When the phrase ‘quiet luxury’ first swept through the fashion world in 2023, it was hailed as the trend of the moment, a celebration of refinement over excess, of craftsmanship over logos. But while the runway moment has since passed, its spirit has proved far more lasting. Today, ‘quiet luxury’ feels less like a fleeting trend and more like a timeless ethos — one that continues to influence the way we dress and travel.
Defined by effortless sophistication, quality materials and an appreciation for the understated, this enduring style speaks to those who find luxury in detail and discretion rather than display.
Where fashion once led, interiors and hospitality have followed. Across our hotels, the philosophy of quiet luxury lives on — expressed through thoughtful experiences, exceptional craftsmanship and our signature hospitality.
A new kind of indulgence
On the small screen, a popular black comedy series which highlights the glamour of five star hotels. The characters’ excursions focus on thoughtful adventures such as privileged access to private palaces and wine tastings in the fertile hills. Meanwhile, the wardrobe of its cast showcases low-key luxe holiday wardrobe of monochrome swimsuits and neatly cut dresses, earning all the style plaudits.
Looking like a film set, Igiea Terrazza Bar at Villa Igiea is the ideal spot to soak up Sicily’s Belle Époque history with a perfectly made Negroni Svegliato. And, just like the characters on that well-known TV show, those checking in to the hotel can trace their links to the island with the help of an ancestry concierge.
Authentic Experiences
Quiet Luxury chimes with the growing enthusiasm for experiential travel. Many visitors now crave the satisfaction of truly getting to know a destination rather than just ticking it off. An ancestry concierge is one way to forge links while, at other Rocco Forte Hotels, there are plenty more.
At The Balmoral in Edinburgh, guests can create a Gaelic poem with the hotel’s Poet-In-Residence Marcas Mac an Tuairneir. At Rome’s Hotel de Russie, families can set off in search of the perfect ice cream with a gelato guide, wandering hidden alleys and secret piazzas in search of the best that the city has to offer.
Quiet Luxury extends beyond experiences though. It’s about crisp cotton sheets on perfectly made beds and the softest bathroom towels, a faultless cup of coffee in the bar and deliciously scented hallways. Waft through Sicily’s Verdura Resort and inhale the soft smell of orange blossom that lingers in the air and you’ll really know the feeling.
This new way of travelling is about recognising the importance of time. It’s about being greeted like an old friend when you walk into the lobby or the restaurant of a hotel, a way of being that’s intrinsic to Rocco Forte Hotels.
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The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
Tracing the Belle Époque from Rome to Palermo
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
Father Christmas’s little black book
Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.