With spring on the horizon, we set off on our twelfth road trip south, this time to Italy and France, with all the enticing destinations, luxurious accommodations, and excitement of the open road. On this trip we were accompanied by the new Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE in a stunning Carbon Bronze Matte finish, ready to take us along picturesque roads with the freedom to continue or stop at our leisure.
Join us at our stops and find inspiration for your next escape.
Stop 1: Milano – The Portrait Hotel
Our first stop was in Milan, just days before the beginning of the Salone del Mobile.
We chose to stay at The Portrait Hotel in Milan, a part of the Lungarno Collection owned by the Ferragamo family, strategically positioned between Corso Venezia and Via Sant’Andrea, and close to Villa Necchi Campiglio. The hotel is an architectural and design inspiration, highlighted by Bjarke Ingels’ reflective mirror installation set to be showcased during this year’s Design Week. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Portrait Milano offers more than a luxurious stay, featuring a reception that feels like a living room and rooms adorned with elements from the Milanese 1950s and 1960s style.
Our next stop was Cannes, and it’s always special to see the sea for the first time after winding roads through mountains and tunnels. In Cannes we visited the newly opened and completely refurbished Carlton. Surely one of the most famous hotels in the world. After two years of renovation, it has been transformed into the Carlton Cannes, a symbol of sophistication and modern luxury. This revitalised oasis features a minimalist design with subtle wall colours and no artwork to emphasise its natural elegance. To add to its allure, the Carlton Cannes is home to Rüya, a restaurant specialising in Anatolian cuisine set amidst the glamour of the French Riviera, and do not miss out on booking a matelas on the pier on the beach to sip melon juice and soak up the sun.
Stop 3: Croix-Valmer – Lily of the Valley
It’s only a few hours from Cannes to Croix-Valmer, our next stop. Passing through St Tropez and into the bay of Croix-Valmer, we could really enjoy the relaxed agility of the Range Rover Sport SV. Our destination was the “Lily of the Valley” resort.
Situated in a nature reserve above Croix-Valmer it is a 44-room boutique hotel that combines lush gardens with stunning views of the Côte d’Azur. The architecture has been designed to blend in with its surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel emphasises a wellness philosophy through Dr. Jacques Fricker’s flexible ‘TGV Method’, offering personalised fitness and weight loss programmes and nutritionally balanced cuisine. Other amenities include two swimming pools, beach access, a top-of-the-range gym and personal coaching, all in a setting enhanced by Philippe Starck’s serene interior design, complete with private balconies in every room overlooking the garden.
Stop 4: Lago di Como – Il Sereno
On our way back north, we stopped off in Milan to see a little more of the Salone del Mobile, and in the evening we arrived at our last stop, the spectacular Hotel Il Sereno on Lake Como.
Offering a unique blend of relaxed yet refined luxury, Il Sereno Lago di Como becomes a sanctuary for guests from the moment they arrive. With interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel features lakeside suites with interiors that blend harmoniously with the stunning lakeside setting, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Il Sereno embraces the region’s tradition of lush gardens with innovative reinterpretations by botanist Patrick Blanc, including his renowned Vertical Gardens. Guests can explore the lake by motorboat, dine at the Michelin-starred Berton Al Lago restaurant and enjoy bespoke cocktails at the terrace bar, making Il Sereno not just a stay but an immersive experience of contemporary luxury and nature.
We would especially like to thank Jaguar Land Rover Deutschland GmbH for providing us with the Range Rover Sport SV. It was a particular pleasure to drive.
Facts:
Model: Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE P635
Color: Carbon Bronze Matte
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions according to WLTP* (max. combined):
P635 AWD 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo petrol engine 467 kW (635 hp)
12.5 l/100 km;
283 g/km†††
Thank you Jaguar Land Rover Deutschland GmbH for the support.
Range Rover Sport SVR
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions according to WLTP* (max. combined): P635 AWD 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo petrol engine 467 kW (635 hp) 12.5 l/100 km; 283 g/km