Hotel Villa Clementina

The Villa Clementina is a gem of a small hotel, romantically secreted behind high walls. It is not until the green gates swing slowly open that the stunning gardens and charming inn come magically into view. This gorgeous property was once the home of a famous artist, Lorenzo Vespignani, and your enchanting young host, Dimitri Bonetti, is also a well-known painter and studied under Vespignani. Today Dimitri uses the same light-filled studio that was once his mentor’s. However, one of his greatest masterpieces isn’t on canvas—it is the Villa Clementina. The property is truly a work of art: each room has hand-painted frescoed walls, lamps and beds made by Dimitri, furniture placed in perfect positions, handsome fabrics, and quality in every detail. My favorite guestroom, Romana, is a particularly spacious room with a fireplace and replicas of ancient Roman frescoes enhancing the walls. The inn is built within several houses nestled on terraces that step down a gentle hill. The grounds are like a beautiful park, with many exotic trees and perfectly manicured gardens filled with the fragrance of jasmine and the sweet song of birds. On one of the terraces there is a charming restaurant, on another a large swimming pool, and on the lowest level, a clay tennis court. The Villa Clementina’s location is superb: it is within an easy drive of the Rome airport and about a half-hour train ride into the heart of Rome.