Want to vacation like an Oscar-winning director? Francis Ford Coppola's new Italian resort Palazzo Margherita, located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, opened today. Located in the town of Bernalda, the birthplace of the filmmaker’s grandfather Agostino Coppola, the 19th century palazzo has been completely renovated in partnership with French designer Jacques Grange.
First built in 1892, the block-long palazzo has tiled floors and hand-painted fresco ceilings (which, we hear, have a certain Moroccan and Baroque flair). With some of the furniture and exotic tiles personally designed by Grange, all of the floors have been restored from the original marble, with additional work provided by local painters and artisans. The rooms are centered around an inner courtyard that has private gardens and a secluded swimming pool.
The resort has seven suites and two garden rooms. Nice touch: Many of the rooms feature a large terrace and/or a Juliette balcony.
Meals at Palazzo Margherita are reportedly inspired by regional Italian cuisine, and include hand-made pastas, local game, fish from nearby coasts or local breads and cheeses. Bonus: Guests can dine wherever they choose—think a romantic meal in the gardens; a table in the Cinecittà Bar; private service in a suite; or at the farmhouse table in the kitchen itself, which was specifically designed to allow guests to observe and even participate in the creation of meals. Naturally, local wines will be served with dinner.
The interior gardens feature semi-tropical plantings, a fountain and a private swimming pool where guests can take meals and drinks throughout the day. Luxury spa services are available to guests in their suites. In the evenings, the Palazzo’s salon becomes a private screening theater where guests can enjoy one of Coppola's personally curated collection of 300 classic Italian films and documentaries.
Palazzo Margherita is located at Corso Umberto 64 in Bernalda, Italy. Visit www.palazzomargherita.com for more information.