La Terazza

Known as the jewel of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is renowned for its history, art and romantic settings. There is no better spot in the city to watch the sun set over the Florentine skyline than the recently refurbished La Terazza – the roof terrace bar of the Continentale hotel. A member of Design Hotels™ since its opening in 2003, the 43 room luxury boutique hotel is owned by the Ferragamo family, and is located in the historical center of the Tuscan city. Surrounded by some of Italy's landmarks including the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio, La Terazza offers breathtaking 360 degree views. Paying homage to classic, Italian-style aperitifs, a new drinks menu offers up delicious cocktails to sip while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city below. After an evening of cocktails at La Terazza, guests can retire to the Continentale's newly upgraded junior suites to slip into an Italian dream. www.designhotels.com/continentale

Bellissima!
Perched on top of a 13th century medieval tower, Florentine architect Michele Bonan has reinterpreted the glamour of the 1950's Italian film and fashion scene in his re-design of La Terazza. Mixing white and chrome with soft tones of eggshell and taupe, and a natural wood floor, Bonan has created an atmosphere which blends seamlessly with its ancient surroundings. With the addition of an open fireplace and heated benches the Continentale's rooftop terrace La Terrazza will be open to welcome guests all year round.

Shaken, Not Stirred
To coincide with the re-launch of La Terrazza, the Continentale has been working with some of Florence's best mixologists to develop an enticing new drinks menu. Featuring signature Italian cocktails such as the Negroni – a blend of gin, vermouth rosso and Campari – and new interpretations of the Vespa Martini, made famous by fictional spy James Bond, La Terrazza has a drink to satisfy every taste bud.

A Room with a View
As well as offering a stunning view across the Ponte Vecchio, the Continentale's junior suites boast the latest in luxury comforts including deluxe beds bearing the finest Italian linen and personalised iPads. The rooms exude decadence – a beautiful while flowing curtain wraps around the bed, a hand-made leather trunk that can also be used as a desk is off-set by blonde wood furniture and oak floors. Black and white photographs taken in the 1950's and 60's of Florence adorn the walls. Photographers include celebrated Florentine fashion designer Emilio Pucci.

Sumptuous Ferragamo amenities can be found in the elegant bathrooms and a new in-suite massage menu – created by award winning Austrian therapist Daniela Steiner – adds to the indulgent experience. Other in-room facilities include a personal techno gym and yoga mat, so guests are able to keep up with their fitness regime while enjoying the delights that Florence has to offer.

Rates from EUR 330.