The sun was still bright and doing its damage by the time Dario Cecchini walked through the doors of Carna by Dario Cecchini at the SLS Baha Mar in Nassau.
I was allowed the unique opportunity to celebrate Disaronno‘s 500th anniversary at rooftop Mr. Purple, try some craft cocktails made from this ancient elixir, as well as learn a little about the brand’s role in history and how it continues to uphold many of its original values today.
Miami’s culinary scene is savoring a taste of la dolce vita (The Good Life). Mondrian South Beach, the chic waterfront escape on Biscayne Bay, has teamed up with the famed Amalfi Coast beach club restaurant Conca del Sogno for a limited-time pop-up, bringing the flavors of Italy’s most coveted coastline straight to the Magic City.
Entrance
The Italian perfumer celebrates the latest collection with a swanky cocktail party curated by renowned event planner Lisa Lafferty.
Ah, Florence. Birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to the Medic-is. Center of art, culture, and fashion. Capital of Tuscany and the gateway to your Under the Tuscan Sun dreams.
And now, in the middle of this iconic city with so much history, the always on-trend 25 Hours Hotels has opened its first foray into Italy.
Do you really need any extra reasons to book a flight pronto?
The Vibe
25 Hours Florence, officially called 25 Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino was basically designed for social media — so if you plan on TikTok’ing your way throughout your travels, you’ve found your Florence residence.
Soon as you walk in, you’ll be charmed by the trendy boutique mixed in with the reception.
Taking the design cues from Dante’s Divine Comedy, the hotel gets into its theme throughout. It’s definitely a hipster paradise, as the hotel is one gorgeous instagrammable background after another. I saw several people taking fun snapshots everywhere from the trendy lounge area to the elevators.
There’s also a fun film lounge inside, as well as a lively courtyard garden that would be just as fun for travelers as well as Florentines to hang out. If you’re planning a fun girls trip or a romantic getaway with your significant other, you’ll have a blast.
Fun extra tidbit: Dante’s Divine Comedy came up several times throughout my travels in Italy (particularly in Verona). Italian school kids learn about the epic poem (a brisk 900 page or so read) like American school kids might learn about Romeo and Juliet or The Catcher in the Rye. So… the experience of staying in the hotel and absorbing this part of the culture was extra cool.
Cheeky humor in the Paradiso Room
The Rooms
The decision you’ll need to make is: are your vacay vibes a slice of heaven or are you in the mood for a devilishly good time?
Because you can choose a room with a motif of either “Paradiso” or “Inferno.”
I wanted a serene retreat this time for my trip so it was fun to get to step into a plush, welcoming room decorated with a mobile of playful cherubs. (Look closely and you’ll catch those cherubs having some extra cheeky fun). There are also light fixtures with wings, a cloud-shaped bathroom sink, and peekaboo shower glass. Because you may not want to be tooooo good when on vacay; even the heavenly can have fun with a little extra vice thrown in 😉
I’m all about design elements and loved all the attention to detail, including the fun open closet, as well as the entrances to each room (designed after one of Dante’s characters).
Of course, if you’re thinking it would be hellish to have to entirely choose either a ‘heaven’ or a ‘hell’ room, you’re in luck. Because you can still get to check out the vibe of both throughout the hotel. When walking into the elevator to reach your room, you’ll step either into one straight outta hell — or take the stairway (er, elevator) to heaven.
Breakfast at the 25 Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
The Food
When you’re vacationing in Italy, let’s face it: the food’s part of the destination, right along with visiting the Duomo, the David, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Italians don’t take their brekkie as seriously as those in NYC, LA, or Sydney do — usually, you’re good with a croissant on the go. So it’s a special treat to get to enjoy a huge array of brekkie options.
And do you ever.
Cakes and pies, yogurt, fresh fruit, potatoes and root vegetables, and more are on offer for the brekkie buffet which is as instagrammable as the design of the gorgeous restaurant.
The Location
Located in the Santa Maria Novella district (very close to the train station), the hotel is just a few blocks from the beating heart of the city. The Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio Bridge are just a short walk away.
About 25 Hours Hotels
A stay with the German-based 25 Hours Hotel Group is ideal for anyone with a fun, hipster spirit — or the traveler who doesn’t want to stay in cookie-cutter establishments… yet enjoys being loyal to a brand that they already know.
Each hotel has a quirky cool vibe and design that are unique to the spirit of the city’s location.
Check out my recap for the 25 Hours Hotel in Paris. Or check out the 25 Hours Hotel site for more destinations.
When Carolina de Castiglioni penned Syrma, she had no idea it would land her an opportunity to participate in the New York Theatre Festival in June 2020. The contemporary, Greek mythological, tale is Castiglioni’s debut play; though as an actor, she’s no stranger to the theater world. Following a reading of Syrma at the Center for Italian Modern Art on May 20, The Knocktural was able to chat with the NYU alum and hear how Syrma came to be.
The idea of the opera pulling headlines might seem a bit anachronistic; a niche interest suddenly becoming the whole of the zeitgeist. But this is exactly what Festival Verdi has become over its 20 years in current existence.
Last week, the Knockturnal had the pleasure of checking out one of the latest additions to midtown Manhattan’s dining scene, Ramerino Italian Prime.
This twist on my favorite focaccia recipe, by the Food Network’s Anne Burrell, celebrates fresh spring produce.
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