HOTEL FAENA, WITH ITS HYPER INSTAGRAMMED GOLD-PLATED DAMIEN HIRST MAMMOTH
And cocktails served in unicorns, is by far the hottest hotel in Miami – perhaps America – right now, but Casa Faena, its chichi little sister just across the road, is much more romantic. Occupying a 1920s building with a laid-back vibe, it’s chic, petite and filled with Cuban swagger. A few dozen rooms featuring terracotta floors, homespun blankets and wooden ceiling fans are laid out across a central courtyard (Room 49 opens onto a large terrace) and the library/bar is filled with light and art.
Hotel Lord Byron Photo Gallery
As well as access to a combed swathe of South Beach dotted with Faena’s trademark red-and-white umbrellas, guests of the Casa can enjoy all the excesses of the Faena mothership: three swanky restaurants – including Los Fuegos, a temple to open-fire cuisine – a private theatre showing racy burlesque-style shows, a sensational spa, plus people-watching on a scale to rival the Cannes Film Festival. All with the comforting knowledge that you can nip ‘home’ for a siesta and some South American alfajores (caramel and coconut shortbread) whenever you want.
LUSH FACTOR Late-night drinks at Faena Hotel’s Living Room are seriously luxe (booking ahead is essential). It’s a decadent Chateau Marmont-style place filled with tiger print, red velvet and antiques. Depending on the night, there’s a Cuban band or DJ. When Brides was there, we ran into Zac Efron! GO Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk) offers five nights in a Standard Room from £1,326 per person, including flights with BA.
From the beach to burlesque, Casa Faena has it all!
THROWBACK GLAMOUR IN ROME
THIS ELEGANTLY INTIMATE 28- ROOM ART DECO MANOR HOUSE IS PERFECT FOR THOSE WANTING TO MAKE LIKE AUDREY HEPBURN
Not only is its neighbour an Embassy, just like the one Princess Ann runs away from in Roman Holiday, but you’ll feel like royalty relaxing here after a busy day of walking around the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. Standing proudly on top of a hill in the peaceful northern Parioli neighbourhood, the Hotel Lord Byron is a short meander from the beautiful, sprawling Villa Borghese gardens and only a 30-minute walk from must-see central sights such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the shopping streets of Via dei Condotti. It’s perfectly positioned for you to enjoy all the Eternal City has to offer, while being removed enough from the hustle and bustle to feel.
Have a movie-star moment at the Hotel Lord then visit the beautiful St Peter’s Basilica
peacefully romantic. With chic, contemporary details (think marble bathrooms, rich claret-coloured velvet sofas and crisp white sheets), you can recuperate in luxury, ready for the evening. For some real Italian passion, book tickets to the stunning Teatro dell’Opera, then head back to: the hotel for a glass of spumante in the decadently glam Il Salotto lounge.
LUSH FACTOR
With breathtaking. 360° views, including the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, the Panoramic Rooftop Suite is ideal for honeymooners. Ask one of the helpful reception staff to book you tickets to the Vatican City (a must to avoid the insane queues), then climb the 551 steps to the top of: the dome and try to spot your own regal terrace from your vantage point. GO Small Luxury Hotels of the World (slh.com/lordbyron) offers a Double Classic Room from £164 per night, B&B. Love is All You Need(All 0800 01 1878
