Villa Abbazia Relais ★★★★★

Somewhere in the Italian countryside, whirling vines and rose bushes are growing along the side of a colonnade mansion. The soft pastel shades of the building’s balcony borders and marblesque patio contrasts delightfully with the vibrant green of its surrounding garden. One might think this 17th century treasure would be best adapted into a museum or heritage site, considering its idyllic location in the Veneto region and exemplary model of aristocratic summer life. There’s one lady, however, who would be opposed to such proposals. As a guest of the Villa Abbazia Vénétie, she could not imagine this splendid manor being remodelled into anything other than what it currently is - the hotel experience of her dreams.

She enters the garden grounds dressed in an elegant evening gown and silk scarf, her tall companion next to her in a pinstripe waistcoat and diamante cufflinks. Arm in arm they walk through the Venetian archway and into the lobby, where golden pillars and walls of regal red surround them. In each direction lies something wonderful to lay eyes upon, from the vases of forest ferns to the antique bookshelves and ostentatious art pieces. This palatial residence is oh-so familiar to her; each second spent there allowing her to feel more at home. This is where she will come, time after time, for the guarantee of sophistication and class, the promise of utmost luxury and the assurance that she is treated as a Princess. This is a place - she will tell you - where the appreciation of classical beauty and splendour of nobility is honoured above all else.

For a few moments, she lounges on the plump bed in her room, appreciating each tasteful detail of the crimson velvet sheets and boldly embellished cushions. Delicate porcelain ornaments compliment her bedside table in the same way Persian rugs grace the floor. Across the walls and windows, luxuriously thick fabrics are draped. This softly illuminated Camere Deluxe is everything she could wish for; each imposing bouquet, sparkling mirror frame and emblazoned pattern reflecting her own marvellously enigmatic charm. But it’s not long until dinner, and the boudoir dressing table is calling for her company.

Now comes the moment she’s been waiting for. Wearing a peacock dinner dress, she is seated across her lover in the immeasurably spectacular ‘La Corte’ restaurant; sipping on a chilled glass of Prosecco as she gazes into the romantic candle light. In here, the grey stone walls and tall ceiling provide the ultimate atmosphere of comfort and eminence. But the grandeur is not all this restaurant is about. It just so happens that Hotel Abbazia prepares the most exquisite Venetian cuisine. Glorious pumpkin risotto, classic formaggio tortelli and garnished chicken liver are just a few of her favourites off the menu; dishes in which she can’t resist but to indulge, confidently coupling each course with a regional wine. As always, the staff will play the part as she pretends to be challengingly persuaded into having just one slice of that delicious pistachio torte.

The night begins to draw to an end, and she finds herself once again in the comfort of the Deluxe Room. Putting aside today’s wear, she slips into something more slumbersome. With a deep breath, she once again takes in her surroundings. Amidst the European glamour and historical majesty is where she feels at home. Sleep follows shortly after she climbs into bed, as she was in many ways already dreaming. Perhaps she’ll visit the nearby Treviso tomorrow, or else the equally mesmerizing ‘City of a Hundred Horizons’. Next, she fancies the ballrooms of Venice. She’ll travel far throughout her life, exploring distant and beautiful lands in fine and compelling company, but we can’t blame her for always returning here, to the Villa Abbazia Vénétie. Making her feel like a Princess is, after all, what this hotel does best.