On Saturday 2nd February at 2.15pm the whistle will blow, signalling the start of another titanic battle between Scotland and Italy on the hallowed turf of Murrayfield. Over the course of the last decade the clashes between these two countries, one an established nation of the old order and the other an upstart recently promoted to the cream of northern hemisphere rugby, have been tense, passionate and close encounters.
In 2019 Italy will have a score to settle, having been pipped to a well-deserved victory in 2018 by a last-minute Scottish penalty in Rome—a repeat of their 2014 encounter, when with a minute to go, a Scottish drop goal sealed victory by a single point. However, with Scotland resurgent, and with a record of 21 wins out of 29 games, you would have to pick them as favourites on home soil. Since this year is a Rugby World Cup year, the pressure will be on both sides to prove themselves. Whichever way it goes, this will be a match to savour and one to plan a visit to the Scottish capital for.
Set in the heart of Edinburgh, The Balmoral is the perfect base from which to spend a weekend enjoying this Six Nations Rugby spectacular—just remember to wear blue, either the navy blue of Scotland or the light blue of the azzurri—and join one, or both, sets of supporters enjoying Scottish hospitality well into the night.
To book your stay at The Balmoral, email reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call +44 131 556 2414.
If you have any ticket enquiries please email concierge.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
They say the lobby is the beating heart of any hotel; where first impressions linger, inspiring journeys begin and end, and friends and lovers reunite. Upon entering Hotel de Rome, an immediate sense of calm is restored, as light pours in from the glass atrium and plants and palms breathe new life into the space. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, shares her inspiration behind the hotel lobby’s new look.
