Crumbling castle it might have been for over a century, but Steven Riseley and husband, Harvey B-Brown, are writing their own contemporary fairy-tale at Castle Elvira in Puglia. Following a four-year restoration project with local craftsmen working to keep the original ceilings and stonework intact, the creative couple could finally dress the walls with Harvey’s own artwork and infuse the interiors with eccentricity and playfulness — qualities which carry over into the light-hearted but ever-so-luxurious guest experience.
What does being ‘independently minded’ as a hotel owner mean to you?
As a frequent guest at many of the world’s most sought-after hotels, these experiences provided me with food for thought. I often found that, while undeniably luxurious, chain hotels could feel impersonal and regimented. As a guest, I sometimes felt like a room number rather than a real person. My philosophy is that when guests first arrive at a hotel, they shouldn’t feel they have to fit in; instead, they should feel completely relaxed and at home.
As an independent hotel, we have the advantage of offering a more intimate experience. We can provide a personal touch by incorporating many personal and tailored details for guests to discover, making each individual feel as though they are truly living an experience rather than merely being an accessory to the hotel itself.
What was the inspiration behind the hotel, and where do you continue to find sources of inspiration?
Our main inspiration for the hotel is art and design. My husband is an artist and film director, and we collaborate with many international artists who also exhibit their work on the castle’s walls. Within Castle Elvira’s first year, we were proud to be awarded, “Best Art & Design Hotel in Europe”.
Castle Elvira is a beautiful historical monument, and there is no doubt that its beauty captured us from the first moment we laid eyes on it. Since the castle had been abandoned for more than 100 years and was in such a ruined state when we discovered it, we had a rare opportunity to let our creativity flow while always paying homage to and respecting the original architecture and elegance of the structure.
At the same time, the interior furnishings and artworks are an eclectic mix of antique, modern, vintage, and bespoke design pieces; most admirers consider this a unique blend.
My philosophy is that when guests first arrive at a hotel, they shouldn't feel they have to fit in; instead, they should feel completely relaxed and at home.
How do you think your hotel stands apart from other boutique hotels?
I think that, without a doubt, the label ‘boutique hotel’ truly fits Castle Elvira. I believe that this term has come to be misused, and it does not genuinely apply to many hotels.
Castle Elvira consists of five historically significant buildings and only 10 guest suites. Each suite is individually designed and themed, and no guest space resembles another. This is the authentic and quintessential difference between Castle Elvira and many other hotels, even some hotels that claim the ‘boutique’ title.
If you only had 24 hours to get a taste for your hotel experience, what would you recommend a guest must do?
The most popular time of the day is sunset and aperitivo time on the castle roof terrace. We open the castle’s rooftop bar every evening at golden hour; the views from up there are heavenly, and the sunsets are simply spectacular. But it is not only the natural beauty that our guests fall in love with; it is the time when many guests mingle, meet each other, and share their day’s experiences, often joining each other for dinner afterwards in the Elvira restaurant (another must-try experience during your stay).
You should spend time at one of the three pools, which are set in the most tranquil and painstakingly restored Italian gardens. There, you have access to the WiFi-connected sound systems, so you can enjoy your own ambient playlists. To break up the day, I could recommend joining one of our in-demand cooking classes, or even our unique art drawing classes. We are also very close to the city of Lecce (aka ‘The Florence of The South’), if you wanted to enjoy a short leisurely excursion. Above all, I would encourage you to simply relax, and soak up the atmosphere, you might decide that you do not actually need anything else.
How would you describe your own perfect luxury experience?
Describing my ideal luxury experience is not difficult, as it reflects what I envisioned when creating Caste Elvira. My concept of perfect luxury encompasses beautiful spaces, with exceptional service; staff who do not disturb or constantly upsell. I look for a unique, unforgettable stay that goes beyond just a room for the night. At Elvira, we host only 20 guests with an attentive hotel team of 23, and all of our team members are instilled with the art of respecting the guests’ personal space and downtime. Guests can communicate their needs through WhatsApp, allowing them to decide when and where they want service, ensuring it is never imposed upon them.
Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?
Our vision remains steadfast, and our commitment to it is unwavering. We strive to create a one-of-a-kind oasis of beauty and tranquillity, a space where guests can feel both inspired and safe. Our guests endorse our efforts and frequently return. Admittedly, Castle Elvira is not for everyone, but we believe that this knowledge, at the same time, contributed to our success. This should hold true for many independent hotels, if you create a hotel that appeals to everyone, then you have probably produced something considered off-the-shelf. We like to go beyond the tried and tested, and prioritise attracting our tribe rather than every type of traveller.
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