At a Glance
For decades, a 16th century seminary sat vacant in the middle of Milan’s fashion district: a desolate, crumbling edifice and abandoned piazza mere steps from flagship Prada and Gucci boutiques. Following a multi-year overhaul and restoration from the Ferragamo family, Portrait Milano has filled the void, and is now one of the city’s most impressive five-star hotels.
The Ferragamos turned to designer Michele Bonan for the fittingly-fabulous interiors (Bonan is also behind Portrait Firenze, Portrait Roma and the fashion clan’s private residence). The result: 73 rooms and suites outfitted with fine Italian furnishings, done in a luxe color scheme of cream, crimson and dark woods. An impressive curation of books in each room encourages guests to linger just a little more inside before venturing out to explore Milan.
And even then, there’s no real need to go far, since it seems that many of the city’s stylish locals are already on-property at one of the hotel’s restaurants (the casual 10_11, meat-lover mecca Beefbar and cocktail / music lounge Rumore).
For serious relaxation and rejuvenation, The Longevity Spa, from Italian wellness brand The Longevity Suite, is a 7,500 square-foot hub for all things well-being. It features multiple treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a pool under the historic seminary’s vaulted ceilings.
Written by Peter Schlesinger
