Ben’s Italian Odyssey - Rome, Portofino and Lake Como

We know how much our team is missed when they go travelling, but this is how we find out firsthand all of those incredible places to recommend to our clients.

Ben Wilson shares with us his top things to see and do from his recent trip:

1.     Where did you go?

Singapore, Rome, Florence, Portofino, Lake Como

2.     Was it for work or leisure?

Leisure

3.     Where did you stay?

Singapore – Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Rome – The First Musica (brand new hotel)
Florence – Continentale (Virtuoso hotel)
Portofino – Eight Hotel Paraggi
Lake Como – Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como

4.     Who did you fly with?

I flew with Singapore Airlines business class to Singapore. Then the remainder of trip I flew Qatar Airways business class.

5.     What was the highlight or highlights of the trip?

Travelling internationally again after so long was incredible. There were so many highlights, but if I only had to pick three they would be:

·      Sightseeing and exploring, walking the streets of Rome

·      Experiencing the luxury side of Italy in Portofino with all its coves and beaches

·      Definitely staying at Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como. Just breathtaking.

6.     Your recommendations or must do for other travellers?

From this trip the top things I’d recommend to other travellers would be:

·      Singapore – the hawker centres for food; the daily walk around Marina Bay; relaxing at the Mandarin Oriental pool.

·      Rome – Enzo Restaurant for their carbonara; the Colosseum; rooftop bar at The First Musica Hotel.

·      Florence – Climbing the bell tower at the Cathedral; rooftop bar at Continentale Hotel; pasta at Osteria Vini E Vecchi Sapori; Bistecca at Francesco Vini; Duomo Museum.

·      Portofino – Spending the day at San Fruttuoso (one of the best beaches ive seen); viewing Portofino from above at Castello Brown; having an Aperol spritz the piazza at Portofino; spending the day on the beach at 8 Hotels Paraggi.

·      Lake Como – I didn’t leave the hotel, so soaking up the sun by the pool; eating your heart out at their restaurants.

Thank you so much Ben for sharing your trip with us. Lots of travel inspiration and tips for all our luxury travellers. Want to know more? Please reach out to Ben or any of our team using the contact button below.