. Remember, Michaelangelo and the Sistine Chapel..frescoes are a strong suit in Rome! Extraordinary style and uniqueness are merely an introduction to the pièce de résistance – your own private indoor swimming pool and spa. You’ve most definitely arrived. My first thought was how to spend an Autumn or Winter weekend in Milano! The Pompeii style pool and spa chamber is an opulent over the top experience. Hand painted mosaic tiles, high windows let in light yet offer privacy – yes, this is truly a Swimsuit Optional Pool!

Designed by American architect Michael Stelea, whose mission was to create a real WOW factor, this suite doesn’t disappoint and has even starred in a Hollywood film. A spectacular rooftop terrace runs the entire length of the tenth floor, with a bird’s eye view of the Milano rooftops. Private chef can be arranged for romantic dinners al fresco. Craving a Cabaret Celebration? Gather for cocktails around the grand piano in the living room, the perfect scene for a naughty risqué chanteuse!

Perfect Penthouse for a Lost Weekend or the Ultimate Celebration!

Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milano, one never needs an excuse to be pampered.

Charming Hotel Il Pellicano La Dolce Vita

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Romantic mid-week sojourn on the charming Tuscan seaside, frequented by foreign language guests…no blah blah blah in Porto Ercole. The dreamy coast is sun soaked with beautiful beaches and authentic family restaurants serving meals from recipes handed down over generations. The peninsula that dangles from the southern Tuscan coast is frequented by fashionable Romans and the yachting crowd. Located in a beautiful coastal town in Grosseto, which has a small airport if you fly private, otherwise, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive from Rome.

The idyllic fishing village, Porto Ercole, is in Maremma in southern Tuscany, a region that has remained largely untouched for centuries. Roman and Milanese residents choose Porto Ercole as their holiday destination. Population 3000. The former fishing village offers Amalfi charm, sans crowds.

Late Check Out Requested – Where to stay: the famed Hotel Il Pellicano, the preferred escape of the icons of the golden age of cinema, captured in photos by Slim Aarons. An exclusive selection of suites in either villas or the main building. Sea views from your terrace offer privacy and seclusion, with dramatic hillside views. Many of the 50 rooms at the hotel have balconies or panoramic terraces, and the six suites and studios are in small cottages near the main house.

Lounge on the private seafront terrace beach, accessible by lift, under crisp white parasols with an attentive staff ready to spoil. Sand in your toes not an option? Then savor the views from the cliffside heated saltwater pool. Paddle board, private boat for day touring or schlepp a bag of books. Among your Italian words and phrases, questo è importante: ‘Il dolce far niente” an Italian phrase and life philosophy, it translates as “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Overlooking the sparkling Sapphire Blue Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by iconic cypress trees, the sweet perfume of lemon blossoms, rolling hills of ancient olive trees, the hotel is timeless, yet casually elegant.

Dining: the Michelin-starred Il Pellicano Restaurant, Chef Michelino Gio delivers a satisfying surprise with carefully selected seasonal organic local produce, fresh fish and organic meat. More casual vibe: Il Pelligrill, serving fresh Tuscan favorites. Sip and savor a sunset Pelican Martini.

Hotel car can deliver you to town 10 minutes away to stroll the picturesque streets before dining at La Sirena at the foot of Monte Argentario, where the cuisine is based on fresh local products, fish is the main protagonist. Gelato is the traditional dessert.

Wander and repeat: ‘Il dolce far niente”.

If you are enjoying a Roman Holiday and a Beach Sojourn, you may know that Caravaggio died and is buried in Porto Ercole at the young age of 38, on July 18,1610, most likely of lead poisoning from his paints. Previous posts share our exclusive private visits to the Caravaggio exhibit in Rome.

Highly Recommend!