Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Celebrates Sophia Loren’s 90th Birthday With the Launch of an Exclusive Presidential Suite

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Italy’s elite from the worlds of film and music gathered atop the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel to celebrate a truly remarkable occasion: the 90th birthday of legendary actress and cultural icon, Sophia Loren. In her honor, the hotel unveiled its newest addition, the Sophia Loren Presidential Suite, paying tribute to one of its most cherished and glamorous guests.

On Friday, September 20th, close to 200 guests, including famous actors, directors, and international friends, came together to celebrate Italy’s beloved star. Sophia Loren blew out 90 candles in a venue she has adored for years, surrounded by admiration and love. Dressed in a stunning Giorgio Armani creation, she was the epitome of elegance. The evening featured a specially curated menu of Loren’s favorite dishes, inspired by her personal cookbooks, prepared by Executive Chef Heros De Agostinis. Guests dined at tables named after some of Loren’s most iconic films, including A Special Day, La Ciociara, The Sunflowers, The Gold of Naples, and Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. The celebration culminated with a spectacular nine-tier birthday cake adorned with white chocolate roses—Loren’s favorite flower—crafted by Pastry Chef Daniele De Santi.

Among the distinguished guests were Ferzan Ozpetek, Aurelio De Laurentiis, Alessandra Mussolini, Christian De Sica with Silvia Verdone, Trudie Styler, Regina Scully, Al Bano, Gigi D’Alessio, Mara Venier, Giancarlo Giammetti, Zubin Mehta, and many more. The evening’s highlight was a moving performance by singer Laura Pausini, who serenaded the crowd with “Lo Sí” from the soundtrack of La Vita Davanti a Sé, a 2020 film starring Sophia Loren, directed by Edoardo Ponti. Loren’s portrayal in the film earned her the prestigious David di Donatello Best Actress award.

In addition to the birthday festivities, the evening marked the grand unveiling of the Sophia Loren Presidential Suite at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi. This unique suite, the only one in the world dedicated to Loren, was designed to feel like her personal Roman residence, offering fans an immersive experience into the life and world of the legendary actress. The project was a labor of love, developed over several months in close collaboration with Loren’s son, Edoardo Ponti, to reflect her passions, habits, and timeless style.

This glamorous celebration not only honored an enduring cinematic legend but also provided a glimpse into a one-of-a-kind luxury experience, where guests can step into the extraordinary life of Sophia Loren.

“It will not be a museum, but a place of the soul, creating an immersive and exciting journey for the guest, giving them the sort of authentic experience for which Anantara is known around the world,” explains General Manager of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, Francesco Mennella.

The suite offers a vibrant and immersive experience, reflecting Sophia Loren’s personal tastes, passions, and cherished memories. Adorned with her favorite white roses, curated books, and photographs of her beloved hometown, Pozzuoli, the space invites guests to step into the world of the iconic actress. It’s a place where visitors can connect with the essence of Loren’s life, in a hotel she holds dear.

“Mia madre has always loved this hotel,” added her son, Edoardo Ponti. “She knows every corner but is especially fond of this suite where, on many occasions, she has gazed out over the Piazza della Repubblica with the Fountain of the Naiads and beyond towards the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. She first stayed here when visiting Giuseppe Marzio Prontrandolfo, who, in addition to his role as the hotel’s Head of Institutional Relations, is a dear friend of whom my mother is particularly fond. They have known each other for twenty years, and it is thanks to him that this collaboration with Anantara Palazzo Naiadi began. This suite feels like her Roman home, and we hope the guests who choose to stay here will feel the same.”

The suite features a personal beauty station stocked with Sophia Loren’s favorite cosmetics, a cozy movie corner with a DVD player showcasing her most iconic films, and a curated playlist of her favorite songs. Family photos adorn the walls, while her biographies, authored works, and cherished reads make up a small library. The space is scented with her signature perfume, adding to the immersive experience.

Guests can indulge in coffee served just as Loren enjoys it, accompanied by two savoiardi biscuits. The hotel’s expert chef is available to prepare some of her favorite dishes, made from recipes found in her cookbooks, Recipes and Memories and In Cucina con Amore. To complete the experience, exclusive arrival and departure gifts, carefully curated by Loren’s son, renowned film director Edoardo Ponti, and the hotel team, add a special touch to this one-of-a-kind stay.

“Edoardo is known around the world for his work,” emphasizes Giuseppe Marzio Pontrandolfo. “He has spent a lot of time building this project with us. He did so because he, too, is very close to this hotel. Edoardo stayed here while working on the short film, ‘La Voce Umana’ and the 2020 film ‘La Vita Davanti a Sé,’ with which his mother won the David di Donatello award for best actress.”

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is thrilled to unveil the world’s first and only suite dedicated to Sophia Loren, offering guests an authentic, immersive experience that reflects the life of the iconic actress. This unique suite invites visitors to step into the world of Loren, who has long considered the hotel her home in the heart of the Eternal City.

• Sophia Loren Honored In Rome As Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Unveils Exclusive Suite For Her 90th Birthday