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One of the most endearing things about Milan is that on first impression, it is nothing special. Inconspicuous entrances to various buildings give you no clue that once you pass the threshold a world of impeccable taste and décor that verges on opulence will be revealed. For this reason it is possibly one of the best places to shop in Europe, not only for the wealth of designer boutiques on offer but because the modest entrances do not intimidate, but invite you in.
Their message is simple – come in and have a look around, you may not be able to buy something now, but if you see what we have one day you will be back. It makes for an ideal romantic mini break – somewhere to take your lover and surprise her with a series of reveals that culminates in a Pretty Woman moment at La Scala.
Quietly tucked away between via Montenapoleone and via della Spiga, Italy’s two most exclusive designer shopping streets, is one of the city’s most romantic destinations – Four Seasons Hotel Milano. Set around the pastoral calm of a secret garden is an impeccably restored former convent that dates back to the 15th century. Now converted to a Four Seasons hotel, during the building’s restoration there was a series of unexpected discoveries that ultimately led to the unraveling of the building’s forgotten history.
In the late 1700s the old convent was redesigned into a private residence, obscuring many of wonderful Renaissance columns, frescos and stuccos that date back to Medieval times. What began as the conversion of a town house evolved into the restoration of a medieval cloister, thanks to the care and vision of its architects Bertani Baselli & C.S.p.A. Today this little gem of a residence boasts some of the most dramatic suites in Milan complete with original vaulted ceilings.
It is the kind of place that sets the perfect scene for an epic romance with someone who has constantly surprised you for their depth of character and inner beauty. Part of me is hoping that Mr E is reading this and takes note that from this base one could play out the entire fantasy so beautifully executed by Richard Gere, who finally sees the real beauty of the woman he had only perceived superficially. Not only will the hotel provide a personal shopper to assist you in finding the perfect dress for the occasion, they will have it delivered to the room should you want to keep her guessing as to what will happen next.
By day this area is emphatically one of world’s most fashionable locations, where all the good and the great of Italian fashion design from Prada to Valentino, Herrera to Etro and Dolce & Gabbana, all gather quietly side by side as if it were the most normal thing in the world. While the surrounding streets will give you endless opportunities for walking hand in hand and getting a little lost in each other’s company, should you tire there is always the garden to retreat to.
Originally designed in the 15th century by leading Italian landscape architect Paolo Pejrone, it is perhaps the one aspect of the hotel that retains its original atmosphere. The lush and verdant courtyard garden is thoughtfully landscaped with tulip trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering pitosforo. It is like being in Tuscany for the afternoon, complete with a chorus of evensong from a few lucky birds who have found their way there. It is a sanctuary and offers the perfect opportunity for a slightly less abstract form of worship, a moment of true romance.
Following from this theme is Il Foyer Bar located next to the Camino room in the main lobby, where the convent’s church stood over half a century ago. Covering the walls are the original sketches made for the Teatro alla Scala by the famed set designer Filippo Peroni. It provides a whimsical backdrop for an intimate celebration, and if it is a little cool you can huddle around the glow of its 18th-century fireplace.
At this point it might be opportune to mention the two tickets that the concierge has managed to secure you at what is considered to be the best opera house in Europe, Il Teatro alla Scala, though to be fair your lover might actually pass out from such an itinerary planned to perfection. In which case you will have to return to your room with its majestic vaulted ceiling.
by Nico Kos Earle
Four Seasons Hotel Milano. Rates start from €620 on a B&B basis in a Superior Room Posted: 12 August 2013