Hello everyone!
We have just been for a site visit in the lovely town of Pesaro, Capital of Culture in Italy 2024, setting things in motion for Journeys in Italy second edition in November! Read on the first blog to experience it with us ...
A fast train from Bologna with lovely views and we were there in no time which allowed us to enjoy the fresh seaside air before heading to the local pizza restaurant for a delicious dinner.
As every year the Excelsior Spa and Lido Pesaro gets renovated, we headed straight to its sister property, the Charlie Urban Hotel which is also right on the sea's doorstep. I must admit, it was so easy to get there!
We were impressed with the Charlie Urban Hotel in Pesaro for several reasons. Firstly, its prime location in Pesaro offering easy access to the city's cultural attractions, scenic beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the hotel is renowned for its sophisticated and modern design, creating a welcoming and stylish ambience for all to enjoy.
The hotel's commitment to excellence in service is truly evident in its attentive staff who, during our stay, have gone above and beyond to cater to all our needs, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay. Furthermore, the Charlie Urban Hotel prides itself on its culinary offerings, featuring healthy and yummy dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, providing an authentic taste of Italian cuisine.
We were also able to test the hotel's amenities and facilities which are clearly designed to enhance the overall experience, including spacious and well-appointed rooms, a relaxing spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Shame I did not manage to plunge in the pool this time...
We settled into the hotel and concurred that the beds were amazing because we were out as soon as our heads hit the pillow!
The next morning we were greeted by a gorgeous sea view, a welcome change from a grey London.
However, we didn't have time to hang about as we had two very full days ahead of us, and what better way to start them off than at the host hotel for the event, the Excelsior Spa and Lido!
Although it was closed for scheduled yearly maintenance, which by the way they turn the place upside down to repaint it and modernise it all! Our imaginations were already running wild with how we would incorporate all of these exquisite spaces into the programme.
The Excelsior Spa Hotel in Pesaro is renowned for its exceptional combination of luxury, wellness, and cultural experiences. Let me tell you a bit about this fantastic hotel and why it stands out:
1. Luxurious Accommodations: The hotel offers elegantly designed rooms and suites with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea or the picturesque city of Pesaro.
2. World-Class Spa Facilities: The Excelsior Spa Hotel boasts a luxurious spa that offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation experience.
3. Gourmet Dining: The hotel's restaurants feature exquisite cuisine crafted by renowned chefs, showcasing the finest local and international flavours. Guests can indulge in culinary delights while enjoying stunning views of the sea or the hotel's lush gardens.
4. Cultural Immersion: Located in the heart of Pesaro, the hotel provides easy access to the city's cultural attractions, including historical landmarks, museums, and art galleries. You can truly immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
5. Exceptional Service: The staff at the Excelsior Spa Hotel are dedicated to providing personalized service and ensuring that every guest's needs are met with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Overall, we can see why the Excelsior Spa Hotel in Pesaro is a perfect blend of luxury, wellness, and cultural experiences, making it a top choice for travellers seeking a memorable and indulgent retreat on the Adriatic coast.
It will be the perfect host hotel for Journeys in Italy 2024!
Next, we met with two lovely ladies from Curious Italia, Michela and Julia, who took us to the ancient borgo of Fratte Rosa to meet with a local farm worker, Rodolfo, where we learnt more about his craft. His speciality, passed down generations, is making pasta out of fava beans and type 2 flour, and I must say, it's delicious and much healthier! His wife also makes jams, honey, olive oil, sauces, and more! This would be amazing for the delegates to experience as it's a cultural and original experience.
We then went to the little town centre which was so peaceful and filled with lots of terracotta artwork, with a beautiful view of the valley from every angle. I could get used to waking up to that every day!
The second half of the day consisted of visiting Urbino, which was bustling with life and beautiful architecture.
As I am sure many know, Urbino is renowned for being a vibrant university town, attracting students from all over Italy and beyond. Urbino's rich history as a centre of Renaissance culture, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, make it an attractive destination for discerning luxury travellers, especially those who are passionate about art, history, and culture. The town's picturesque setting, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and scenic views, creates a charming and inspiring environment. We have learned that Urbino hosts various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year.
All in all, Urbino's combination of cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere make it a magnet for those seeking an enriching and memorable experience. We are excited to consider the city of Urbino for our programme in November!
Of course, this little trip wouldn't be complete without finding an artisan in this vibrant city... Guado Urbino tells a forgotten story through a new local, handcrafted production of stoles and scarves dyed by hand with the pigment "cilestre" guado. The charm of nature and the antique are hidden in the folds of the accessories made in the Urbino workshop. This was such an enriching experience, learning about how garments were dyed before technology and synthetic dyes existed!
Day 2 of our site visit will be out shortly so keep an eye out on our social media!