Santa Sofia in the City!
Introducing the latest addition of the Radisson Collection Italian’s Family, the stunning Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan.
Located just up the road from their sister hotel Palazzo Touring Club Milan, this renovated original headquarters of Allianz Italia from the 1960s, is a jaw-dropping five-star hotel that truly lives up to the ‘Dolce Vita’ lifestyle of Milan. The latest fashionable hotspot sits in the perfect intersection of Corso Italia and Santa Sofia in downtown Milan, so you’re just a short walk away from spectacular sights such as Duomo Di Milano or a chilled aperitivo at Navigli. With a new underground station being built directly opposite the hotel that arrives straight from the airport, this is the new opulent hotel Milan has been waiting for.
Beautiful Mess
These are the words used by the Milanese designers AtelierP and Alessandro Cesario to describe the hotel. Everywhere you look in this hotel will keep your eyes entertained, but every inch is done with tributes to Milan‘s eclectic history. From the grand theatrical gold and green curtains-a nod to Teatro Alla Scala, to the glorious marble flooring paying homage to Milanese Cathedrals, to the distinctive green colouring that you would find on an old school Milan tram. The detail and consideration of these designers are second to none. Each cushion has been custom made and each seat has been tried and tested, so comfort, culture and class are very much on show at this new Radisson Collection hotel.
Just to the right of the lobby, you’ll notice a common area of luxurious sofas, chairs and even desks. This area is open to the public to drink, relax and work any day of the week. There are also private meeting spaces available to hire just off the Sofia Kitchen and Bar. The Sofia Kitchen offers all-day dining with traditional Italian cuisine and the bar offers an impressive extensive wine list of 200 plus wines.
Botanical Bellissima – Mary Lennox Installation
You may notice as you explore the beautiful city of Milan, that everywhere you look there are beautiful flowers cascading from window sills and storefronts. This is infused into Santa Sofia with a strong floral theme throughout the hotel. From the custom-made blooming wallpaper to the mugs, once you have noticed this blossoming motif you will find yourself looking for more (like a very elegant real-life ‘Where’s Wally?’ but more ‘Where’s Wisteria?’).
One of the most beautiful aspects of the hotel is the immersive Mary Lennox installation. The creatives of the studio specialise in flower styling and botanical design, which make a perfect pairing with the opening of Santa Sofia Milan. Inspired by Milan’s natural floral beauty, they wanted their installation to reminisce with the first sign of spring. Taking cuttings from the city, and taking over their entire studio, the team at Mary Lennox pressed flowers including the beautiful wisteria to create this charming design.
Ruby from Mary Lennox said that ‘pressing is a process that is dear to my heart’. This understated installation really contributes to the beauty of the hotel without overwhelming it and can be found displayed in glass by the entrance. But the real beauty of this installation lies above, on the glass roof of the restaurant to be very specific. At first, you may think that the floral shapes are part of the flooring, but it isn’t until you look up that you realise the sun is casting shadows on these stunning works of art. Throughout the day the romantic botanical shadows dance around the room and restaurant, so you’ll always be in for a treat.
The rooms
With 159 rooms and suites to choose from, each offers character and comfort with its sleek contemporary designs. Boasting huge windows to allow plenty of natural light, and even carrying on the botanical theme with a cute plant in your room, these bright rooms are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring the city. Remember every cushion, deluxe sofa and seat has been personally tested by the designers to give you the lounge of your life.
Complete with dual head showers, comfy robes, a Nespresso machine and amenities from luxury local brand Culti Milano, they have thought of everything to give you those home comforts. There is also plenty of storage space for all those glamorous outfits you’ll be packing, after all, Milan is the fashion capital of the world!
Secret Santa Sofia Sanctuary
Who would’ve thought on a city break you’d have the opportunity to retreat to a sanctuary like that which waits for you on the 4th floor of Santa Sofia Milan! Fancy an afternoon aperitivo? A dip in the pool? Relax on a lounger? Well, you can do all that, whilst taking in the gorgeous views of Milan’s gorgeous skyline. An absolute haven and the perfect place to rest your feet and recharge for the evening after a busy day of exploring. If you really want to earn your relaxing afternoon, why not head to the hotel’s 24-hour gym offering cardio, weights and even a cheeky sauna!
ISSEI Rooftop
Take a ride in the exclusive elevator and you are transported to ISSEI Rooftop on the 7th floor where your fusion dinner and cocktails await. Stepping out of the elevator you feel like you’ve entered a completely different building. The artwork is beautifully contrasting with the rest of the hotel, but the flowers, greenery and that signature floral wallpaper tie it in perfectly. When you’re taking in the breathtaking Milanese skyline on their outdoor balcony at sunset you are encompassed by orange and it’s truly a sight to behold.
Specialising in Nikkei cuisine, the stunning fusion of Japanese and Peruvian, be ready for your taste buds to be tantalised. Each mouthful was momentous and the balance of flavours was brilliant. Bellissimo!
Buon Giorno Breakfast
I truly think there aren’t many great joys in life that compare to a great hotel breakfast, and Santa Sofia had it all. From your classic buffet breakfast covering: continental, cooked and cereals, to their delicious al la carte menu offering pancakes, smashed avocado and eggs benedict. Whether you wanted to fuel up for the day or have a light bite, they had something to everyone’s taste, including a bottle of bubbly if you’re feeling bougie! Every morning I was welcomed with a complimentary shot of ‘Super-Energising Breakfast Booster’ to get you ready for a day of adventures.
Now, I have to take a moment to give you the real tea…As a Brit abroad sometimes we can be extremely let down and sometimes the tea options aren’t great. I’ve even been known to bring my own tea bags. So you can imagine my surprise when I came across the tea buffet they had on offer at Santa Sofia. With around 8 different types of loose leaf teas from La Via Del Te to choose from, each had a sample displayed in a dome vase, similar to that of the enchanted rose in Beauty and the Beast. I collected my floral patterned mug, which very handily doubled up as a teapot and decided upon the Romeo & Giulietta tea, a romantic blend of green tea and rose petals. A great choice to sip with delight as I enjoyed my pastry and sat under the beautiful Mary Lennox skylight installation.
Arrivederci
All too quickly my time at Santa Sofia Milan came to an end. This hotel had it all from delicious food to blooming beautiful installations, serene sunsets, a secret sanctuary and all whilst being less than a kilometre to the city centre.
The Radisson Collection has exceeded every expectation yet again.
Grazie and ciao, until next time.
To discover more about Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan, visit: radissonhotels.com
What to do nearby
With plenty of modes of transport to get around including taxis, buses and trams, I would highly recommend discovering Milan by foot if you can. It’s the ideal way to soak in the city and discover some hidden gems.
There are loads of great restaurants nearby on Corso Italia, including Via Pasteria, where I ate the most scrumptious pasta I’ve had in my life. If you want to stick with the floral theme and venture into the city I’d highly recommend Fioraio Bianchi and Potafiori. Both incorporate mouth-watering Milanese food, charm and floristry.
If you’ve come to Milan for fashion, then look no further than Via Montenapoleone. This street has every designer shop you could imagine including the pioneers of Italian fashion Versace and Prada. It exudes opulence with the security of every door ensuring they only permit one customer to each staff member. Speaking of Prada, if you’re after a cultural afternoon, get yourself to Fondazione Prada, an immersive and exciting art exhibition that will keep you guessing throughout your experience.
If, like me, you like architecture and history, here are my top 4 recommendations:
1. Duomo di Milano. Truly one of the most breathtaking cathedrals you will see and a great place to take in the bustling city energy. It’s here I also ate gelato whilst listening to one of the most incredible buskers I’ve ever heard called Lumi singing Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’ in Italian. A core happy memory was created.
2. Teatro Alla Scala. A decadent theatre lavished in rich red and gold. One of the most unique theatres I’ve seen, which has no circle, only private boxes to give you that exclusive feeling. Well worth the small entry fee during the day to take a peek inside the theatre and museum.
3. Castello Sforzesco. A mediaeval fort and castle built in the 15th century. It’s free entry onto the grounds with additional fees to explore the exhibitions. I recommend taking a walk through the garden at the back of the castle, the perfect place for a midday picnic!
4. Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Here is where I throw myself a pity party. I didn’t realise you had to book to see this masterpiece and just rocked up on the day, apparently they sell out 2 months in advance. Don’t be like Charlotte, book a ticket before. Oh well…next time!
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All images courtesy of Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan.