Rome is a city that reveals itself in layers. There is the Rome you meet on foot, wandering through cobblestone streets and sunlit piazzas. There is the Rome you taste through long lunches, aperitivo hours, and plates of pasta enjoyed slowly. And then there is the Rome you see from unexpected perspectives — from the water, from above, and from the quiet luxury of a perfectly curated stay.
On our last trip to the Eternal City, we experienced exactly that with Anantara’s 25th Anniversary Luxury River & Rooftop Journey, an exclusive two-night escape designed to celebrate the brand’s milestone year in a way that felt both timeless and deeply immersive.
The experience begins with a suite stay, setting the tone for a Roman getaway rooted in comfort, elegance, and discovery. In a city as historic and energetic as Rome, having a beautiful place to retreat to makes all the difference. The suite became our home base between adventures — a place to slow down, reset, and take in the magic of being in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
But the true highlight of the journey was seeing Rome from the River Tiber.
We spent a blissful half-day aboard a private luxury boat, gliding along the river as the city unfolded around us. From the water, Rome feels completely different. The pace softens. The crowds disappear. The architecture rises around you like a moving fresco, each bridge and landmark offering a new glimpse into the city’s layered past.
There is something incredibly special about experiencing Rome this way. Instead of moving through the city, you feel as though the city is moving around you. The gentle rhythm of the boat, the golden Roman light, and the centuries-old landmarks passing by created the kind of travel moment that stays with you long after the trip is over.
It was cinematic, peaceful, and wildly romantic — a reminder that even in a city you think you know, there are always new ways to be surprised.
After taking in Rome from the river, the experience continued high above the city on a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline. If the boat ride offered a sense of calm and movement, the rooftop aperitivo delivered the grandeur.
There we were, above the rooftops of Rome, with the Eternal City stretched out before us. Domes, terraces, historic facades, and that unmistakable Roman glow created the perfect backdrop for a refined aperitivo. It felt like the ideal finale to the journey: first seeing the city from below, then from above, each perspective offering its own kind of beauty.
What makes this anniversary experience so memorable is how thoughtfully it has been curated. It is not just a hotel package or a sightseeing itinerary. It is a journey through time, perspective, and place — one that captures the romance of Rome while adding the ease and polish of a luxury escape.
The private boat along the Tiber, the suite stay, and the rooftop aperitivo all work together to create something that feels intimate and elevated. It is the kind of experience that allows you to slow down and actually absorb the city, rather than simply check off its famous sights.
For travelers looking to celebrate something special, or simply experience Rome in a more exclusive way, Anantara’s 25th Anniversary Luxury River & Rooftop Journey is exactly the kind of escape worth planning around. With suite stays starting from €1,000 and the full experience priced at €2,600, it is designed for those who want their time in Rome to feel unforgettable from beginning to end.
Because Rome is always beautiful. But from the river, from the rooftop, and through the lens of a thoughtfully crafted luxury journey, it becomes pure magic.
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