Review: Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista

_Location: A 20-minute drive west of Verona, Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà is ideal for travellers seeking a slice of serenity on their city break. This Venetian-style villa is set amid private, manicured grounds in the wine district of Valpolicella and emanates peace and tranquillity as soon as you arrive.

_{First impressions:} A fountain framed by flowers sits at the centre of the stately driveway welcoming guests to Villa Amistà. Staff appear briskly to collect our bags and whisk us up a large stone staircase to the lobby. The property is steeped in history – the current building dates back to the 18th century, though parts of the original 15th-century structure remain – but inside, the old and the new collide.

As the name suggests, Villa Amistà isn’t merely a five-star hotel, but a permanent exhibition of contemporary art. More than 150 pieces from artists including Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Marc Quinn, Marcel Wanders and Anish Kapoor are on display – expertly curated by Italian designer Alessandro Mendini. From the colourful Barovier & Toso chandelier and Vanessa Beecroft photography in the lobby to the multi-coloured corridor by Mariangela Levita that leads us to our room, interesting and intriguing pieces delight at every turn.

_{The facts:} A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Villa Amistà opened in 2005 under the ownership of Dino Facchini, founder of Italian fashion line Byblos. The property features 58 rooms and suites, each of which is individually styled with vivid colours, quirky furniture, eye-catching murals and eccentric prints. The hotel has two restaurants: Giardino d’Inverno and one-Michelin-starred The Amistà Restaurant, which champions local produce.

There’s also Peter’s Bar, perfect for aperitifs and after-dinner drinks. The Espace Byblos spa features an ornately designed pool, sauna, steam bath and gym, while outside, there’s a large pool and five acres of leafy gardens to relax in.

_{Ideal for:} Art lovers, clients who require space and seclusion while on a city break and travellers who appreciate unique boutique hotels.

_Explore: The hotel operates a free shuttle bus to the heart of Verona, where medieval palaces, ancient ruins and pretty piazzas await. The sunny shores of Lake Garda are also close by, where clients can take a scenic boat tour or explore lakeside villages such as Bardolino and Sirmione.

_Wow: Lover of art or not, guests can’t fail to be wowed by the breadth and calibre of pieces on display. The hotel offers a truly immersive insight into the world of art and design.

_{Book it:} Rooms start from €261 per night including breakfast.
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