The Gift of Experiences

What better present is there than the gift of time well spent? Whether horse riding through the vineyards of Tuscany or practising your swing on a championship golf course in Sicily, discover a gift that’s guaranteed to delight.

Some gifts are better shared. Spending a spa day with your sister or surprising a loved one with a city break is the perfect way to simultaneously give and share your time. With Mother’s Day coming up, we’ve put together some inspiring ways to make her feel special.

Best gift for Mother’s Day

Afternoon Tea in Mayfair

Mums, they deserve a day specially dedicated to them more than once a year, don’t they? Well, you can make up for it by treating her like a queen with Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel – after all, this is where Queen Victoria took hers. Whet her appetite with 5 Reasons to Take Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel and drop in fascinating snippets about the distinguished guests who’ve taken tea surrounded by these comforting wood-panelled walls.

Elevating the experience of afternoon tea, a pianist accompanies the sounds of cup tinkling on china saucer and gentle chatter as tea is served in our elegant Drawing Room, There’s nowhere quite like Brown’s for a perfectly presented spread of fresh scones, sweet delicacies and a tantalising choice of 17 loose leaf teas. Add a glass of bubbly for extra brownie points.

Best gift for Couples

A Private tour of Florence’s Duomo

Ah the Duomo, Florence’s Renaissance masterpiece. Glimpsed from Hotel Savoy, Brunelleschi’s terracotta dome sits pretty in the middle of Florence. Behind its glorious monochromatic facade, secrets of rivalry lie in wait. Uncover the stories buried within its walls on a private tour revealing the rich history of this architectural gem.

The ideal gift for a loved one, you can share the experience, waking up to breakfast in bed at Hotel Savoy. Feeling refreshed and ready for your tour, climb all 463 steps to reach the viewing balcony at the top of the dome – one of Florence’s Highest Towers rewarding you with staggering views. Then, during your two-day stay, head to Florence’s hills to admire the city and its stunning cathedral from a bird's eye view.

Best gift for Friends

Spa treatment in Munich

Planning a weekend away with friends in Munich? After a day exploring the city’s treasures – from the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz to the designer boutiques on Maximilianstrasse – unwind at the peaceful urban spa of The Charles Hotel where fluffy robes and poolside loungers await.

Imagine how delighted your companion will be when you reveal you’ve booked them a Day Spa Deluxe at one of the most peaceful hotels in Munich, on the edge of the Old Botanical Gardens. Scented aromatic candles signpost the way to The Charles Spa where they can dip into the pool, detox in the sauna or steam bath and feel the restorative benefits of a facial or relaxing massage. The perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the city.

Best gift for Golf Enthusiasts

Championship course in Sicily

Sicily is having a moment in the sun though the spotlight never really went away. From its volcanic peaks to the dramatic coastline, the Italian island has an abundance of natural charm. These don’t go unnoticed by players at Verdura Resort where Kyle Phillips’s beautifully designed golf courses are juxtapositioned with far-reaching coastal views.

Surveying the East Course, it’s easy to see why Golf World named it the best golf course in Italy, just nine months after its major upgrade in 2022. Give the golfing enthusiast in your life a day on the fairways with round of golf for two and they’ll have an unforgettable experience on a course praised for its consistency and dramatic moments but most of all for the undeniable fun.

Easy to purchase and beautifully presented, a gift from Rocco Forte Hotels is one they’ll treasure for years to come.