Zaha Hadid’s final resort venture is one for the ages.
Romeo Roma, a spectacular new five-star property in Rome’s historic heart, is constructed inside a Sixteenth-century landmarked palazzo. The modern interiors span eras: Unique Renaissance frescoes in 5 “noble-level” suites are juxtaposed with the late British-Iraqi architect’s futuristic varieties whereas an historical marble bust of empress Livia Drusilla unearthed through the renovation sits close to up to date works by Francesco Clemente, Mario Schifano and Christian Leperino. The glass-bottomed pool, in the meantime, reveals exceptional Roman relics found just under.
With its hanging mixture of antiquities and avant-garde class, it is a new deal with for vacationers in search of extraordinary lodging. And it’s ultra-exclusive – a lot in order that other than Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, which is open to the general public, entry inside is restricted to resort visitors.
The 74-room addition to The Romeo Assortment, the posh Italian hospitality model based by Neapolitan lawyer and entrepreneur Alfredo Romeo, opened in December. The primary Romeo resort debuted in Naples in 2008 and a Massa Lubrense location on the Sorrento Coast, throughout from the island of Capri, is slated for later this yr.
The Rome edifice unites one of the best of the design, culinary and wellness worlds. Simply final month, it gained a coveted spot on the Prix Versailles’ “World’s Most Lovely Lodges” in 2025 checklist for its “distinctive structure and design.”
Romeo purchased the constructing on the tony Through di Ripetta, steps from Piazza del Popolo, in 2012. Initially the palace of the Serroberti-Capponi household, it modified arms a number of instances earlier than turning into headquarters of the Jesuit journal Civiltà Cattolica after which, from 1951 onwards, places of work of the Italian authorities’s Italian Employees’ Compensation Authority.
Romeo enlisted Zaha Hadid to radically remodel the edifice. A rock star in her area, she was twice awarded Britain’s Stirling Prize for structure and in 2004 turned the primary girl to win the Pritzker Prize, often called the “Nobel Prize of structure.” She had already begun engaged on Romeo Roma when she died in 2016 of a coronary heart assault, and her observe accomplished the venture posthumously.
As many parts of the constructing are listed, Zaha Hadid Architects devised a “second pores and skin” that matches inside the unique construction. Not solely are the archistar’s signature undulating partitions and vaulted ceilings in Macassar ebony, marble, metal and textured brass seductively stylish, however they conceal the programs and good know-how.
The venture lasted greater than a decade, slowed by the invention – and cautious preservation – of a Roman wall and workshop beneath the courtyard. Working with the best supplies, from Macassar ebony and Canaletto walnut to Italian marble, artisans crafted the intricate cladding and flooring that accents each area. The polished rooms and suites are appointed with furnishings by B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau and customized items from Romeo Design. They’re concurrently heat and state-of-the-art.
The gastronomic program is equally cutting-edge. Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse, whose first restaurant in Italy opened final yr at Romeo Napoli, unveiled his second signature outpost within the nation on-site. Visitors select between à la carte specialties or four-, six- or nine-course tasting menus made with seasonal Italian elements. Standouts embody Mediterranean blue lobster with pink berries and rhubarb and chocolate and occasional from Alain Ducasse Manufacture in Paris paired with buckwheat ice cream.
The restaurant additionally serves a luxurious à la carte breakfast with candy, savory and pastry choices. The cloud-like French toast with whipped cream is to not be missed.
Il Cortile, in the meantime, provides all-day basic Italian fare within the leafy courtyard.
Il Bar serves craft cocktails made with native elements and wine whereas La Terrazza, a skybar with panoramic views of the Everlasting Metropolis, is a partnership with French Champagne home Krug.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Leisure is on the menu at La Spa Sisley Paris. Ebook one of many famed French magnificence firm’s Phyto-Fragrant facial and physique remedies, then laze within the salt room, hammam, floating room and emotional bathe enhanced with coloured lights and aromatherapy.
Or take a dip within the indoor-outdoor pool, which begins contained in the spa, winds beneath a footbridge and ends within the courtyard. With the two,000-year-old Ripetta port seen by means of the clear flooring, it’s an incredible past-meets-present expertise.
Rooms from $2,950 at TheRomeoCollection.com/en/romeo-roma/.
