Like in a snow boule…

A magical Christmas at Hotel de Russie, with a spectacular tree courtesy of Acqua di Parma

At Hotel de Russie, Christmas has all the romantic appeal of years gone by. As is traditional, the exclusive hotel in Rome’s Via del Babuino has been decorated in enchanting Christmas style in partnership with a prestigious brand. 

This year’s partner is Acqua di Parma, a symbol of Italian style and perfumery, which has created a special installation for the occasion in Piazzetta Valadier, the hotel’s delightful inner courtyard. 

A giant transparent snow globe, representing purity and refinement, encloses a sparkling Christmas landscape; at the centre stands a magnificent tree decorated in white and gold and with the brand’s famous hat boxes making elegant gift parcels. It’s a fairytale scene, albeit in contemporary style, which captures the imagination and evokes the retro Christmases of bygone times.

Acqua di Parma has design a wonderful, snowball-inspired installation that takes centre stage in Piazzetta Valadier

But the festive atmosphere doesn’t end here: flower designer Sebastian Bierings and his team have embellished the installation with fabulous floral decorations, which also frame the entrance to the hotel, the lobby and all the public areas. It’s a dazzling celebration of flowers, snowflakes, lights and colours to enchant adults and children alike; a scene inspired by the true spirit of Christmas, with all its warmth, beauty and sharing.

Fabulous floral decorations, by Sebastian Flowers, frame the entrance to the hotel, the lobby and all the public areas

But the collaboration between Hotel de Russie and Acqua di Parma goes further, because until 13 March guests at the hotel have the opportunity to discover and sample the Maison’s collections, thanks to a special pop-up. In the elegant Sala Anastasia,  customised with decorations featuring the iconic Parma yellow, there’s a boutique with a dedicated Barber Shop, where guests can avail themselves of the services of an Acqua di Parma master barber and experience the ritual of a real Italian shave, choosing from an extensive menu of services and treatments. 

an Acqua di Parma boutique with a dedicated Barber Shop

A guarantee of impeccable style before heading into town for shopping at the luxury boutiques in the vicinity or a gourmet experience, perhaps tasting traditional seasonal delicacies in the picturesque Christmas market in Piazza Navona. 

Delicious flavours are also the other protagonists at the Hotel de Russie. 

Starting with the Christmas Eve Dinner, with main dishes based on fish, and continuing with special Christmas and Boxing Day Brunches with live cooking shows, and the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner which, for the first time, will be served not only in the Le Jardin de Russie restaurant, but also - less formally, but equally delicious - in the Bar Stravinskij. Last but not least are the New Year’s Day Brunch, with a detox section and a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and the Epiphany Brunch.

All are prepared, naturally, under the meticulous supervision of chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of restaurants at Rocco Forte Hotels.