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Leading Luxury: In Conversation with the GM of The Rome EDITION

This week, we sat down with Marina Rogova to explore the vision behind The Rome EDITION, one of the city’s most refined contemporary lifestyle destinations. In our conversation, we discussed how the hotel balances modern design with the timeless character of Rome. From its distinctive social spaces and elevated dining concepts to the understated luxury woven throughout the guest experience, Marina shares what defines The Rome EDITION and how the property offers a more considered and immersive way to experience the Italian capital.

What sets your hotel apart?

“The Rome EDITION stands apart through its distinctive blend of contemporary design, understated luxury and a strong sense of place. Housed in a landmark building moments from Via Veneto, the hotel reinterprets Roman elegance through a modern lens, where clean architectural lines, natural light and carefully curated interiors create an atmosphere that feels both refined and effortless.”
 
“This philosophy extends across the property’s food and beverage offering and social spaces, each with its own clear identity. Anima restaurant offers a contemporary Italian dining experience framed by its secluded garden, while Punch Room brings a discreet, cocktail-led speakeasy concept rooted in storytelling and craftsmanship. At the rooftop, The Roof combines a bar, bistro and heated pool, creating a vibrant yet relaxed setting with panoramic views over the city. Together, these spaces define the hotel as a lifestyle destination that is both rooted in Rome and distinctly modern in its expression.”

The guest experience

“From the moment guests arrive at The Rome EDITION, the experience is designed to feel effortless, considered and quietly immersive. There is a sense of arrival that is both discreet and distinctive where contemporary design, warm service and a strong sense of place come together naturally.

 

What we aim to create is a feeling of ease within the city, a private retreat in the heart of Rome where guests can disconnect from the pace outside and settle into a more refined rhythm. Whether enjoying the intimacy of Anima’s garden, the energy of The Roof, the discreet atmosphere of Punch Room or the calm refinement of the rooms and suites, the experience is defined by a balance of sophistication, comfort and understated luxury.”

What makes the location special?

“The Rome EDITION is ideally located just moments from Via Veneto in one of the city’s most iconic and historically rich neighbourhoods. This privileged position offers guests immediate access to Rome’s cultural landmarks while still feeling slightly removed from the busiest tourist paths, creating a sense of calm within the city centre.

What makes this part of Rome particularly special is its balance between heritage and contemporary life. Within walking distance guests can explore Villa Borghese and its gardens, discover the elegance of Via Veneto or easily reach the Spanish Steps and historic centre. At the same time, the neighbourhood retains a residential, almost discreet character allowing guests to experience Rome at a more relaxed and authentic pace.”

 

 

Describe the perfect day at your hotel?

“A perfect day at The Rome EDITION begins at a relaxed pace, embracing the quiet luxury of the rooms before stepping into the calm energy of the hotel’s social spaces. Mornings might start with breakfast followed by time spent by the rooftop heated pool where views over Rome set a serene tone for the day.

As the day unfolds, guests are encouraged to explore the city’s nearby landmarks, from Villa Borghese and Via Veneto to the historic centre, before returning to the hotel for a more intimate evening experience. An aperitif in the garden at Anima offers a tranquil pre-dinner moment followed by dinner in the restaurant’s contemporary Italian setting.

The evening can then continue with a post-dinner drink at Punch Room, an intimate and discreet cocktail experience hidden within the hotel, before time spent at the iconic pool table, a subtle yet defining social touchpoint of The Rome EDITION and a return to the calm of the rooms for a restful end to the day.”

Who is your ideal guest?

“The Rome EDITION is best suited to guests who appreciate contemporary luxury expressed through design, atmosphere and a strong sense of place. It naturally appeals to discerning travellers seeking more than a traditional hotel stay, those drawn to cultural discovery, refined aesthetics and a quieter, more considered way of experiencing Rome.

 

The property resonates strongly with design enthusiasts, culture lovers and urban travellers who value spaces with character and identity. It is equally suited to romantic getaways, where privacy and intimacy are key, as well as to modern travellers seeking a stylish base from which to explore the city while returning to a calm and elevated environment.”

Any hidden treasures you'd like to share with us?

“One of Rome’s most rewarding nearby escapes is Villa Borghese, a short walk from the hotel and home to beautifully landscaped gardens, shaded paths and panoramic viewpoints over the city. Within the park guests can also discover the Borghese Gallery, one of Rome’s most remarkable art collections offering an intimate encounter with masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio and Canova.

For a more local experience, the surrounding streets of Via Veneto and the neighbouring residential area reveal a quieter side of Rome, where historic cafés, elegant architecture and everyday city life sit just moments away from the city’s most iconic landmarks.”

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by this interview?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Leading Luxury: In Conversation with the GM of O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

This week, we sat down with Natalie Gonzalez, General Manager of O2 Beach Club & Spa Barbados. In our chat, we delved into the vision behind one of Barbados’ most distinctive beachfront stays. From redefining the all-inclusive experience to capturing the true spirit of the island, Natalie shares what makes the property unique, how it connects guests to its south coast setting and the thoughtful details that turn a holiday into something far more personal.

What sets your hotel apart?

“Our ethos is rooted in personalization and elevated service, reimagining the all-inclusive experience to feel refined rather than routine through curated dining, authentic on- and off-property experiences, and intuitive, genuine attention. It is further shaped by a strong sense of place, reflected in locally inspired cuisine, Caribbean flavours, and the warmth of our team, all capturing the spirit of Barbados. The result is an atmosphere that is vibrant, relaxed, and distinctly its own, where modern luxury meets island soul. “

What can guests expect when they visit?

“From the moment guests arrive, we want them to feel an immediate sense of ease – welcomed not just as visitors, but as individuals, in line with our philosophy of “Your Stay, Your Way.” Every detail is delivered to the highest standard, creating a seamless, effortless transition into a stay that feels fully tailored to them.

As their experience unfolds, our goal is for guests to feel both indulged and empowered to shape their own journey – whether through quiet moments by the ocean, curated experiences, elevated dining, or lively yet refined atmospheres. By departure, we hope they feel refreshed, enriched, and deeply connected, with the sense that their stay was not only exceptional, but uniquely their own.”

What makes the South Coast of Barbados so special?

“The south coast of Barbados offers a vibrant yet effortlessly relaxed setting that guests instantly connect with, and our location is exceptionally central. We are just a short walk from St. Lawrence Gap, the culinary and social heart of the south coast, placing guests in the centre of the island’s dining, entertainment, and cultural energy while still enjoying the calm of a beachfront escape. This unique balance defines the area: calm turquoise waters, beautiful coastal walks, and authentic local experiences are all within easy reach, before returning to a peaceful, luxurious retreat.”

 

 

Describe the perfect day at your hotel?

“A perfect day at O2 Beach Club & Spa begins with a sunrise walk or morning yoga by the sea, followed by a leisurely breakfast. The day then unfolds entirely at your own pace, whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa, or simply embracing the rhythm of the island.

For those who wish to explore, our portfolio of Exclusively O2 Excursions offers an elevated, off-the-beaten-path way to discover Barbados, guided by our Guest Experience Ambassadors for a more personal and immersive perspective of the island.

As evening approaches, we recommend a sundowner at Brisa rooftop, our hidden gem, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean and coastline for a truly unforgettable sunset. From there, the evening flows seamlessly into Oro, our signature fine dining experience on the 9th floor, where refined cuisine and an elegant setting bring the day to a memorable close.”

Who is your ideal guest?

“At O2 Beach Club & Spa, we resonate with travellers who appreciate the ability to shape their own experience – whether that’s relaxation, celebration, wellness or exploration – within a setting that feels both elevated and effortless.

What unites our guests is a shared appreciation for thoughtful service, contemporary comfort and an authentic connection to destination. We provide the space, flexibility and inspiration for each guest to define their own version of the perfect Barbados escape.”

Any insider island tips?

I always encourage guests to explore like a local and go beyond the expected. One of the most rewarding ways to experience the island is heading to the east coast to discover the traditional rum shops; simple, unpretentious spots where you’ll find a delicious, authentic Bajan lunch, warm conversation and a true sense of island culture.
It’s often these off-the-beaten-path moments that leave the biggest impression, whether that’s stumbling across a quiet beach, stopping at a small roadside eatery or taking the scenic route just to see where it leads. Barbados has a wonderful way of rewarding  curiosity.”

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by this interview?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Inside Jen and Gem’s Alpine Weekend at Armancette

There is something about an Alpine weekend that always delivers.

 

The fresh air, the mountain views, the excuse to wear great knitwear from breakfast onwards and in this case, the kind of hotel that makes the whole trip feel even better. On a recent weekend away, Jen and Gem headed to the Alps for a few days of skiing, good food and first-hand hotel research, with Armancette becoming the standout base of the trip.

 

And while there was plenty of polished luxury to take in, it was also exactly the sort of weekend we love most – fun, a little chaotic at times, a few falls on the slopes, lots of laughs and the kind of experiences that remind us why getting out there and seeing hotels properly matters so much.

A hotel that
sets the tone

From the moment they arrived, Armancette felt like the right kind of mountain hotel.

 

Set in Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, just above Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and within easy reach of Megève, Armancette offers a more peaceful and understated take on an Alpine escape, with Mont Blanc views and a setting that feels a world away from busier ski hubs.

 

It has that beautiful balance of being luxurious without feeling stuffy, stylish without trying too hard and intimate in a way that immediately makes you relax. Set against an incredible Alpine backdrop, it felt calm, elevated and quietly confident – the sort of place that lets the setting do the talking.

 

For Jen and Gem, it was the perfect base. Somewhere that gave them the full mountain experience but with all the warmth, comfort and polish you want from a luxury stay.

Rooms that feel refined
rather than overly styled

One of the things Armancette gets very right is the accommodation itself. The hotel has just 19 rooms and suites, which immediately gives it a more intimate, boutique feel than some of the larger Alpine properties nearby.

 

The rooms are individually designed, generous in size and finished in a way that feels polished without losing that mountain warmth; think noble materials, soft textures and views that make you want to slow down for a minute before rushing off to the slopes.

 

It is that smaller scale that really worked for Jen and Gem. After full days out skiing, it felt like the kind of place you wanted to come back to, calm, comfortable and chic without ever feeling formal.

The spa is a real
part of the experience

For a ski weekend, the wellness side of a hotel matters, and Armancette does this particularly well. The spa and wellness area looks directly onto the mountains and includes a heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool, indoor jacuzzi, two outdoor jacuzzis, a sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness space.

 

It is not just a token hotel spa, it feels like a proper part of the stay, especially after a day on the slopes.

 

That balance of active and restorative is a big part of what made the weekend work so well. Ski, reset, eat well, do it all again.

 

 

Michelin-starred
dining that elevates the stay

Another thing that really sets Armancette apart is the food. Its signature restaurant, La Table d’Armante, holds a Michelin star and is led by chef Thomas Vonderscher, with a menu built around local and seasonal produce. Michelin describes the space as plush and cosy, with the kitchen celebrating ingredients such as fish from Lake Geneva and regional duck, which says a lot about the standard and sense of place they are aiming for.

 

That matters because it means the hotel is not simply a beautiful base near the slopes – it is a destination in its own right. For Jen and Gem, that made the whole stay feel more complete. You had the skiing and the mountain energy during the day, then a hotel experience in the evening that still felt elevated and special.

Skiing, a few falls and
great times in Megève

Of course, this was not a trip spent sitting quietly in a robe the whole time.

Jen and Gem are both lovers of a ski weekend, so the days naturally included plenty of time on the slopes – along with a few inevitable falls, which only added to the fun. That is part of the charm of these trips. However polished the setting, the best ski weekends still have that slightly chaotic, laugh-about-it-later energy.

 

A real highlight was heading over to La Folie Douce in Megève, which brought that classic après-ski shift in mood: lively, fun and full of personality after a day in the mountains. It gave the weekend that extra layer of energy and reminded us that the best Alpine escapes are never just about the hotel, but about the rhythm of the whole trip.

 

One of the standout evenings was dinner at La Fruitière, next door, which felt like the perfect continuation of the day. After skiing and après, it was exactly where you wanted to end up; good food, great atmosphere and that cosy but elevated Alpine mood that makes mountain dinners feel especially satisfying. It is those combinations that make a trip memorable: a beautiful base, brilliant food and enough fun in the mix to stop it all feeling too polished.

Why Armancette stood out

 

What made Armancette such a success for this trip was that it gave Jen and Gem the best of both sides of an Alpine weekend. It had the intimacy, comfort and high standard you want from a luxury mountain hotel, but it also placed them perfectly for the skiing, the social side and the kind of moments that actually bring a trip to life.

 

Inspired by Jen and Gem’s weekend? We can help you book your own Armancette escape and tailor the wider experience around how you like to travel.

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 | What the winners tell us about luxury travel

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