Gran Melia Rome- immersed in Luxury
Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
“What should I do in Rome?” I asked everyone I knew who had been there. “Just walk around,” they said. Of course I believed that was your standard patsy answer. Unfortunately none of these useless mortals were lying. Because that is exactly what you need to do. Walk around and explore the city that insists on a journey of self-discovery. So there you are, on a mission to unravel the Vatican and Michael Angelo musings but Rome is indifferent to your amusement. Rome helps you discover immortality.
It often fazes you and makes you confess the depth of ignorance we walk around. Today, I stand within the Roman Empire that once took over the world. In awe of Roman history since my early years and a literature enthusiast, my books have spent decades around this Empire. I believe it is time to infuse mythology with my present beliefs and what life presents to me. Standing before the ruins of the Roman city, I stand stumped, speechless and baffled. Was Julius Caesar here? Am I standing in his footprints? Maybe I should walk a few steps further, faster. You cannot possibly be sharing the same path with the likes of the greatest in history.
And what did these people mean by just walk around? Every corner speaks volumes of history. If it is not a church, historic monument or an unbelievable acrylic live painting in the shape of a home, it is probably the Vatican. Who knows? Why do people ever leave Rome? You start questioning etymology too. Are these homes painted? Am I a passenger in a huge canvas that overlooks this picturesque city? There is no sin in Rome. Because nothing can harm you. Inside this Utopia, harm ceases to exist. Often people use the phrase: “You are in a better place” referring to heaven. But if we take some time to appreciate God’s creation and appreciate His bounty, then we are unarguably in a better place.
People will tell you all sorts of things. It has become human nature to warn your friends about the worst possible scenario. Truth is, life is hard everywhere. But it gets better in some places. And no matter the journey, the destination is worth it. Gran Melia in Rome, is the same. The grand resort is set on a hill facing the Vatican in wild astounding beauty. The brand has 11 hotels and resorts worldwide. As opposed to the granted luxury in the Middle East, only a few hotels have swimming pools in Rome. Apparently, Melia is known to be the best choice for its exquisite making and prime address.
Located on the site of the historic Villa Agrippina, which was home to the famous Roman Empress and mother of Emperor Nero, Gran Meliá Rome plays a part in Rome’s fundamental beauty. Valuable archaeological treasures were discovered while building the hotel and were recognized by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage as ruins of the prestigious Villa Agrippina from the first and second centuries AD. Every room or suite is designed with luxury fittings, as a Roman painting is suspended above beds, with plasma TVs and surround sound systems in every room. Especially if you are a Red Level floor guest. This gives you access to their Red Level lounge and free amenities. From Nespresso machines to using Clarins cosmetic range in their bathrooms, Gran Melia serves the standard it preaches.
The people are as brilliant as the weather. October is usually cooler but a perfect constant breeze flirts with the sun a little longer this month. Cultured, well-spoken, look a bit like the Italian men in Giorgio Armani showrooms or out of a hair commercial, the people represent the soul of Rome. On a ride back during Maghreb time from the Spanish steps to Gran Melia, our driver switched off the radio and played Surah Rahman on his iPhone. “I know you are Muslims and this is your prayer time.” All of us ‘Muslim passengers’ sat motionless, a little ashamed and greatly rewarded for a gesture so noble and unexpected.
But culture does that to you. When you are born in a city that symbolizes a golden era, you are the doorstep of mercy. If you are one of those who never understood the idea of people sitting around in parks or lounging outdoors, you will get your answers here. Sometimes you just need to stop and take it all in. The aura is no myth. Standing outside the Colosseum, I spent hours thinking back to its period. The golden era. This place alone inspired artists and the common man. When Jay Z, Frank Ocean and Kanye collaborated on ‘No Church In The Wild’ I often pictured the irony of it all. Now I stand here and the words come back. Told like a story from the past, it makes more sense to just pay your respects and walk away. But walking away means discovering the ancient ruins scattered and preserved by the Romans today.
Only they could have managed to preserve history, as it should be. Situated on the banks of the River Tiber, facing the Vatican and a few minutes drive to St Peter’s Basilica, Gran Meliá Rome serves as a landmark that gives easy access to entertainment, shopping and cultural attractions. The resort is designed with landscaped gardens, impressive infinity pools and YHI Wellness center. It also boasts of fine dining in the name of Viva Voce created by Michelin star chef Alfonso Iaccarino.
“We try to convey the flavours and aromas of nature and so we search for organic products, almost to the point of obsession, ideally working with as many local products as possible. This idea leads us to the simplification of techniques and procedures. In terms of new developments, we are now working with flower distillation and natural yeast”, Iaccarino said. You can opt for a three-course meal or dive straight into the delectable platters. “At VIVAVOCE we want to convey emotions, for the diners to experience the story that every dish tells”, he added.
For something more low key, recline on Lunae Terrace and enjoy the magnificent views of the city and gardens. Waking up in Gran Melia is not just an excuse for luxury travel. My view spelled inspiration. I think back to the greatest painters of all times. How could you not be an artist or at least inspired with this view? Anyone could be. And that is the best gift Rome could give you. The gift of art, history, inspiration and most of all hope. Because God knows how far a drop of hope can take you. You can conquer life, let alone the world with it.
