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.

Rome Dispatch: Flowers. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence

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Flowers speak a universal language transcending culture. February 14   2025 / August 18, 2026 “FLOWERS”: THE CHIOSTRO DEL BRAMANTE  CELEBRATES FLOWERS WITH THE GREATEST EXHIBITION IN ITALY DEDICATED TO THEIR BEAUTY AND POWER.

“Flowers. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence” presents a journey where the endlessly evocative power of flowers emerges. The show brings together art, science, and technology creating a universal narrative that spans the centuries: from the masterpieces of Jan Brueghel to Ai Weiwei and latest experimentation with digital technologies in contemporary art.

Fragile and powerful, flowers speak a universal language that transcends centuries and cultures. They narrate emotions, celebrate beauty, silently protest, and preserve age-old tales. It is precisely to them that the Chiostro del Bramante in Rome has dedicated this extraordinary exhibition.

 Curated by Franziska Stöhr and Roger Diederen, in collaboration with Suzanne Landau, the exhibition offers a journey through five centuries of art, culture, and innovation.

The exhibition displays over 90 artworks, coming from 10 different countries around the world: the Chiostro del Bramante has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, alongside the botanical and scientific collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London and the Museo Civico di Zoologia in Rome. Notable lenders include the Galleria Borghese, the Biblioteca Casanatense, the Badisches Landesmuseum in Karlsruhe, and The Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

The Chiostro del Bramante, with its exceptional 16th-century atmosphere, provides the ideal setting for an experience that combines art, nature, and technology. Is one of the most captivating exhibitions of 2025, a journey between beauty and power.

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.