Celebrated Secrets
Historic Hideaways
For a hotel to have a true essence of place, its story must interweave with the tapestry of the local area. We are fortunate that this is a featured characteristic of all Celebrated Hotels, and today's Celebrated Secrets highlights three properties that lead in this area - and each still has great summer availability! These three special properties may be lesser known, but they are great examples of properties that draw inspiration from their history and blend in effortlessly with their surroundings. They also have quite a few hidden secrets that we are eager to share with you!
Guests experience a powerful connection to these places through stories told by hotel teams, excursions with Celebrated Guides, and simply staying in one of these special hotels that are a key part of each region's history. Each of these chosen properties excels in service and has a unique connection to the soul of the destination.
We hope these insights don't stay secret for too long! They are best shared with your clients who have a passion for culture and history but also crave a deeper connection when they travel. As always, we are eager to assist with your hotel, guide, ticketing, and complete itineraries. Please reply so we can link you in with one of our expert travel design teams.
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Vista Palazzo Verona
Where Romance & History Intersect
Verona holds a very special place in our hearts at Celebrated Experiences. This is the town where our founders, Preston and Leni Epstein, were married in 1957. It is an undeniably romantic city, famous as the setting for Romeo & Juliet. The city is also renowned for its ancient history.
Right in the historic center, Vista Palazzo Verona is an intimate luxury hotel that opened in 2022. Too many travel advisors are still not aware of this brand-new luxury hotel that has become the most exclusive property in the city. The historic palazzo blends effortlessly into its storied surroundings. Featuring just 16 suites and palatial rooms, the contemporary design blends with the historic city views captured from each window.
This elegant residence has a wonderful hidden secret! On the rooftop, the Infinity Bar is the city's ultimate hideaway. Guests quickly fall in love with the 360-degree views, over an aperitivo, as they gaze upon 'Fair Verona' and the hills of Lake Garda. Ristorante Sottovoce also offers panoramic views featuring traditional dishes with an inspired modern twist. Another surprising feature for such an intimate hotel is the luxurious spa – with a swimming pool – a treat in a city center property.
Verona is a very walkable city, exuding sophistication with shops featuring Italian designers and local artisans. There is an abundance of charming restaurants, and Juliet's House with its famous balcony is just a 5-minute walk away (lots of fun photo opportunities here!). Following a guided walk with a Celebrated Guide, guests can spend an evening at the city's well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, a spectacular venue.
Vista Palazzo Verona is a popular hotel for couples who want to spend quality time soaking up culture, strolling dreamy streets and venturing out on epic excursions. Guests of this hotel can visit authentic neighborhoods, such as Veronetta, home to romantic Renaissance gardens at Giardino Giusti and enjoy a funicular ride to Castel San Pietro, where the city unfolds as you ascend. Vista Palazzo Verona is also a great base for exploring the Roman Arena, Lake Garda, and visiting vineyards that feature beautiful Amarone wines. Verona is also well connected to key cities by high speed trains, for clients continuing their journey to Venice, Bologna or Florence.
This intimate 5-star hotel is the ultimate base for exploring all that Verona has to offer; it’s clear why it was featured on the Conde-Nast Traveler Hot List. Vista Palazzo Verona needs to be a featured chapter of your client's love story with Italy.
Celebrated Perks: Welcome bottle of local wine and cookies; Breakfast included
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Borgo Antichi Orti
Immersive Ancient Gardens
Borgo Antichi Orti is an exclusive address, just a short walk from the historic center of Assisi. The style of the property is elegant and natural, and the historic essence is ever-present as it is located on a hillside in the shadows of the impressive Basilica of St Francis. This is an inspired setting in the heart of the Umbrian hills, surrounded by rolling countryside.
Antichi Orti means 'ancient gardens' – and the terraced gardens here are the heart and soul of the property. Not only do they offer an oasis of space to enjoy a moment of reflection (and a gorgeous glass of wine from nearby vineyards), they also host gardening classes. One of the three Celebrated Perks here is a tour of these gardens with the Head Gardener.
Set in a peaceful UNESCO world heritage site, guests walk into ancient Assisi to experience an authentic city made up of narrow cobblestone streets and impressive piazzas. The location is great for exploring the medieval fairy tale towns of Umbria, such as Perugia, Gubbio and Spoleto. A Celebrated Driver Guide is recommended to experience these incredible destinations with recommended stops at the Perugina Chocolate Factory and miles of underground Etruscan tunnels just 30 minutes away. The region is particularly appealing to foodies as we love setting up truffle hunting and great wine experiences for your clients and all are within easy reach of Borgo Antichi Orti! For more active clients, we suggest the many hiking trails of Assisi, the most immersive way of exploring the landscape. Guests can experience ancient forests, medieval ruins, and spectacular views.
There is an impressive mix of old and new in Borgo Antichi Orti's culinary offering. Guests can indulge in food that revisits ancient traditions in La Locanda. They can also spend evenings in the innovative Botanic Lab - sampling cocktails, inspired by the hotel gardens and regional tapas.
The Borgo has just 12 bedrooms, all elegantly restored. There are also three suite options, some that feature their own garden and even three beds - perfect for families (who will also love spending time by their outdoor pool).
Located just two hours from Rome and Florence, this historic hotel highlights an enriching region, giving your clients the opportunity to experience the areas vibrant culture, history, and Umbrian food experiences.
Celebrated Perks: Breakfast; Welcome cocktail, tour of gardens with head gardener; and 20-minute "Spagirico" class with their mixologist.
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Thornbury Castle
A Royal Stay in England
In the wake of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to feature one of the most historic castle hotels in Europe. Located between Bath and the Welsh border, Thornbury Castle is just a 2-hour drive from Heathrow. Conveniently paired with London, this castle offers guests the real opportunity to transport back centuries (but, with all the modern amenities your clients would expect!)
This is the ultimate English hotel for clients who want to immerse themselves in history. In fact - it is the only Tudor Castle that you can stay in as an overnight guest! Once frequented by Kings and Queens (Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn actually slept here!), the history is palpable as you walk the grand halls. With towers and spiral staircases, childhood fantasies are realized at Thornbury Castle. The bedrooms are no exception with ornate décor and luxury furnishings accented with Tudor touches. Our travel design team's expertise is key when booking Thornbury Castle as each bedroom is delightfully unique, and our team excels in handpicking your client's perfect room. A lovely family option is the Henry VII suite - offering a glorious Four Poster and an extra murphy bed for a child.
Thornbury Castle has lovely grounds with 15 acres of manicured lawns and gardens. Guests enjoy archery, falconry, and croquet within this setting. For a more tranquil experience guests can wander the spectacularly scented rose garden and the classic Tudor Privy Garden. The Chef has his own garden that has inspired new dishes in their restaurant. Guests can dine in three award-winning dining rooms surrounded by historic artifacts that include armor, art, and priceless tapestries. The food is excellent, and a particular highlight is their decadent afternoon tea!
Nearby, Bath is a popular excursion with its impressive Roman History, Georgian architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage status. Bath is also a destination that Jane Austen lovers can't miss. From Thornbury Castle you can also venture into the Welsh countryside to see the nation's impressive castle fortresses and unique countryside. The glorious Cotswolds are also just 90 minutes away.
Thornbury Castle is a year-round destination. In summer you can play games on the lawn and enjoy sun-soaked gardens. In the fall and winter, it is a cozy haven in the fall and winter with roaring fires, candlelit evenings, and parlor games.
Celebrated Perks: Glass of Prosecco; Breakfast included
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Contact:
Ty Horn, Chief Operating Officer
Dana Welch, Chief Client Engagement Officer
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