When you travel, it is often hard to capture the sense of ease and comfort that comes from being in your own home. Spaces that I have personally cultivated in my homes help me to relax and enjoy a moment of calm in an otherwise hectic lifestyle. The Bulgari Hotel in Milan has found a way to capture this feeling of security and comfort with the added perks that only a luxury hotel provides.
As one of the oldest jewelry houses in Italy, Bulgari has defined itself as a brand that offers only the finest artisan-crafted goods. The label was founded by Sotirios Voulgaris in 1884 after he had moved to Rome with little to no money. The beginning of the brand was dedicated to capturing the style, class, and essence of early Greco-Roman design, which implemented bright colors, ancient coins, and intaglios. After more than 130 years, the easily identifiable creations possess a quality that few other jewelry houses have been capable of expressing.
Bulgari has always relied on the close relationships with its wealthy and often celebrity clientele. This association led many world-famous women to become collectors of the works over the years. Princess Grace of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn are just a few of the more notable collectors of the unique and dazzling line. And it is no wonder. It truly has the best to offer in Milan.
From this foundation sprung a line of products that still range from sunglasses to watches and fragrance. The creation of the exclusive luxury hotel in Milan was born out of this obsessive desire to provide luxury that spared no expense, from the 4,000-square foot garden in central Milan to the spa and the optional Maserati pick up service. The rooms give a respite from the chaos that exists outside the walls of the 18th-century structure. The warm interior lighting and décor give you the feeling like you are in your own home. As a businessman, I appreciate the little details like the personalized business cards they provide with the hotel address and the cigar lounge where I can relax with a glass of wine and cigar, after a long day of meetings.
The hotel was created to be a jewel among Milanese travel destinations. Since I frequent Milan for CCCXXXIII, I appreciate that it is conveniently located to my meetings, yet just a quick trip to some of my favorite places. I can spend the day working with the local artisans on my designs, visit Lake Como and still be able to enjoy a dinner on the hotel’s stylish garden patio with some of the notable fashion personalities.
My favorite place in the entire hotel has to be the wrap-around terrace, one of the best features of the spacious Bulgari suite on the top floor. I love starting my day with an espresso on the balcony, overlooking the view and reviewing my latest designs. The bathrooms in the suite offer oversized tubs, giving you a relaxed ending to a 15-hour workday. The staff is so attentive that every need is met, with warmth and effortlessness. Some hotels around the world, even luxury ones, leave me feeling like I’m not entirely at ease. Here, I feel like I’m staying at a great friend or family member’s home where I can come and go as I please and really “just be.”
