Taormina, like the rest of Sicily, is unreal whether you're looking at it from a five-star perspective or sleeping in a makeshift tent on the beach... or relaxing on your hotel's own private beach, which I must say was definitely the feature that won me over about the Mazzaro Sea Palace.

Of course that isn't its only outstanding feature, just one of many in a structure that compliments the natural beauty and tranquility of the surrounding area so completely that de-stressing is actually possible here (but contrary to popular belief I DO manage to get quite a bit done on these business trips).

Not to mention that the staff is again kind and happy to arrange massages and such for guests, which is a perfect end to a hard day's work or even just walking around taking in all the breathtaking scenery. The staff is also really great about organizing outdoor activities, which made me incredibly happy since lovely as my room was, Taormina is not a place to enjoy indoors by any means. It's a sparklingly hypnotic gem and as always, I can't wait to go back.

Thanks Mazzaro Sea Palace for being the icing on top of my last stay!

Via Nazionale, 147 - Taormina Mare (ME)

And they did prove themselves to be 3 times lucky:

www.italiancollection.com/en/mazzaro-sea-palace.html

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In stark contrast to the grandeur of old I experienced at the St. Regis in Rome, is the Premier & Suites, which I liked just as much for being as opposite as possible of the heavily antique style I'm usually drawn to. Minimalistic, yes, but this hotel truly does not skimp on the details, and puts comfort first. In fact, I'd describe it as a perfect fusion between design and comfort. I've always preferred the Adriatic coast anyway, and this really reminded me why (the city itself too).

The restaurant serves some superb dishes and is a nice break from strictly Italian cuisine (we all need variety, right?), and you can even get breakfast served on your own private terrace.

The rooms are absolutely lovely, and I adore the outdoor jacuzzi tubs that some of the suites have. I know it sounds strange to describe a hotel bathroom as beautiful and get transfixed by one you've rented... but I have to admit, I was transfixed... by everything else in the room as well! So now it looks like I'll have to find more excuses to do business here. Although I don't think you ever need an excuse just to enjoy a view of the sea :)

Traversa Settima 15 - 48015 Milano Marittima (RA)

Booked through the same headache free company:

www.italiancollection.com/en/hotel-premiersuites-milanomarittima.html

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For the first five-star hotel in Rome, the St. Regis sure has stood up nicely! Absolutely gorgeous, elegant, and everything one could want. I loved the butler service, it really made me feel pampered. I travel quite often for work and when breezing through amazing cities sometimes I just want to take a load off and let someone do the thinking for me. The exceptional service provided by the staff here, as well as the company I booked through, and the care, concern, and personal attention with which it was delivered definitely made me feel at home.

Travelling so much I hate leaving my dog at home, and they even accommodated him too, which I think was a very special treat :)

What really struck me upon entering is the sheer elegance, and the whole feeling of being transported to another century, with all the modern comforts I've gotten used to of course. And of course the central location was fabulous since I try to avoid public transport when I have to and this let me do so, while still being well connected enough that I wasn't obliged to walk everywhere (yes, you wonder if I can afford a five-star luxury hotel why not a taxi? I hate traffic and genuinely like to walk... so my dog is a good travel companion!).

People often knock the area around Termini, but it can be fabulous if you know where to go, and hopefully now some of you know :)

Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3

And my lovely booking agents with their site and photos: www.italiancollection.com/en/st-regis-grand-hotel-rome.html

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