Five stimulating city breaks
From a hotel-cum-art gallery in Naples to a cocktail sensation in Venice – Jasper Spires reports on five of the best city breaks to take now.


Artistic flair in São Paulo
“There is no luxury without art and culture.” So goes the ethos of the new Rosewood hotel in São Paulo, says Elise Taylor in Vogue. And the hotel itself rivals the city in which it’s based for artistic flair. More than 57 local artists have been recruited to design the interiors, including everything from the carpets, to the walls and lifts. World-renowned artist Vik Muniz made the stained glass windows in the on-site chapel, and even the champagne flutes have been engraved with sketches by Jean Cocteau.
“Overall, the hotel has a gobsmacking 450 pieces of artwork ingrained into its very being.” As well as being a feast for the eyes, the hotel excels at laying on the usual kind of repast, too – the notable Taraz restaurant is run by two-star Michelin chef Felipe Bronze, tempting guests to indulge in a “luxurious, lounging lunch of Latin American cuisine including pineapple and pork tacos and all sorts of ceviche”. Rooms from R$3,750 (£533) a night, see rosewoodhotels.com
A cosy retreat in the heart of Naples
“Yes, it’s rowdy. Yes, it’s chaotic. It’s also electric and layered with intrigue,” says Julia Buckley in National Geographic. This has always been the appeal of Naples and, in the hotel-cum-art gallery Atelier Inès, tucked cosily away in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a comfortable retreat away from all the bustle and hustle... but remain right in the centre of it all.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Run by local jewellery maker Vincenzo Oste, Atelier Inès is packed with the works of his late father, Neapolitan sculptor Annibale Oste, which complement other features in the sumptiously designed space. The doors are modelled on vases found in ancient Greek tombs, and even the toilet brushes are designed on site and smelted in Oste’s nearby foundry. The prestigious Museo di Capodimonte (dotted with Caravaggios) is on your doorstep, as it the acclaimed pizzeria Le Figlie di Iorio. Rooms from £146 a night, see atelierinesgallery.com
Alcoholic alchemy at the Palazzo Experimental
Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice is a gem for cocktail lovers, says Sarah James in Conde Nast Traveller. “In a city where aperitivo hour is built into the day, the diet and the dining experience, it was only a matter of time before the mixology masters at Experimental Cocktail Club brought their skills to the scene.” Perched canalside in Venice’s Dorsoduro district, the Experimental is a testament to the art of alcoholic alchemy. The hotel even has its entrance through the restaurant and bar rather than the lobby, “tempting those at check-in to peruse a menu before they’ve even picked up their room key”. Once inside the Renaissance-era palace, guests can enjoy exceptional Venetian fare in Il Ristorante Adriatica, and a menagerie of bedrooms, styled after the Eighties’ Memphis Design movement, with balconies that have positively picture-postcard views. Rooms from £166 a night, see palazzoexperimental.com
A base to explore Rome
“In an outdoor museum of a city like Rome the novelty lies in making discoveries,” says Andrew Eames in The Sunday Times. Rome’s Cavalieri Hotel might just be the surprise ardent city-break fans are looking for. This enchanting hotel is just north of Vatican City and the slopes of the Quartiere XV Della Vittoria, with sweeping views over the historic landscape of one of the world’s oldest cities. It is also close to the city centre, making it a perfect base from which to explore. The hotel itself, though, is as attractive a destination as the city. It hosts four swimming pools, two tennis courts, the prestigious Cavalieri Grand Spa Club, and a three-star Michelin restaurant, La Pergola. After wining and dining your way through the menu, patrons could also try an adrenaline-fuelled “supercar experience” or even “gladiator training” for the bold. A night’s stay costs from €384, see romecavalieri.com
Jasper Conran’s atmospheric heaven
“A deep sense of peace envelops you from the moment you step through the heavy wooden gates and into the picturesque courtyard of Jasper Conran’s atmospheric heaven”, L’Hotel Marrakech, says Delilah Khomo in Tatler. Situated in the heart of Marrakech’s famous Medina, this exquisitely designed hotel is a peaceful retreat from the sensory overload of the markets and an ideal spot to enjoy vibrant rose gardens and incredible scented lunches. L’Hotel Marrakech is a “warren of secluded terraces and light-filled rooms”, and its Casablanca suites are specially crafted to induce a state of relaxation, with their mesmerising zodiac ceilings, king-sized four-poster beds and spacious traditional tadelakt bathrooms. Prices from €560 per night, including a complimentary transfer from and to Marrakech Menara Airport, see l-hotelmarrakech.com
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Jasper is a former writer for the MoneyWeek and he wrote on an array of topics including travel, investing in crypto and bitcoin, as well as cars. Previous to that he freelanced at The Art Newspaper, PORT Magazine and The Spectator. Jasper is currently a freelance writer at FAD magazine and he has an English literature degree from the University of Exeter, and a Master's degree from UCL.
-
Watch out for fake Steven Bartlett video – you could lose thousands
Scammers are trying to tap into the Trump tariffs chaos, but knowing what to look out for could save you thousands of pounds, says Kalpana Fitzpatrick
By Kalpana Fitzpatrick
-
Can Donald Trump fire Jay Powell – and what do his threats mean for investors?
Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Jerome "Jay" Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve. What do his threats to fire him mean for markets and investors?
By Katie Williams
-
Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok – connecting with magical Mauritius
Travel Sarah Lee soaks up the authenticity of Mauritius with the Shangri-La Le Touessrok and finds an unexpected connection with Mauritius.
By Sarah Lee
-
Review: Shangri-La Paris – an ode to the world’s best food
Travel Natasha Langan enjoys fine French and Chinese cuisine at the Shangri-La Paris
By Natasha Langan
-
Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls
Ruth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
By Ruth Emery
-
Review: Cali, Mykonos – salute the sun in Greece
Chris Carter engages in a sunset ritual of his own at Cali on the Greek island of Mykonos
By Chris Carter
-
Review: Trasierra – a yoga retreat in the Spanish hills
Flora Connell joins a yoga retreat at Trasierra, in the Sierra Morena mountains north of Seville
By Flora Connell
-
Barbados – escape to the Caribbean
MoneyWeek Travel Leave the chill behind and head to Barbados for year-round sunshine, says Merryn Somerset Webb
By Merryn Somerset Webb
-
Review: Chais Monnet, Cognac – a luxury stay in cognac country
MoneyWeek Travel Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa is an elegant former cognac house and a destination for top-notch dining, says Chris Carter
By Chris Carter
-
Interview: Jahid Fazal-Karim, Jetcraft – private aviation is taking off
MoneyWeek Interview Jahid Fazal-Karim, owner of aviation specialist Jetcraft, talks to Chris Carter about where the industry is heading next.
By Chris Carter