Hotels We Love: Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte

More than a hotel collection, Rocco Forte Hotels reflects the vision of the Forte family. Led by Sir Rocco Forte alongside his sister and children, the family has spent generations creating hotels defined by genuine hospitality, timeless style, and a distinctive blend of British elegance and Italian character.

Perched above the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville captures the spirit of Rome with effortless sophistication. Set within an 18th-century palazzo, the hotel pairs historic architecture with vibrant contemporary design, offering sweeping city views, celebrated restaurants and bars, and an atmosphere that feels both refined and unmistakably Roman.

Every space has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate Italian craftsmanship and artistry. Sun-filled guest rooms and suites, a tranquil central courtyard, the Irene Forte Spa, and the panoramic Cielo Terrace all invite guests to slow down and savor la dolce vita.

Dining is equally memorable, from Fulvio Pierangelini's acclaimed Mosaico restaurant to the elegant Café Ginori, where Italian culinary traditions are reimagined with creativity and style.

Whether enjoying an aperitivo overlooking Rome's rooftops, unwinding with a signature spa treatment, or simply stepping outside to wander the streets surrounding the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville offers an exceptional base from which to experience one of the world's most captivating cities.

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“Our inspiration came from our surroundings: Trinità dei Monti, Villa Medici - Accademia di Francia; it’s impossible not to be influenced” Tommaso Ziffer

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With Our Compliments:

 

Daily Breakfast Included

$100 Hotel Credit for Standard Rooms & Junior Suites

$200 Hotel Credit for Special & Forte Suites*

Room Upgrade**

Early Check-in/Late Check-Out**

20% Spa Discount

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On Site Dining:

Mosaico – A Roman courtyard

Café Ginori – All day dining

Cielo – alfresco restaurant

Cielo Bar – rooftop bar with 360° views of Rome

Julep Bar – our herbal and vermouth bar

La Cantina: Wine cellar for private dining and tastings

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Location: 

  • 30 min drive from Ciampino Airport (CIA)
  • 45 min drive from Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
  • 15 min drive from Termini Station
  • Nearest metro: Spagna

River Oaks Travel Recommends: Belmond Trains

Belmond has long understood something many luxury travelers eventually discover for themselves: the journey can be every bit as meaningful as the destination. In an era of rushed itineraries and airport lounges, the hospitality brand’s collection of legendary train journeys invites travelers to slow down and experience the world with a sense of romance that feels increasingly rare.From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the rolling countryside of England, Belmond’s trains are not simply transportation. They are moving hotels, fine dining destinations, and cultural experiences wrapped into one unforgettable adventure.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Europe's Most Glamorous Train

There may be no rail journey more iconic than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With its meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s Art Deco carriages, polished brass details, and white-glove service, stepping aboard feels like entering another era entirely.

The train’s classic route between Paris and Venice remains its signature experience, though Belmond has expanded itineraries to include destinations like Prague, Vienna, Florence, Istanbul, and the French Alps. Guests dress for dinner, sip champagne in the bar car while a pianist plays softly in the background, and wake to views of Europe unfolding beyond their cabin windows.

What makes the experience extraordinary is not simply the glamour, but the pace. There’s time to linger over breakfast, watch villages pass by, and settle into the rhythm of slow travel in a way modern tourism rarely allows.

The Royal Scotsman: Scotlands at Its Most Cinematic

If the Orient Express evokes European glamour, the Royal Scotsman captures the soul of the Scottish Highlands.

With just a small number of cabins, the train feels deeply intimate, more like a private country house on rails than a traditional luxury train. Routes wind through misty mountains, remote lochs, and castle-dotted landscapes inaccessible to most travelers.

Days might include whisky tastings at renowned distilleries, private estate visits, or clay pigeon shooting before returning onboard for multi-course dinners showcasing Scottish ingredients. Evenings often end in the observation car with local musicians playing traditional folk music while guests trade stories over single malts.

For travelers drawn to nature, heritage, and understated luxury, it is one of Belmond’s most immersive experiences.

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“I expected beautiful scenery and luxury service, but what surprised me most was how emotional the journey felt. Watching the sun rise at the edge of Lake Titicaca, I realized I hadn’t looked at my phone in hours. It reminded me what travel is supposed to feel like.” – A recent guest aboard the Andean Explorer

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With Our Compliments:

Ask your Travel Advisor for River Oaks Travel Amenities

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Consider Belmond’s Luxury Barge:

Les Bateaux Belmond – Not a train, but Belmond’s luxury barge fleet in Burgundy and Champagne are often grouped alongside the rail journeys because they embody the same “slow luxury” philosophy.

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Belmond Train Journeys are Ideal For: 

  • Slow travel enthusiasts
  • Luxury travelers looking for uniqueness
  • Food and wine lovers
  • Rail enthusiasts and romantics
  • Celebration travelers (honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and retirement trips)

Andean Explorer: Peru Through a Different Lens

High in the Peruvian Andes, Belmond operates South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer.

Traveling between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa, the train offers a strikingly different perspective on Peru than the typical Machu Picchu itinerary. The landscapes shift dramatically throughout the journey: golden plains dotted with alpacas, dramatic mountain passes, and mirror-like lakes reflecting vast open skies.

Inside, the design blends contemporary comfort with subtle Andean influences. Guests gather in the piano bar or open-air observation car while the altitude and scenery create a dreamlike atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

The train has become particularly popular among travelers looking to combine cultural immersion with luxury in a way that feels authentic rather than performative.

The British Pullman: A Golden Age Escape Close to London

For those short on time but still craving the nostalgia of classic rail travel, the British Pullman delivers a taste of the golden age without requiring a multi-night commitment.

Departing from London Victoria Station, the beautifully restored train offers themed day journeys throughout England, from countryside lunches to murder mystery evenings and seasonal experiences. Each carriage has its own history, many having once carried royalty and political leaders.

It’s an experience that feels delightfully theatrical, proving that luxury travel doesn’t always require crossing continents.

Beyond these iconic journeys, Belmond’s portfolio extends even further, offering travelers a remarkable variety of rail experiences across the globe. In Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express winds through Malaysia’s lush landscapes from Singapore, combining old-world glamour with immersive cultural experiences. In Peru, the Hiram Bingham delivers travelers to Machu Picchu in vintage-inspired elegance, complete with live music and refined dining along the way. Belmond has also expanded its collection with the Britannic Explorer, a luxury sleeper train showcasing the landscapes of England and Wales through a contemporary lens. And while not rail journeys, Belmond’s intimate river barges through Burgundy and Champagne reflect the same philosophy of slow, immersive travel that has made the brand’s trains so enduringly appealing.

Why Belmond Journeys Continue to Sell Out

Part of the appeal lies in exclusivity. Unlike cruise ships or large resorts, Belmond trains accommodate a limited number of guests, making each departure feel personal and intimate.

But the deeper reason these journeys resonate is emotional. Travelers are increasingly searching for experiences that feel meaningful, immersive, and difficult to replicate. Belmond’s trains deliver exactly that.

There’s a romance to rail travel that air travel lost long ago. Conversations linger longer. Landscapes are savored rather than flown over. The transition between destinations becomes part of the story itself.

With only a handful of departures remaining for 2026 and bookings now open for 2027, many of these journeys are already seeing strong demand from travelers planning well in advance.

For those seeking a more thoughtful and unforgettable way to see the world, Belmond’s trains may just represent luxury travel at its finest.

River Oaks Travel Recommends: Segera, on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau

Get to know: Segera

Set on a 50,000-acre private conservation estate on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Segera is not designed to feel like a lodge at all. It feels like being invited into someone’s deeply personal world: a place where luxury, ecological restoration, contemporary African art, and community exist in quiet, considered balance.Created by philanthropist and former Puma and Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz, Segera reflects a philosophy that goes far beyond hospitality. This is a sanctuary shaped by rewilding projects, cultural investment, and intentional design, offering guests the privacy and infrastructure of a private estate rather than a traditional safari camp. 

A Collection of Villas, Not "Rooms"

Segera is composed entirely of villas and private houses, each with a distinct personality and architectural language.

Garden Villas are ideal for couples or solo travelers, thatch-roofed, timber villas raised on decks with indoor-outdoor bathing, generous verandas, and swing beds. Some feature greenhouse-inspired aesthetics, surrounded by gardens, art installations, and private pathways with views toward wildlife corridors.

For families, the Family Villa and Greenhouse Villa offer two-bedroom configurations with airy, light-filled spaces that work beautifully for parents traveling with children, or close friends who value shared space without sacrificing privacy.

The Farmhouse, one of the original homesteads on the property, feels warm, residential, and grounded. It’s best suited for multi-generational families or small private groups and is particularly exceptional for guests with kosher requirements, with kitchens fully prepared by staff and past guests rating the setup above dedicated kosher kitchens elsewhere.

Villa Segera, a favorite among returning guests, offers an especially elegant layout: two connecting upstairs bedrooms, flexible additional space downstairs, beautifully designed bathrooms with privacy blinds, and elevated views over elephant corridors. While close to the owner’s residence area, it remains entirely private.

Finally, Segera House, the flagship residence, is being reconfigured to include four identical en-suite bedrooms and a dramatic glass conservatory dining space. Once complete, it will be ideal for groups where equal room standards matter, family offices, celebratory trips, or ultra-high-net-worth families traveling together.

Art as Identity, Not Decoration

One of Segera’s most defining features is its role as a living gallery.

Home to part of the renowned Zeitz Collection, guests encounter museum-quality contemporary African art throughout the gardens, villas, and communal spaces. Sculptures emerge along garden paths; installations spark conversation at breakfast. This is not art as décor, it’s art as narrative, exploring African identity, sustainability, and creativity.

An active artist-in-residence program, works by artists such as Uma Two Feathers, and staff who can speak knowledgeably about each piece give depth to the experience. Guests often find themselves unexpectedly drawn into conversations about the works they pass on the way to dinner or their villa.

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Segera doesn’t try to impress loudly. Instead, it lingers. It feels less like a hotel stay and more like being welcomed into a living art estate, where conservation, culture, and comfort intersect with rare authenticity.

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With Our Compliments:

Ask your Travel Advisor for River Oaks Travel Amenities

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Ideal Length of Stay:

3 – 4 days

 

When to Go:

February & March September & October

(These months balance beautiful weather, great wildlife viewing, and a calmer atmosphere.)

 

Months to Avoid:

 April & May

(These are heavy rain months.)

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Combine with:

Masai Mara

Angama Mara

Ishara Mara

Kenya + Tanzania + Rwanda (perfect for guests wanting a broader East African journey)

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Segera is Ideal For: 

  • Multi-generational families seeking privacy and space
  • Art-forward, design-driven travelers
  • Ultra-high-net-worth guests who value discretion
  • Clients with special dietary needs, including kosher
  • Wildlife lovers wanting a refined, non-touristy safari
  • Travelers drawn to sustainability with substance

Wildlife Without the Crowds

Because Segera sits entirely on private land, the wildlife experience feels unfiltered and intimate. Elephants, giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, and cheetahs are often visible directly from villas or along daily walking paths. The property is carefully protected by discreet electric fencing and cactus bomas, preserving both safety and uninterrupted views.Game drives (day and night) are complemented by walking safaris, helicopter excursions, and time spent simply observing wildlife as it moves naturally through established corridors behind the villas.

Designed for Flexibility & Care

Segera excels at the details that matter most to discerning travelers. Dining is highly flexible: private villa dinners, garden picnics, conservatory settings, and curated family meals are all seamlessly arranged. Children’s programming feels thoughtful rather than performative, egg collecting, mocktail making, croquet, and bush play that mirrors the environment.Notably, Segera can accommodate guests with mobility needs, including access to an electric mobility wheelchair operated by staff, previously used successfully by elderly guests, available upon request and confirmation. If this is the kind of safari experience you’ve been searching for, Segera deserves a place on your list. 

Nine Perfect Days on a Kenya Safari

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Have you dreamed of going on a luxury Africa Safari, but have no idea where to stay or what to expect?

Let our safari experts inspire your own trip with our itinerary covering Amboseli, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the Masai Mara. This incredible nine-day Kenya safari highlights the diversity and beauty of this wonderful country in some truly magnificent properties and lodges. Have a little more time to spend in Kenya or looking to add on the Serengeti in Tanzania? Set up an appointment with a travel advisor at our Houston location or give us a call, and we’ll have you recreating “Out of Africa” with ease.

Day 1: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and overnight at Hemingways Nairobi.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Amboseli National Park with an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.

Day 3: Experience morning and afternoon game drives with Mount Kilimanjaro making the perfect backdrop to your photographs. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.

Day 4: Fly to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. Afternoon game drive. Check in at Kicheche Laikipia for the next two nights.

Day 5: Today you get to explore the conservancy – there are lots of activities available including meeting the last two northern white rhinos in the world*. Overnight at Kicheche Laikipia.

Day 6: Fly to the Masai Mara where you will spend the next three nights at the stunning Angama Mara.

Day 7 & 8: There are lots of activities to take part in at Angama Mara – head out on game drives into the Mara Reserve, walk with the Masai along the edge of the escarpment, visit a Masai Village or soar over the plains in a hot air balloon*. Overnight at Angama Mara.

Day 9: Today it is time to return home with some new and exciting memories – you will fly back to Nairobi where you will have a day room before connecting onto your international flight.If you would like to extend your trip to see more of Africa or get in some beach time, please contact us for our special offer rates.

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Special Offer Rate:

USD 6,592 per person

Book by:

31st August 2019

Valid for travel:

Between 1st October 2019 to 15th May 2020 excluding 15th December 2019 – 7th January 2020 & 9th to 14th April 2020.

Accommodation is subject to availability | Terms & Conditions apply

*Not all activities included in the program and are available at an additional cost.

INCLUDED

1 night at Hemingways Nairobi on Bed & Breakfast | 2 nights at Tawi Lodge on full board with house drinks and shared game drives | 2 nights at Kicheche Laikipia on full board with house drinks and shared day & night game drives, canoeing & mountain biking | 3 nights at Angama Mara on full board with house drinks, shared game drives and a nature walk | Day room in Nairobi | Internal flights, transfers & park fees in Kenya

EXCLUDED

Dinner and drinks at Hemingways Nairobi | Premium drinks at the safari camps | All other activities not mentioned in inclusions | International flights, visas & gratuities

Safari Inspiration: 9 Perfect Days on a Kenya Safari

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Have you dreamed of going on a luxury Africa Safari, but have no idea where to stay or what to expect?

Let our safari experts inspire your own trip with our itinerary covering Amboseli, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the Masai Mara. This incredible nine-day Kenya safari highlights the diversity and beauty of this wonderful country in some truly magnificent properties and lodges. Have a little more time to spend in Kenya or looking to add on the Serengeti in Tanzania? Set up an appointment with a travel advisor at our Houston location or give us a call, and we’ll have you recreating “Out of Africa” with ease.

Day 1: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and overnight at Hemingways Nairobi.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Amboseli National Park with an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.

Day 3: Experience morning and afternoon game drives with Mount Kilimanjaro making the perfect backdrop to your photographs. Overnight at Tawi Lodge.

Day 4: Fly to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. Afternoon game drive. Check in at Kicheche Laikipia for the next two nights.

Day 5: Today you get to explore the conservancy – there are lots of activities available including meeting the last two northern white rhinos in the world*. Overnight at Kicheche Laikipia.

Day 6: Fly to the Masai Mara where you will spend the next three nights at the stunning Angama Mara.

Day 7 & 8: There are lots of activities to take part in at Angama Mara – head out on game drives into the Mara Reserve, walk with the Masai along the edge of the escarpment, visit a Masai Village or soar over the plains in a hot air balloon*. Overnight at Angama Mara.

Day 9: Today it is time to return home with some new and exciting memories – you will fly back to Nairobi where you will have a day room before connecting onto your international flight.

If you would like to extend your trip to see more of Africa or get in some beach time, please contact us for our special offer rates.

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Special Offer Rate:

USD 6,592 per person

 

Book by:

31st August 2019

 

Valid for travel:

Between 1st October 2019 to 15th May 2020 excluding 15th December 2019 – 7th January 2020 & 9th to 14th April 2020.

Accommodation is subject to availability | Terms & Conditions apply

*Not all activities included in the program and are available at an additional cost.

 

INCLUDED

1 night at Hemingways Nairobi on Bed & Breakfast | 2 nights at Tawi Lodge on full board with house drinks and shared game drives | 2 nights at Kicheche Laikipia on full board with house drinks and shared day & night game drives, canoeing & mountain biking | 3 nights at Angama Mara on full board with house drinks, shared game drives and a nature walk | Day room in Nairobi | Internal flights, transfers & park fees in Kenya

 

EXCLUDED

Dinner and drinks at Hemingways Nairobi | Premium drinks at the safari camps | All other activities not mentioned in inclusions | International flights, visas & gratuities

Ready to go on a Kenya safari and want more information on this promotion?
Not sure if Tanzania or South Africa might be a better fit for you? Contact our expert travel advisors to get help with planning your own trip to Africa: