Like most visitors to La Dimora I imagine we found ourselves there on the occasion of a long-booked dinner at the Cerea family`s famous three-star restaurant Da Vittorio, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This exceptional gastronomic experience will soon be written about by Panos Deligiannis, who is much more expert than me, leaving me the pleasure of sharing the details of our stay.
When arriving at La Dimora, the heavy iron gate opens, and the visitor suddenly finds himself in a true paradise. Ten hectares of lush green vegetation surround the main building, which houses the restaurant and boutique hotel, and stretch as far as the eye can see, ready to be explored and reveal their surprises. Among them are a beautiful swimming pool, spa, tennis court, 5X5 football pitch, lakes, outdoor gym with an 800-metre running track, electric car charging station, and helipad.
No exaggeration—La Dimora has it all and to perfection. The indoor public spaces may be a bit small, although the bar to the left of the reception—where smoking is even allowed—is just the thing for the first or last drink of the evening. The dozens of sheltered outdoor corners covered with awnings and equipped with stoves and, if necessary, cashmere blankets serve guests well even in winter.
The rooms, some simple and some suites but only ten in number (550 and 600 euros a night respectively), are all differently decorated and furnished in the classic style of the French or British countryside with huge beds, striped or floral curtains, luxurious marble bathrooms, and all the comforts that even the most discerning guest would desire. Crisp linen, down pillows and duvets, large fluffy towels and matching bathrobes, all possible and unlikely amenities, Guerlain cosmetics, free from charge mini bar, EDG diffusers, patios or terraces, and excellent turndown service no matter what time you leave your room. We were greeted on our first night with, in addition to the usual briefing on the next day`s weather, bottles of water on the bedside table, two small sweet treats, two face masks, and a day cream.
As for the breakfast, it`s a visit-worthy experience in itself. In the lounge, where it is served overlooking the garden through the large glass windows, the tables are set with heavy linen tablecloths, and each has an iconic Christofle "egg" in the middle, with silver cutlery. The buffet is packed with three-star sweet and savoury treats, from small sandwiches of freshly baked ham focaccia and cheese to croissants of many kinds and four different cakes, while right next to it is a station with an impressive - for breakfast - selection of Italian cheeses and charcuterie, all cut at that moment. One can order eggs however one wishes; I tried the Benedict on the last day, which was perfect, while coffee is served in Raynaud`s porcelain cups, which...anyone who knows knows
Overall, what struck me was this absolute luxury on every level, all these carefully and tastefully selected objects and utensils that set the tone for every part of the hotel, but in a way so organic and so simple that they whispered instead of shouted, as is sadly the case in most "high places" of the world nowadays. Along with the service, which is polite and friendly at the same time in a perfect balance, set up to make you feel at home, and rotten spoiled at the same time.
It is this comfortingly calm luxury and low-key culture that emanates from every part of La Dimora that is the reason why I hope to return every year from now on, always in the company of loved ones to share moments of relaxation, de-stressing, and joy.
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