Rome, the Eternal City, has long been synonymous with grandeur, history, and indulgence. Tucked into its vibrant heart lies the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, an elegant haven that bridges the ancient and the contemporary. Here, luxury isn’t merely an offering it’s a journey that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Roman history, cuisine, and hospitality.
The allure of Roman baths isn’t confined to history books. At Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, the Diocletian Bath ritual revives the grandeur of the ancient thermae, transporting guests back to the days when Romans reveled in holistic wellness. Encased in a blend of Mediterranean salt-pan mud, olive oil, laurel, lavender, honey, and sea salt, I found myself ensnared in a sensory symphony that paid homage to traditions from centuries ago.
The ritual, a two-hour indulgence, mirrors the practices of the Baths of Diocletian, whose ruins are visible through the hotel’s glass floors. Constructed by Emperor Maximian as a gift for his co-emperor Diocletian, the baths were a sprawling sanctuary of art, knowledge, fitness, and relaxation. Today, Michelangelo’s masterful conversion of parts of these ruins into a basilica adds an architectural marvel to their legacy. As the treatments worked their magic, I couldn’t help but feel entwined with Rome’s storied past.
The opulence of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi begins the moment you step into its grand marble lobby. Built on the historic Piazza della Repubblica, this neoclassical masterpiece radiates imperial splendor. My introduction to this grandeur was guided by Marta, my personal butler, who shattered stereotypes in her male-dominated profession with elegance and precision.
She ushered me into my duplex suite, unveiling a panoramic view of the piazza’s fountain and Michelangelo’s basilica through sweeping drapes. Every detail in the room spoke of thoughtful luxury. From freshly pressed blazers accompanied by a silk pocket square to a personalized note, the service here transcends expectations.
Sipping a perfectly crafted martini as I prepared for dinner, I couldn’t help but think of Sophia Loren, whose love for this hotel led to its Presidential Suite being named in her honor.
Rome is as much about its cuisine as its history, and Anantara’s Ineo restaurant captures this essence with finesse. Tucked beneath the palazzo’s arches, Ineo is a 28-seat gem that dazzles with its intimate ambiance. Marble and mirrors surround you as you dine on Limoges porcelain and Christofle silverware, ensuring every detail is as refined as the cuisine.
The seven-course tasting menu, crafted by executive chef Heros de Agostinis, is a tribute to his global culinary explorations. Yet, the crown jewel of the experience is the bread trolley a mobile bakery of artisanal delights, paired perfectly with Normandy butter and Lazio olive oil.
From start to finish, the dining experience is one of discovery and delight, echoing Rome’s rich gastronomic tradition while introducing innovative flavors.
A stay at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is more than a getaway it’s an immersion into the soul of Rome. It’s a chance to bathe in history, dine like royalty, and experience hospitality that feels both deeply personal and universally luxurious.
For anyone seeking to connect with Rome’s eternal charm, this is more than a hotel it’s a destination.
