Europe has reopened, and there’s no better time to explore and soak in the beauty of Italy than summer. Travelers yearning to be in the center of the action should look no further than the spectacular walled city of Lucca. This city centre is filled with mesmerizing restaurants, architecture, and artwork that’ll satiate any traveler’s taste for exploration.
In the heart of Lucca lies Grand Universe Lucca, a boutique hotel with 55 superbly appointed rooms and suites. The property stands proudly adjacent to the Piazza Napoleone and across from the iconic Teatro del Giglio, where performances by Lucchesi composers Puccini, Catalani, and Luporini have inspired a moving music culture that beats well into the present day. Music, one of the hotel’s inherent pillars, inspires the name of each room category, including the ‘Piccolo Room’ and ‘Puccini Suite.’ For a truly curated experience, guests can unlock their own theme song with the ‘Prelude of Existence’ experience, whereby the hotel’s classical composer creates a personalized prelude, crafted to reflect the guest’s personality.
Also worth noting is the hotel’s Sommità Martin Orsyn Champagne Rooftop, the first Martin Orsyn branded terrace in Italy. Set against the magic skyline of Lucca's rooftops, the new champagne terrace offers a bespoke sampling menu of four cuvées with a curated menu of culinary pairings designed to enhance each of the champagnes.
When adventure calls, the best way to explore the art, culture & cuisine of Lucca is by bike. The hotel’s Bikes & Bites experience includes a bike rental and pre-packed picnic to enjoy wherever your bike adventures take you.
Head 40 minutes north and find Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, an ideal home base for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Italian respite. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Serchio Valley, this 180-room resort boasts a spa, two restaurants, two swimming pools and breathtaking views of Tuscany’s natural beauty. Partake in on-site cooking pasta cooking lessons or explore the neighboring areas to discover local biodynamic wineries, medieval towns, and more.
www.granduniverselucca.com
www.renaissancetuscany.com