Hotel Villa Luppis
N. Italy: Veneto: Rivarotta
Located only 45 minutes from Venice, Villa Luppis was created from a monastery dating back 1,000 years. Owned and managed by Count and Countess Luppis, the estate is surrounded by a 10-acre park with landscaped lawns and gardens, a favorite retreat for guests. Facilities include a large swimming pool, tennis court, sauna and a small fitness center. Public rooms abound with antiques and fresh flowers. Rooms and suites are attractively furnished with details such as stenciling around the ceiling and a specially chosen antique from the Luppis family collection in each room. All rooms have satellite tv., minibar and safe. There are no connecting rooms. A staff of 30 looks after the guests, testimony to the importance of personal service here. The restaurant at Villa Luppis is OUTSTANDING and clients can dine indoors or out during warm weather months. The chef is from Sardinia and has an impressive resume; and the sommelier is one of the best in Italy (he is certainly one of the nicest). Cooking courses are available through JDB. Each guest receives a special gift from Countess Luppis: ladies receive a Limoges plate painted especially for the countess; gentlemen receive a bottle of local wine. JDB clients will also find a special welcome of fresh fruit, flowers and a chilled bottle of Prosecco in the room upon arrival. The hotel has a minivan to take clients to Piazzale Roma in Venice for day trips (a small fee applies). And guests of Villa Luppis receive a shopping card allowing them a 50% discount at nearby clothing factory outlets that produce clothing for some of Italy's top designers. Hotel is open year round.