Portrait Milano

The long-awaited Portrait Milano joins its Lungarno Collection sisters in Rome and Florence, and it’s no surprise that for the brand’s first foray into the Italian fashion capital, it’s dressed for the occasion. The location could hardly be more suited to the purpose; this villa is hidden away within a large block right in the heart of the luxury-brand nexus that is the Golden Quadrangle, overlooking the colonnaded Piazza del Quadrilatero. And the hotel itself, as you can see, is a stunner — this 16th-century seminary has been masterfully transformed by the Ferragamo family’s designer of choice, Michele Bönan.

Portrait Milano’s rooms and suites display a remarkable aesthetic unity even as they refer to a multitude of eras, including vestiges of the original Baroque architecture and a distinct mid-century modernist influence. And without sacrificing style, they supply all the comforts demanded by guests of top-tier Milanese luxury hotels, of which Carrara marble bathrooms are probably the most photogenic example.

There’s a spectacular spa with an anti-aging focus, as well as an indoor pool beneath the vaults of the old cellar. And Portrait Milano is home to two restaurants; the main attraction is the first Beefbar in Italy, while the more casual 10_11 serves everything from brunch to tea to aperitifs, dinner, and beyond in its dining room, its bar, and its garden lounge.