Hotel Veronesi La Torre ★★★★

It is not every day you get to call a monastery home, but my trip to Verona was an exception. Situated inside an ancient monastery that has been renovated and brought into the present day, the Hotel Veronesi La Torre is a spectacular mix of old and new, weaving a historic base and past stories together with new-age design and the luxuries of the modern day. It effortlessly blends the antique with contemporary décor, resulting in a heady concoction of elegance and unique flair.

The hotel itself is located in Dossobuono in the ancient city of Verona, just a few minutes’ drive from Verona’s main airport. It looks out over the historic city centre, providing vintage views that go hand in hand with the monastery’s past. Jutting church spires and dusty, golden roofs form a classic silhouette, whilst the winding streets at ground level are a labyrinth of charming backstory and traditional Italian culture.

When I read that the hotel considers its designer furniture the real protagonist, I was excited to clap eyes on what was in store – could an ancient monastery really be dragged into the present day simply by adding some modern decoration? Of course it could! Bringing together the brains and ideas of numerous Italian architects and designers, the Hotel Veronesi La Torre offers its guests a unique and individual stay, where each room tells a different story.

Pieces of rare beauty and the very best of Italian design come together to form pockets of eye-catching charm, whether it is a featured tile wall, an exposed stone archway, or a colourful mural above the bed. Against these contemporary stylings, period furniture sits on parquet flooring and marble bathrooms maintain a glimpse of the hotel’s past. Each room has been thoughtfully planned and designed by some of the most important designers in Italy at the moment, and this original style spreads throughout the hotel providing it with a unique character.

Away from the rooms there is plenty to explore, too. The modern spa facilities provide a running order for a relaxing afternoon, with a heated indoor saltwater pool and a selection of beauty treatments and massages to enjoy. Outside, the surrounding gardens are ancient Italy at its finest, showcasing glorious flowerbeds and fantastic trees. The gardens are ideal for children to run wild with their imagination in or to simply kick back and read a book in.

I made sure to hire a car so I could enjoy the sprawling scenery that envelops the Hotel Veronesi La Torre. If I was staying inside an ancient monastery I wanted to enjoy the full experience, exploring the nearby historic sites and the hodgepodge centre of Verona itself.

No, it is not every day you get to call a monastery home. But if you choose to stay at the Hotel Veronesi La Torre you get the best of both worlds –old-fashioned charm and Italian heritage as well as a grand display of contemporary design led by some of Italy’s finest talents.