Latest news with #FrancoZeffirelli
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Villa Treville Is One Of The Amalfi Coast's Most Iconic Hotels
Courtesy of Villa Treville First opened as a hotel in 2010, Villa Treville has quickly become one of the grand dames of the Amalfi Coast. A refined hotel with cinematic views of Positano, it sits on a vast terraced estate with enviable views of the seaside town. Here, you're close enough to feel fully immersed in the experience, yet far enough away to enjoy the idyllic setting without the crowds. A property with roots dating back to the 18th century, Treville was most famously owned by director Franco Zeffirelli who purchased the villa in the 1960s. The acclaimed film and opera director of hits including Romeo and Juliet (1968) and La Traviata (1982), added a theatrical touch to the estate with the help of his set designer, Renzo Mongiardino, who brought a Moorish flair to the Mediterranean property. Courtesy of Villa Treville Southern Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, was historically part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and retains its Arab heritage in architecture, design, and cuisine. At Treville, this legacy comes to life through the estate's Moroccan lanterns, which cast a warm, dreamlike glow across its rooms and gardens. Though primarily based in Rome, Zeffirelli spent his summers on the Amalfi Coast hosting friends and celebrities such as Maria Callas, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor and Rudolf Nureyev — the legendary Russian dancer who purchased a home on the private Li Galli islands, visible just offshore. The Zeffirelli Suite Today, Treville's 16 bedrooms and suites are named after these icons, along with Zeffirelli's legendary productions. Originally set within three villas ('tre ville') which are white, pink and blue, the hotel now boasts six villas which are connected by secret staircases, cobbled passageways and flower-lined trails. Each suite has its own character with a mix of historic touches and modern luxury. The Callas Suite The Callas Suite, with a turquoise and citrus color palette, features an outdoor terrace and private heated plunge pool beneath a shaded canopy, while the blue and white striped Bernstein Suite boasts a striking circular shower fitted within the property's historic brick bread oven. The Zeffirelli Suite, with four bedrooms and four en-suite bathrooms, is the crown jewel of the property with rare art and historic furnishings collected by the director, along with its own terrace and private heated plunge pool. The Callas Suite Many of Zeffirelli's original design elements have remained the same, including his ethereal white salon, a voluminous space entirely decorated in white tiles serving as a perfect retreat from Positano's intense sunshine. Today it has been reimagined as Bianca Bar, a botanical lounge where tradition meets innovation, and cocktails are mixed using distillers and herbs harvested from the property's gardens. Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. Arguably the most photogenic terrace in Positano, it has a feeling of exclusivity while remaining relaxed — like lounging at a friend's exclusive villa, with unpretentious service and thoughtful hospitality. Bianca Bar Following sunset drinks, guests gather at Maestro's, the property's romantic open-air terrace restaurant with ivy adorned columns and a tiled fountain at the center. Everywhere, Moroccan lamps cast a warm glow that enhance the scenic sunsets. Helmed by chef Vincenzo Castaldo, Maestro's focuses on seasonal dishes and regional classics using ingredients from the property's organic garden. The emphasis here is on elevated comfort food — from Spaghetti alla Nerano featuring fried zucchini tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce, and mozzarella-stuffed artichokes with black truffles to seared tuna with sautéed vegetables. Maestro's Restaurant Beyond the main property, lush gardens and winding pathways lead the guests down to The Rocks, a chic beach club that juts into the sea, offering perfectly framed views of Positano with its iconic blue umbrellas and striped sun loungers. This small oasis serves as both a tranquil retreat and the dedicated pier for the hotel's enhanced boat fleet, recently expanded with the addition of Treville Maritime's private yacht, the Wajer 38 Spectre. Another sanctuary is La Traviata, Treville's luxurious spa set in a sunlit greenhouse. The spa exclusively uses products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, who is a frequent guest of the property, celebrated for its restorative massages and treatments. Courtesy of Villa Treville A recent addition includes cold-water immersion therapy, with a cold plunge pool maintained at a brisk 50°F (10°C) that perfectly complements the spa's existing heat therapies. Another wellness highlight is the property's heated grotto pool which provides perfectly framed views of the sea. Treville remains a preferred hideaway for celebrities including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Sting who appreciate its luxurious amenities combined with a low-key vibe. Guests can arrive by road or, more discreetly, by sea. The hotel's private boat shuttle service also escorts guests from the hotel to Positano and beyond on a complimentary basis, providing convenient access while showcasing the Amalfi Coast's legendary views. The Rocks beach club How To Reach Positano Sorrento Car Tours provides transfer services and excursions throughout the Amalfi Coast, including Naples to Positano (1.5 hours). They can also arrange nearby sightseeing tours to visit Amalfi, Ravello and beyond.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brooke Shields at 60: Her 10 Favorite Roles and Why She'll Never Forget Them
Beautiful Brooke Shields was in show business before she could walk or talk — her mother Teri got her a gig at 11 months old as a model for Ivory Snow. Since then, she's starred in countless film and television projects, making her a household name. Here are Brooke's 10 favorite roles and what the 60-year-old says they mean to her. 'After Pretty Baby, there was such a firestorm … pitchforks and protests. I always used to say, 'I wonder if I were to play a murderer, would critics be really worried that I was uncomfortable stabbing somebody?'' Brooke was just 14 years old in the controversial film with partial nudity. 'Never again will a movie be made like that. It wouldn't be allowed.' 'Suddenly Susan was a revelation. I used to think I would only be credible if I was a 'thespian.' As I got older, I realized I don't enjoy it. I only enjoy comedy.' The actress thought nothing of modeling for the provocative jeans campaign. 'I was naive. It didn't come into my sort of psyche as them being anything overtly sexual. I was a virgin!' Starring as Sally Bowles in the classic production on the Great White Way, she says, 'Broadway welcomed me when nobody else was welcoming me.' Director Franco Zeffirelli would pinch her toes in order to get a certain reaction from her. 'He wanted some look of ecstasy on my face. And, my first reaction was, how about directing? Here's an idea.' On playing a movie executive juggling career and family, 'I'm a lot like Wendy in my passion. It was the most like me of anyone I'd ever played. I'm a perfectionist like she is. But I never feel like I'm doing enough.' 'I think a lot of the movies I made could have been better. But then again, I'd also have to say that it didn't matter. I wanted to be liked more than I was worried about delivering a master performance.' The Hallmark movie and its two sequels 'harkens back to that exact time when I used to watch Charlie's Angels, Jimmy Rockford or Magnum, P.I. And I wanted to do something that my kids could watch. Laughing with them is one of the purest joys I have.' On her recurring TV role: 'I revert to being a little kid whenever I get a job. I just get so excited that I'm getting a chance to do what I love again. I walk in with the 'Oh, my god, I'm here' feeling. I just feel so excited that I get invited to the party again.'
