roman holiday

Our hotel in Rome was a slice of roman heaven. Tucked away on the north side of Trastevere, steps from the river Tiber. You couldn't want for more a tranquil place to rest.  The Gran Meliá Rome Hotel is one of those places you don't want to leave. The staff don't miss a beat, they are friendly, extremely helpful and have a lovely sense of humour. Every experience they recommended couldn't have been more perfect. They have the best of Rome at just a phone call and it's not your run of the mill tourist expeditions.

The elegance of the hotel is noted everywhere, historic yet modern. The building is the authentic Villa Agrippina, which once belonged to the Roman empress, mother of the Roman Emperor Nero. Yet inside it is so elegantly modern, from the egg shell baths to the Nespresso facilities.What's more you're only 5 minutes walk from Vatican City and Saint Peters Basilica and if you spend a day in the Vatican State, which most visitors do by the end you are absolutely exhausted and an urban retreat is just what your bodies are commanding. This hotel was a gem. We couldn't recommend it more.

All images via Gran Melia Rome website.

poreta eggs

There is this lovely old lady named Rosella, whom owns the local village (Poreta) store. She sells all the simple necessities from olive oil, local bread, fruit, milk, cheese, washing powder, toothpaste. Even serves up delicious espresso. Fortunately for us, our brother-in-law speaks fluent, beautiful Italian, as Rosella speaks next to no English. Rosella absolutely loves Simon and engages him in some wonderful conversations and S always comes back from her little store with goodies.
What we adore about her is her passion and support of her local farmers and their produce. We had to giggle, S popped down to get some eggs for breakfast one morning. The Poreta chickens apparently hadn't laid enough eggs this particular day. Rosella did however have other eggs from another village in the fridge, when S asked if he could buy them Rosella insisted he wait for some Poreta eggs, they are much, much better!! So above are our Poreta eggs carried back in brown paper and absolutely delicious I might add. It's Sunday, are you having eggs for breakfast?

pool of paradise

The heavenly pool at our farmhouse/villa in Poreta, Umbria, Italy. Every detail is simple, elegant and fits together perfectly. It's natural. As if it was built by their ancestors in a way. And is meant to be there, tucked into the landscape. For you Frannie.

sofitel rome villa borghese

Our first night in Rome, we stayed here at the Sofitel Villa Borghese. I found a fabulously cheap deal on bookings.com and this was worth every cent. It felt more like a boutique hotel, the service was absolutely impeccable and every room was a treasure, the guest rooms were so spacious I couldn't believe we were in a hotel in Rome. A 5 star hotel at its best. Pure Luxe. We took photos, however they really didn't turn out very well with the light. The bottom image is their rooftop bar and restaurant and yes that is Saint Peter's Basilica you can see in the distance. It was breathtaking. To top it all off, when we arrived in our room from our 20 something hour flight there was a lovely handwritten (i must highlight handwritten) card waiting for us that read like so:
Dear Mr & Mrs C, 
We welcome you to The Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The whole team will remain at your entire disposal to answer every request you may have and wishes you a wonderful stay in The "Eternal City". Yours Sincerely, Manateressa Sesto
I have to say this hotel ticked all the boxes and more for me. I'll be back for sure. Fingers crossed.

Image 1, Image 2,  Image 3

so many things to share

I had so many precious things to share before we left on our holiday and now the discoveries are endless. How will I ever post them all. I promise I will get there. Top of the list though is our impending renovation, some Melbourne finds and endless baby love. Patience is a virtue, patience with myself.  
The olive groves in Poreta are warm and glorious. I love living amongst them for a couple of weeks.