Chandra Hamzah
Bernadette Chua’s recent sojourn at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome paints a vivid picture of a hotel that masterfully blends the Eternal City’s rich history with contemporary luxury. Situated at a prime location overlooking the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, the hotel offers an immersive experience, capturing the essence of Rome from its breathtaking vistas to its meticulously crafted interiors and culinary offerings.
A Glimpse into Roman Grandeur
The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome, the first Italian property for the renowned Thai hospitality group Anantara, stands as a testament to architectural heritage and modern design. Its imposing exterior, a blend of two semi-circular palaces originally constructed in 1887 by Italian architect Gaetano Koch, evokes a sense of timeless grandeur. This historical edifice, previously known as the Naiadi Palace and operated by the Boscolo group, underwent a significant renovation and relaunch in 2021 under the Anantara brand, managed by Minor Hotel Group. The hotel’s illustrious past is further highlighted by its role as a filming location in the 2021 Ridley Scott film “House of Gucci,” cementing its status as a landmark destination for discerning travelers and Roman elites alike.
The hotel’s strategic location, a stone’s throw from Rome’s main Termini rail station and a pleasant 20-minute walk to iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, positions it as an ideal base for exploring the city’s myriad attractions. This proximity to major transport hubs, including a direct metro line access, facilitates seamless travel to other significant landmarks such as the Vatican City, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Architectural Heritage Meets Contemporary Chic
The arrival experience at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is designed to be nothing short of spectacular. The entrance, adorned with expansive floral arrangements and cascading wisteria, sets a tone of opulent welcome. Guests are guided along a red carpet into a magnificent marble lobby, a space that immediately immerses visitors in the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. The ground floor is thoughtfully designed, featuring a charming coffee bar for morning pastries and espresso, alongside an opulent circular bar area. This social hub is characterized by plush velvet banquettes and a striking ancient chandelier, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and conversation.
The hotel’s interior design philosophy successfully marries the original structure’s inherent elegance, characterized by classic Italian marble and fine woodwork, with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. This approach has transformed the historic buildings into a "cool and funky home-away-from-home," as described by Chua, attracting a diverse clientele of chic Europeans, Americans, and the Roman glitterati. The renovation has not only preserved the architectural integrity but has also infused the spaces with a vibrant, contemporary energy.
Culinary Excellence: A Symphony of Flavors
The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome boasts two distinct culinary experiences, each offering a unique gastronomic journey. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, INEO, located discreetly off the Lobby Bar, is an intimate space with only 28 seats. Under the direction of Executive Chef Heros de Agostinis, INEO presents a menu deeply rooted in his personal history and culinary expertise. Chef de Agostinis, born in the vicinity of the hotel, draws inspiration from his childhood memories, including grocery shopping with his grandmother in the Esquilino Market, a practice he continues today to source fresh, local ingredients.
His extensive experience in Michelin-starred establishments and under the tutelage of renowned chefs like Joël Robuchon is evident in the refined artistry of his cooking. The seven-course tasting menu offered in the evening is a curated exploration of his career, blending flavors from his diverse professional journey. Dishes like "Between the Amalfi Coast and the Middle East Passing Through Rome" exemplify this fusion, featuring charcoal-grilled Amalfi lemon filled with veal sweetbreads, zucchini, and a black lime sauce, creating a complex yet harmonious palate. Another standout, "From Rome to India, A Stop-Over in Greece," showcases a saddle of lamb tikka masala paired with Greek fava meze, buttermilk, and mint, a testament to his time spent in South Asia’s top hotels.
Rooftop Revelry and Global Flavors
The hotel’s rooftop offers one of the largest open-air bars in Rome, providing panoramic views of the city skyline. This versatile space transitions from a chic lounge during the day to a vibrant hub by night. By 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the pool area transforms into a lively nightclub, attracting a fashionable crowd. Complementing this energetic atmosphere is the rooftop restaurant, Seen by Olivier. This fusion dining venue artfully combines Italian, Brazilian, and Japanese culinary influences, creating an exciting juxtaposition of tastes and cultures. The clientele here reflects the hotel’s broad appeal, with a mix of young patrons enjoying cocktails at the bar and sophisticated Roman couples savoring late-night meals.
Luxurious Accommodations: A Sanctuary of Comfort
The rooms and suites at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi are notably spacious for a Roman hotel, offering a range of options to suit various preferences. The accommodations span from a 22-square-meter room overlooking the tranquil central courtyard to the expansive 186-square-meter Presidential Suite. A particularly appealing option is the two-level loft duplexes. These units feature a separate sitting area on the lower level, with a king-sized bed elegantly situated on the mezzanine, offering a distinct sense of space and privacy.
The interior décor in the rooms embodies Italian luxury, with rich textures, light-colored Chesterfield sofas, and marble coffee tables. The bathrooms are a highlight, featuring twin sinks crafted from typical Italian marble, a whirlpool bathtub, and a generous walk-in shower. Guests are treated to a premium selection of Acqua di Parma amenities, alongside thoughtful extras such as shaving kits, hairbrushes, and dental kits, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay.
Modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated into the room design. Automatic blackout shades and adjustable lighting settings enhance the guest experience, eliminating the need to navigate in darkness. Each room is also equipped with a minibar and a Nespresso machine, catering to everyday needs. Select suites and rooms further elevate the experience with balconies and terraces, offering the perfect setting for enjoying aperitivo hour with cocktails served by butlers or indulging in in-room dining.
Wellness and Ancient Roman Rituals
Anantara is globally recognized for its commitment to spa and wellness, and the Palazzo Naiadi Rome extends this philosophy by incorporating ancient Roman rituals into its spa treatments. The hotel is built over the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, a historical site that once served as a social and recreational center for Rome’s elite. Guests can view the excavated foundations, mosaics, and pools, offering a tangible connection to the city’s past.
The hotel’s spa menu is inspired by these ancient practices, utilizing ingredients and techniques that the Romans believed were key to regeneration and rebalancing. The "Diocletian Spa & Bath Ritual," a signature two-hour treatment, costs €240 (approximately AU$400). This immersive experience incorporates natural elements such as sage, lavender, laurel, St. John’s wort, olive oil, and honey. The ritual includes a full body scrub, mud wrap, steam session, and a concluding massage, aiming to leave guests feeling revitalized and rejuvenated.
Unique Roman Experiences
Beyond its luxurious amenities, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi excels in curating exclusive experiences for its guests. The concierge team can arrange personalized tours that capture the spirit of Rome. Exploring the city by Vespa or a vintage Cinquecento offers a quintessential Roman adventure, allowing guests to navigate cobblestone streets with a sense of cinematic flair. A three-hour tour in a double sidecar is a popular option, covering iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese, and the Orange Garden. For cooler months, a vintage Fiat 500 can be provided, culminating in a sunset toast with prosecco at the Belvedere del Gianicolo.
For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel offers Roman cooking classes. These immersive sessions begin with a guided visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in preparing traditional pasta, pizza, and gelato.
The "Eat, Pray, Love" excursion provides a more in-depth exploration of Rome’s charming neighborhoods, including Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio, and Trevi. This guided tour takes guests through narrow streets, past imperial ruins, ancient churches, family-run trattorias, and bohemian cooperatives. Guests can choose their preferred mode of transport, with options for golf carts or limousines.
A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present
In a city brimming with opulent five-star hotels, the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome distinguishes itself with a unique character that harmoniously blends its historical roots with modern sophistication. It embodies the essence of contemporary Rome: warm, elegant, and chic, yet with an underlying edginess that respects and integrates its rich historical tapestry into its present and future. This duality makes it more than just a place to stay; it’s an integral part of the Roman experience, offering guests a luxurious and deeply resonant connection to the Eternal City.
Need to Know
Location:
The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is strategically situated on the edge of Rome’s historic district, offering convenient walking access to many key attractions. The Spanish Steps are a 20-minute stroll away, and the metro station directly outside the hotel provides quick access to destinations such as the Vatican City.
Hot Tip:
For an unforgettable experience, enjoy sunset drinks at the hotel’s Seen by Olivier Rooftop Bar. On weekend evenings, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant as the music picks up after sundown, making it a popular spot that can be challenging to find a seat.
Price:
A Deluxe Room on a weeknight begins at approximately $655 per night. Including breakfast, the rate increases to $753 per night. The Duplex Suite Piazza Views, which can accommodate up to four guests, starts from $2077 per night.
For more information, visit Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome.
Dwi Wanna
Walid Sujud Trenggono