Picture your honeymoon: a leisurely game of bocce, a glass of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a stroll past the fountains in an Italian Renaissance garden, and a tranquil sleep in a lavish suite filled with antiques and fine art.
Tuscany or Umbria perhaps? Think again. In fact, the exotic Villa Marco Polo Inn is located in the heart of Victoria’s elegant Rockland quarter, just blocks from Craigdarroch Castle and Government House. This classically designed heritage mansion was built in 1923 as a gift to a young bride, and is now one of Victoria’s most sumptuous inns.
Italian by design, the Villa Marco Polo keeps true to its well-travelled namesake and features an exquisite collection of Silk Road keepsakes. The Inn’s proprietor, Eliza Livingston, has lived in the Middle East, and showcases her fascination with these rich cultures by decorating the inn with oriental rugs, objets d’art, collectibles, and decor acquired on her travels.
From the moment you enter the Italian Renaissance-style villa, you’ll want to take life at a gentler pace. From the Tuscan Room with its exquisite Persian carpet, to the formal dining room with its Italian crystal chandelier, or the sun-splashed Orangerie, this is truly a place where time stands still. The Renaissance-style gardens, filled with flowers, will lure you outside for a stroll on the lush lawn (often used to host fairy-tale style wedding receptions). In cooler weather, you and your beau can retreat indoors to the wood-panelled Library, a cozy space complete with wood-burning fireplace, and stocked with books, magazines, and board games, as well as an iMac.
The spacious bedrooms – the Silk Road Suite, the Zanzibar Suite, the Persia Suite and the Alexandria Suite – each offer their own special charm. Double soakers tubs and separate tiled showers, romantic fireplaces, desks, fine European linens, hardwood floors and premium king-size beds are found in every room. Special touches are the handmade books, classical works of art and antiques from the owner’s family collections. With a nod to the 21st century, each suite features pre-loaded iPods and docking stations, wireless Internet and private telephones.
Imagine waking up each morning to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the halls. Breakfast is a memorable affair at the inn, with four inspired courses offered daily. Indulge on freshly baked muffins (try the Buttermilk Ten-Grain Muffins) served with butter and preserves made from Island fruits. A savoury course follows, such as Baked Eggs Florentine. A sweet finale rounds off the meal, treating you to Caramelized Pineapple Pecan Cakes, or Piping Hot Lemon Lavender Soufflés. All ingredients are locally sourced, organic whenever possible, and of the freshest quality imaginable.
To experience the enchantment of the Villa Marco Polo Inn, you can contact proprietor Eliza Livingston directly at (877) 601-1524 or visit villamarcopolo.com.
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