A room at the Palazzo Margherita.
For those of you who are only familiar with Francis Ford Coppola’s films, the Oscar-winning film legend also has a resort collection to tout too, with boutique properties in Argentina, Belize and Guatemala to name a few, plus a winery in Napa Valley. Opening its doors just days ago, Palazzo Margherita, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is Coppola’s newest hotel and also his most personal. A restored mansion, this 9-room resort can be found in the town of Bernalda where his grandfather Agostino was born.
First built in 1892, French designer Jacques Grange worked with Coppola to renovate, with Grange designing some of the tiles, hand-painted fresco ceilings, as well as some of the furniture. The property also boasts a large private garden that grows fruit trees, beds of herbs and organic vegetables, all of which supplies the kitchen. When the hot afternoon sun hits, there’s also an outdoor pool surrounded by a walled garden, complete with a full-service bar, where you can lounge and relax or swim a few laps.
Dining-wise you’ll also find the on-site Cinecittà Bar, a cafe and pizzeria that’s perfect positioned for people-watching, as it literally spills onto the town’s main street. After you’ve had an evening espresso, you can head to the Salon and watch an Italian classic film, personally curated by Coppola himself.
There are a total of 7 suites and 2 garden rooms that opens up to the inner courtyard. The rooms feel open and airy, thanks to the vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling doors opening up to either the garden or a Juliette balcony. You’ll discover amenities including fresh flowers, state-of-the-art technology and complimentary WiFi. We are particularly taken with Suite Five, which has a secret back staircase that leads to an upstairs loft, with a single bed and sitting area, perfect if you’re travelling with a young one or want a private getaway.
While the hotel has just opened to the public, this past August it played host to Sophia Coppola’s wedding to musician Thomas Mars. With Hollywood already touching down on this gem of a hotel, we can bet it’s a good sign of things to come.
Where to Find:
Palazzo Margherita
Corso Umberto 64
75012 Bernalda, Italy
info@palazzomargherita.com
