Legendary artists like Maria Callas and Elisabeth Taylor stayed there as Franco Zeffireli ‘s guests
Luxurious suites, a breathtaking view, privacy, an awarded chef and more-than- you-could-ask services, are all things you can find in most five star hotels. What, on the other hand, is not so common, is a hotel’s special history- like Villa TreVille in Italy, that used to be the home of Franco Zeffireli.
Franco Zeffireli as a host!
Set within a spectacular, cliffside estate overlooking the clear waters of Positano, Villa TreVille is a complex of four mesmerizing luxury residences. Private balconies, terraces, gardens and plunge pools adorn the various suites and a myriad of reclusive spots along the garden pathways provide the perfect setting to enjoy the refreshing sea air- a peaceful oasis that feels like home.
As the former home of Franco Zeffireli, Italy’s celebrated opera and film director, Villa Treville has always nurtured an atmosphere of culture and creativity which is clearly visible in the personal touch that applies from the decoration to the property development.
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A little bit of history
Villa Treville was originally purchased in the 1920s by Russian writer Mikhail Semenov, who was the first to gather around him the cultural ferment that has always characterized Positano. During the Zeffirelli years, the property was often visited by dancers, singers, writers, musicians, painters, actors and intellectuals from all over the globe. As invitations were usually on condition of no photography, their presence has passed into local legend but their influence remains.
Zeffirelli stayed there for 35 years, refurbished and gave his personal touch to the house, adding new gardens, terraces and hidden pools. Today, the decor is not simply a reflection of the flamboyant taste of previous owners, but it also celebrates local design and craftmanship. There are individually designed rooms with their Neapolitan furniture, Vietri tiles, Murano glass and many works of art from local artists.
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The Villas
The complex includes four villas- Villa Azzurra, Villa Bianca, Villa Rosa and Villa Tre Pini. They contain a total of 16 suites, named after previous owners, special guests or operatic works of Zeffirelli. For example, you can stay at a suite named Carmen, Nureyev, Nijinski, Bernstein, Romeo and Giulietta and Maria Callas! All villas are uniquely decorated and offer breath-taking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can book a whole villa or each suite independently.
The most prestigious and spacious suite in the whole property, is the Maestro Zeffirelli Suite– the one that Franco Zeffirelli used to live and work in. It contains a living room, dining room, three bedrooms, several terraces and a private plunge pool. Most of the furnishings are unique, including Syrian mother-of-pearl furniture that used to belong to Zeffirelli himself.
The services
Apart from the mesmerizing suites, visitors at Villa Treville can enjoy multiple services that offer a unique relaxing experience. You can all day breakfast and midday snacks at the Club Lounge which can be found on the terrace of Villa Azzurra and is decorated in a traditional way.
For dinner, the hotel’s chef and his team are waiting for you in the Maestro’s restaurant, situated on the large terracotta tiled and vine covered terrace, with panoramic views of Positano and the deep blue sea. There, you can enjoy a selection of vegetarian, seafood, meat and pasta dishes reflecting the available seasonal specialties, accompanied by fresh fruit juices, cocktails, local and fine wines. Before dinner, you can catch some early drinks at the Salone Bianca.
During your stay, you can stroll around the gardens with bougainvillea, pine trees, ancient tropical plants, enjoy absolute privacy on the seaside sundeck, relax in the jacuzzi or do a workout at the gym, but most importantly, get lost in the atmosphere of the hotel’s vibrant past and history.
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