Urban Golf In The Eternal City
The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions was John Coyne’s base as he enjoyed time on the pristine greens and fairways of Parco di Roma for the ultimate golf getaway
Location
Famed for its bold design, river views and rooftop restaurant, The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions. is located along the banks of the Tiber River in the elegant Prati neighbourhood. The hotel is only a short walk from some of Rome’s best attractions including the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and the Spanish Steps which are surrounded by rich history, architectural brilliance and vibrant cultural scene.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel offers an intimate feel with 24 contemporary suites and guest rooms. Each room boasts incredible floor-to-ceiling windows offering floods of light and stunning panoramic views over the city.
Dining
The ALTO restaurant and rooftop bar stretch over 3 floors of the hotel and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ALTO offers a fresh fish menu that includes great raw fish and shellfish which can be enjoyed with 360 degree views of the Eternal City.
Parco di Roma Golf Experience
The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts - comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions - have launched the Ultimate Golf Getaway in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club.
Upon arrival at the clubhouse, guests of this full day experience are welcomed with traditional Italian coffee and a technical briefing with the resident golf pro, before taking to the immaculate 18-hole, par 72 course with a dedicated caddie and GPS-equipped buggy.
Weaving between archaeological wonders, including a Roman aqueduct and ancient tuff quarry, Parco di Roma presents a series of inspiring holes in the tranquillity of the Laziale countryside, from wide fairways to more challenging sand bunkers.
My Experience
Our stay at The First Musica began with a sense of anticipation - and it didn’t disappoint. Nestled along the banks of the Tiber River, this sleek, contemporary hotel immediately impressed with its modern design and welcoming atmosphere. From the outset, it was clear we were in for a memorable Roman escape.
Check-in was seamless. We were greeted with genuine warmth and provided a curated list of local bars, restaurants, and experiences—an incredibly helpful touch that enriched our time in the city. By the time we reached our room, our luggage was already waiting. The space was both modern and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Rome. One standout feature was the pillow menu, which included customisable scents—a thoughtful detail that elevated our comfort.
The hotel’s location couldn’t have been better. Iconic landmarks like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica were all within walking distance. With a wealth of excellent restaurants nearby, First Musica served as the perfect base for both exploration and relaxation.
After a day of sightseeing, we made our way to Alto, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant. The setting was spectacular. As the sun dipped below the Roman skyline, we sipped cocktails and soaked in the panoramic views — a truly unforgettable way to unwind.
Mornings began at Olivia, located on the fifth floor. The breakfast experience was a highlight in itself. With sweeping views across the river and city, we enjoyed a generous spread of fresh bread, cured meats, cheeses, pastries and seasonal fruit. Accompanied with Italian coffee, it was the perfect start to each day.
Midway through our trip, we took a break from the city’s energy for a round of golf at Parco Di Roma, arranged effortlessly by the hotel. A limousine picked us up for the short 20-minute drive to the course. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the course manager, who gave us a tour of the clubhouse and access to the practice facilities. The putting green’s speed hinted at the challenge ahead.
Our round began with a gentle introduction to the course. The 1st hole is a relatively straight forward, flat par 4. The layout is, however, both scenic and challenging with significant elevation changes that made our golf cart almost essential. Each hole offered its own unique challenge, but a few stood out: Hole 3, a dramatic par 4 with a canyon separating the fairway from the green. The view of St Peter’s Basilica from the 14th green and the 17th and 18th holes, which wrapped around a lake, provided a picturesque and memorable finish.
After the game, we headed to the clubhouse for a well-earned lunch and cold beverage. The menu featured traditional Italian fare. I chose the fettuccine with a rich white ragù, followed by lemon-infused chicken served with golden roasted potatoes. It was a satisfying end to a fantastic morning. Once we’d finished, our return transport was ready and waiting - another example of the hotel’s impeccable service.
Personal Note
For me, the ideal city break strikes a balance between cultural discovery and moments of calm. Blending Rome’s timeless charm with a round of golf at Parco Di Roma created just that - a perfect fusion of exploration and leisure that I’ll remember fondly.
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