8 T e Travel Guide Where to stay in Rome
The Eternal City is embracing a new era of la dolce vita with a string of exciting openings. Words: Julia Buckley
Mama Shelter T e Italian capital has seen a number of hot new openings and revamps over the pandemic, and Rome is now back to full-on, Fellini-style glamour — and it’s attracting the brands to match. In the past year, Soho House, W and the Hoxton have all landed in town, but the arrival of the cool French brand is the icing on the cake. It might be just a 10-minute walk from the Holy See, but it’s a far cry
from what many think of when they picture the Vatican: this is a retro homage to the post-Second World War cultural boom that anointed Rome as one of Europe’s most swinging capitals. Set over two buildings, it crams in over 200 rooms, a bower-fringed garden, an excellent pizzeria and a sprawling rooftop. You’ll also fi nd some of the city’s most spectacular views, too, stretching from the Vatican to the mountains beyond Rome. T is is of course a French take on
all things Italian — and it’s all the more playful for it. T ere’s foliage dripping from the ceiling of the pastel-coloured winter garden, and a vintage-style, pink-tiled pool area in the basement. From €159 (£133).
mamashelter.com
The Hoxton Bringing a dash of vintage London to chic Parioli, T e Hoxton mixes mid-century elegance with modern colour, while restaurant Beverly channels California, with farm-to- table sharing plates. Book direct and enjoy ‘fl exy time’ — 24 hours in your room, with your choice of check-in and -out time. From €129 (£108), room only.
thehoxton.com
Hotel Locarno Between Piazza del Popolo and the Tiber, this grande dame had a facelift during lockdown, with all 44 rooms expanded and updated, the courtyard becoming a bar and restaurant, and the rooftop bar revamped — although its sweeping views towards the Spanish Steps remain as spectacular as ever. From €253 (£211).
hotellocarno.com
Hotel Vilòn T is is a classy new addition to the Italian capital: from staff in smart green uniforms to its intimate, plant-frilled courtyard, everything slots together with top-notch precision. Rooms have an art deco vibe, with plush beds, special house toiletries and, for some, views over Palazzo Borghese’s private landscaped garden. From €600 (£501).
hotelvilon.com
Tables set for dinner in the patio area, Hotel Vilòn PHOTOGRAPH: STEFANO SCATÀ
First published in the May 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full online at
nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
Dive in
Take your underwater adventures to greater depths by equipping yourself with these ocean-friendly scuba essentials
Promotional Content • Saturday 17 September 2022
Restaurant at Mama Shelter PHOTOGRAPH: FRANCIS AMIAND
Finisterre Nieuwland 2e Yulex
Long Sleeve Shorty Wetsuit Made from 2mm-thick natural rubber, this ergonomic wetsuit is a sustainable alternative to regular neoprene swimwear, using 10 times less water in its production and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Combining a long sleeve and a short leg, it’ll keep you cool and protected on warm water descents. £135. fi
nisterre.com
Zone 3 Open Water Dry Bag
Tech Backpack When it comes to keeping kit dry, triathlon and swimming brand Zone 3 has you covered. T is waterproof backpack has welded seams and a folding seal to keep your gear safe from splashes. T e 30-litre capacity easily accommodates dry robes and towels, while the mesh front pocket allows quick access to essentials. £89.
zone3.com
Beuchat Maxlux Diving Mask You won’t miss any of the marine life around you when wearing this mask. Its tempered glass lens is slightly closer to your eyes, which expands your fi eld of view (perfect for taking in those colourful underwater spectacles). T e frameless design means it packs down smaller than rival options and also reduces internal air space, meaning you won’t need to equalise the air pressure as you dive. £49.95.
simplyscuba.com
Seiko SPB301 Prospex dive watch
T is classic timepiece is inspired by Seiko’s 1970 stainless-steel diver’s watch, which was worn by the
Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura
First published in the September 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full online at
nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
on his 7,800-mile solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska. Each sale helps support Seiko’s Save the Ocean marine conservation activities. £1,200.
seikowatches.com
Apeks RK3 HD Fins
Apeks’ RK3 range is a popular choice for divers, and its latest model is arguably its best yet. T ese fi ns are made from a stiff , tough thermoplastic with negative buoyancy, enabling the diver’s legs to achieve the optimum position when moving through the water. It’s the perfect all-round diving fi n. £137.
apexdiving.com
Solite Omni 2.0
Watersport Boots With their thin and fl exible uppers, these diving shoes provide a cool and comfortable extra layer inside your fl ippers. T e boots’ one-piece construction envelops the toes and heel for protection against sharp surfaces. T e 3mm sole makes them comfortable enough to walk to or from the water on rocks or pebbly terrains. £69.95.
soliteboots.uk
Paralenz Vaquita camera
With its cylindrical chassis, this 4K point-and-shoot camera has been created with divers in mind. It’s easier to operate than square-shaped alternatives, and you don’t need any additional fi lters or waterproof housing. Novices will appreciate the automatic feature that adjusts the white balance relative to depth. €799 (£687).
paralenz.com
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