Never let it be said that I don’t put the hours in for this august magazine – from numerous breakfast meetings to scores of awards evenings, with the odd opening of an envelope in between – I am nothing if not a flesh presser.
But, sometimes, just sometimes, along comes an invitation which makes it all worthwhile. And, dear Foxy fans, I am pleased to announce that one such request has just landed in my inbox from none other than George and Amal Clooney, asking me to join them at Passalacqua on Lake Como, Italy, the historic 18th-century villa which was recently awarded the title of being the World’s Best Hotel.
And I quote: “Taking place at the award-winning Passalacqua, this exclusive gathering offers rare access to the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s leadership and an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on justice and impact in an intimate and world-class setting.
“Reserved for those who believe in turning purpose into action, this immersive journey offers rare, up-close access to the team, who will be on-site throughout the experience. Guests will dive into thought-provoking discussions, gain firsthand insights into the foundation’s mission, and explore its most impactful initiatives – all while soaking in the unmatched beauty of one of the world’s most exclusive destinations.”
Not only that, but there will also be “Exceptional Private Dinners”; evenings of exquisite dining, featuring world-class chefs and perfectly paired fine wines from the region.
Then there will be “An Exclusive Garden Party”; a lakeside gathering hosted by George and Amal, creating an intimate space for high-level conversation and meaningful connections.
This will be followed by “Exclusive Lake Como Excursions”; private access to historic villas, cultural landmarks, and scenic boat journeys showcasing the hidden beauty of this legendary destination.
And all wrapped up with a “Farewell Brunch”; a final gathering overlooking the lake – one last moment to reflect, connect, and toast to the impact of this extraordinary journey.
Then came the catch. WHY, OH WHY, IS THERE ALWAYS A CATCH? “This experience is reserved for 16 guests who are passionate about justice and strategic philanthropy. Participation starts at €160,000 per room (based on double occupancy), excluding a minimum $60,000 donation per person to the Clooney Foundation for Justice, ensuring immediate impact from each participant’s contribution.”
Yep, ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THOUSAND EUROS PER ROOM, PLUS A MINIMUM SIXTY THOUSAND EUROS DONATION PER PERSON.
Mind you, that’s nearly as much as it costs to go to the DMA Awards…
Follow Foxy on X and Instagram if you must, but don’t get too excited as I’m never there
