Italy is a captivating destination, offering romance, history, and unparalleled beauty. Italy stretches from the snowy Alps in the north to the sunny beaches in the south. It is home to luxurious havens for passionate travelers. Discover a curated collection of Italy’s 15 most exquisite retreats. These include rustic farmhouses and charming village boutique hotels. You will also find enchanting fortresses and idyllic seaside escapes. These sanctuaries offer more than just a place to rest. They provide opportunities to immerse yourself in Italy’s vibrant culture. You can savor its world-renowned culinary masterpieces. Marvel at its breathtaking natural vistas. Scroll to learn about these delightful properties to book your unforgettable Italian holiday.
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
- Location: Palermo
- Reasons to Love it: A belle epoque grande dame in Sicily’s bustling capital
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In the early 1900s, the illustrious Florio family transformed Villa Igiea into a breathtakingly grand hotel. At the height of its grandeur, it welcomed royalty and celebrities. Notable guests included King Edward VII of England, the Vanderbilts, and J.P. Morgan. In 2021, Rocco Forte Hotels painstakingly restored it to its majestic splendor. The redesign infused light and vibrancy into the hotel’s 100 rooms and public spaces. It lovingly preserved the original architectural masterpieces, like the mesmerizing art nouveau frescoes by Ernesto Basile.
Today’s guests can enjoy a refreshing spritz by the pool, basking in the stunning sea views. They can mingle with Palermo’s elite at Florio Restaurant, where the celebrated chef Fulvio Pierangelini crafts his exquisite menu. The opportunities for pleasure are endless. Guests can enjoy a thrilling game of tennis. They might indulge in a luxurious massage at the Irene Forte Spa. A stroll through the enchanting gardens also awaits them. Plus, for the adventurous at heart, the vibrant energy of Sicily’s capital awaits their discovery.
Hotel Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
- Location: Portofino, Liguria
- Reasons to Love It: Timeless luxury (and the breathtaking views)
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In a breathtaking pastel villa that majestically rises over pine-covered slopes and the shimmering deep blue waters of the Ligurian Sea, Hotel Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, once a 16th-century monastery, has gracefully transformed into an opulent cliff-side haven at the dawn of the 20th century. Today, it stands as one of Portofino’s most iconic sanctuaries, boasting 70 sun-drenched rooms graced with herringbone hardwood floors, luxurious marble baths, and enchanting wrought iron terraces that have welcomed legendary figures like the Duke of Windsor, Ava Gardner, and Catherine Deneuve. Experience the epitome of luxury with VIP treatment as you sip champagne on a mesmerizing sunset cruise aboard the hotel’s Chris-Craft Corsair 36, savor delectable seabream ceviche at La Terrazza, or luxuriate in a soothing chamomile footbath at the serene spa. A dedicated shuttle whisks you away to the intimate sister property Splendido Mare, which overlooks the charming central Piazzetta. This boutique gem is a refined version of a quaint fishing village retreat featuring 16 elegantly whitewashed rooms with a lively, acclaimed restaurant.
Bulgari Hotel Roma
- Location: Centro Storico/Campo Marzio
- Reasons to Love It: An architectural gem reborn as a luxury hotel
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Thanks to Bulgari Hotels’ meticulous four-year restoration of a historic gem in the heart of the Centro Storico, the new Bulgari Hotel Roma stands as a breathtaking architectural marvel you can stay in. Opened in June 2023 within the enchanting Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the hotel graces the site of a former social security office—one of many iconic 1930s public administrative buildings crafted by illustrious rationalist architects. Gleaming marbles—an homage to the majestic marbles adorning the floors of the nearby Pantheon—adorn every doorway, floor, and wall. As you enter, an ancient statue of Augustus Caesar from the legendary Torlonia Collection welcomes you, setting the tone for an experience steeped in grandeur and history.
The hotel boasts a passionate team of 400 devoted staff, offering unparalleled service with approximately four staff members dedicated to each of the 114 luxurious rooms and suites. Accommodations are brought to life with light tones and a contemporary design by the acclaimed ACPV architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel. The magnificent 16,000-square-foot spa dazzles with its modern interpretation of ancient Roman baths, and the breathtaking rooftop terrace is simply perfect for gazing at the sunset over the city. Celebrated chef Niko Romito from Abruzzo showcases his culinary brilliance at the exquisite Il Ristorante Niko Romito, where you can indulge in decadent dishes like potato ravioli with octopus or milk-fed Milanese-style veal. For an effervescent experience with a glass of bubbly from the Dom Perignon trolley, make your way to the glamorous Champagne Bar. For an irresistible casual meal of expertly crafted Roman delights like cacio e pepe or carbonara, grab a table at the charming Il Caffè.
Borgo Egnazia
- Location: Savelletri di Fasano (Puglia)
- Reasons to Love It: A resort modeled on a traditional village that offers a taste of Puglia
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Trailblazing hotelier Aldo Melpignano didn’t just put Puglia on the luxury travel map; he created an oasis of rustic luxe when he opened this Borgo Egnazia resort inspired by a traditional borgo, or “hamlet.” The 182 accommodations, ranging from cozy doubles to magnificent standalone villas for up to 14 guests, promise an exquisite stay. Every room is a lavish retreat, adorned with chic rustic décor and swathed in pristine white linen. The hotel champions a single-use, plastic-free environment and offers bicycles for exhilarating eco-friendly adventures. Borgo Egnazia is a dream for honeymooners and families with little ones. Couples can indulge in an enchanting dinner at the Michelin-starred Due Camini. To top it all off, a complimentary shuttle whisks guests away to the hotel’s exclusive beach club.
Borgo Santo Pietro
- Location: Chiusdino
- Reasons to Love It: A sprawling Tuscan estate with its own organic farm and skin-care line
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Spread over sprawling 300 acres in the captivating Tuscan countryside, just a picturesque 45-minute drive from Siena, Borgo Santo Pietro is the epitome of a dreamlike Tuscan paradise. Anchored by a magnificent 12th-century stone farmhouse, this enchanting estate boasts 22 luxurious rooms and suites, each with vaulted wood-beam ceilings. Some guest rooms are graced with dazzling chandeliers, while others offer the indulgence of private pools.
The property’s garden and farm are a testament to the beauty of organic living. They grow an array of exquisite produce and herbs used in the restaurants—the divine Saporium and the charming Trattoria Sull’Albero—and the luxurious Seed to Skin natural skin-care line at their spa. The farm-to-table ethos is celebrated by crafting sumptuous artisan cheese and yogurt in the on-site dairy. Guests are invited to lose themselves in the enchanting gardens, connect with the adorable alpacas, and delight in gathering fresh eggs for a truly heartwarming breakfast experience.
Casa Maria Luigia
- Location: Modena, Emilia Romagna
- Reasons to love it: Intimacy, design, and art, and a dining experience curated by one of Italy’s top chefs
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Casa Maria Luigia passionately offers twelve unique rooms across three distinct categories, each with unique charm. No two rooms are the same, and each one is an blend of contemporary art, vintage and designer furniture, luxurious Dedar fabrics, and indulgent Ortigia bath amenities. Guests are treated to a complimentary minibar, an espresso coffee machine, and a delightful selection of teas. To add to the experience, the Maria Luigia kitchen brims with complimentary salads, seasonal snacks, and a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with extra offerings in the pool house during the summer. The rate also includes a sumptuous traditional Emilian breakfast, bursting with flavor and authenticity. Outdoors, a world of relaxation awaits, with a wood-decked swimming pool, a tennis court, leisure walking areas, a charming wood-burning oven, and a lush vegetable garden. Casa Maria Luigia beckons guests aged 15 and above to immerse themselves in this extraordinary retreat.
Forestis
- Location: Brixen (Bressanone)
- Reasons to Love It: A sleek spa retreat deep in the forest
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Originally built as a tuberculosis sanatorium for the Habsburgs during the Austro-Hungarian Empire era, Forestis was magnificently transformed into a five-star spa resort in 2020, breathing new life into its historic roots. The resort’s three sleek, modern towers encapsulate 62 breathtaking suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that perfectly frame the stunning views of the surrounding forest, creating an enchanting blend of luxury in nature.
The star attraction here is the breathtaking 12,500-square-foot spa, featuring four luxurious saunas, a rejuvenating steam bath, an enchanting ice cascade, and a spectacular indoor-outdoor pool crafted from Dolomite stone. The treatments are a divine fusion of local ingredients, utilizing fragrant oils from spruce, larch, mountain, and stone pine. The restaurant offers a tantalizing “forest cuisine,” boasting ingredients foraged nearby or lovingly grown in the garden. This sanctuary is proudly carbon-neutral and powered entirely by 100 percent renewable energy. Forestis commits to nature by planting a tree for each guest who forgoes housekeeping; the hotel has planted over 7,000 trees.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
- Location: Florence
- Reasons To Love It: A Renaissance palace in the city’s largest private garden
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Palazzo della Gherardesca, woven into the very fabric of Florentine nobility for 500 years, now stands as the enchanting Four Seasons hotel. It’s no wonder a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze envelops guests in a royal embrace. Imagine being surrounded by original frescoes and exquisitely preserved period furniture, but that’s merely the beginning! From indulging in the luxurious spa, with products from the iconic Santa Maria Novella pharmacy to dining at the Michelin-starred Il Palagio, where every mouthful of regionally sourced lamb with sheep’s milk ricotta is a symphony of Italian flavors. Every experience on site beckons you on an unforgettable journey through Tuscany’s rich history and vibrant culture.
The hotel’s 116 guest rooms and suites spread magnificently over 710,000 square feet, offering an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the historic Palazzo della Gherardesca, the enchanting Limonaia, or the opulent Villa, each room tells a unique story. Imagine gazing at original frescoes or stepping onto exquisite ceramic tile floors, all while enveloped in the luxury of marble bathrooms, sweeping floor-to-ceiling curtains, and sumptuous furnishings like oversized wingback chairs. Each detail is meticulously crafted to make your stay luxuriously unforgettable.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
- Location: Tremezzo (Lake Como)
- Reasons to Love It: An independent, family-run grande dame on Lake Como
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The Grand Hotel Tremezzo has been an enchanting oasis for Europe’s elite since it first graced the shores of Lake Como in 1910. Under the meticulous care of the Como-based De Santis family, who became its proud stewards in 1975, this lakeside haven has been lovingly brought into the modern era. With the addition of eight exquisite rooftop suites, an expanded spa, and a luxurious hammam, the hotel beautifully marries historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. Sumptuous marble bathrooms and champagne-stocked minibars make each room a regal retreat, yet the ambiance remains delightful. Guests can revel in one of the three pools, including a spectacular floating pool on the lake. Savor culinary masterpieces at five exceptional restaurants and bars, notably La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, which pays homage to Italy’s first three-Michelin-starred chef. Locals and guests unite for vibrant Saturday beach parties, making the Grand Hotel Tremezzo a pulsating heart of joy and celebration.
Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Location: Venice
- Reasons to Love It: A historic palazzo on the Grand Canal transformed into an intimate hotel
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This legendary hotel set on the Grand Canal has welcomed a dazzling array of international jet-setters, from the literary genius of Ernest Hemingway and the visionary art collector Peggy Guggenheim to the enchanting Scarlet Johanssen and the iconic Bill Murray — and it’s easy to see why. The Gritti Palace is virtually synonymous with the magic of Venice. A proud member of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, it was once the opulent residence of the illustrious 16th-century Duke Andrea Gritti.
Old World Venetian opulence flourishes at the Gritti, where every corner whispers tales of grandeur. Imagine stepping into 82 jewel-box rooms and suites adorned with lush damask wallpaper and timeless antiques, each a capsule of historic elegance. The sophisticated Bar Longhi invites you to indulge in its regal charm. At the same time, the sleek Riva Lounge breaks tradition with its modern design, beckoning you to the outdoor terrace for a Select Spritz with breathtaking canal views. Elevate your stay by booking the hotel’s Riva speedboat, ready to whisk you on a glamorous adventure across the lagoon.
Hotel Castello di Reschio
- Location: Umbria
- Reason to Love It: A sprawling country estate owned by a count
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Count Benedikt Bolza relocated to Umbria in 1999, driven by a vision to assist his father in breathing new life into the dilapidated farmhouses on the expansive Reschio estate, turning them into exquisite luxury farmhouses, Hotel Castello de Reschio. In this enchanting place, he and his wife lovingly nurtured their five children within the ancient walls of the thousand-year-old castle before embarking on an inspiring journey to transform it into a timeless five-star boutique hotel.
By the time they embarked on renovating the castle, Count Bolza, an illustrious architect, had already forged a remarkable design legacy by crafting bespoke furniture for lavish villas. Naturally, the opportunity to design unique furniture and lighting for the hotel was a dream come true. Every intricate detail in the 36 guest rooms and suites, from the elegant four-poster beds to the charming wood-beam ceilings, has been meticulously curated to elevate the visitor’s experience. Imagine dressing tables with hidden sockets and custom espresso machines lovingly designed. Reschio was conceived to invite guests to pause, breathe, and revel in the pure joy of simple countryside delights, from gathering wildflowers to the thrill of horseback riding.
Le Sirenuse
- Location: Positano
- Reasons to Love It: An iconic family-run hotel on the Amalfi Coast that gets better every year
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Nestled within Positano’s enchanting hillside, where pastel residences and meandering stepped alleys intertwine, Le Sirenuse is a legendary boutique hotel that feels like a cherished private sanctuary. Since its inception in 1951, the Sersale family has lovingly stewarded this crimson-hued gem, imbuing it with a welcoming charm that feels worlds away from pretension. Every corner reveals a treasure, from the antique furnishings and lush potted plants to the exquisite oil paintings that whisper stories of the past. With their pristine white walls, the guest rooms glow with the vibrant colors of Vietri floor tiles and the richness of heirloom walnut furniture. The luxurious marble bathrooms, complete with indulgent whirlpool tubs and the hotel’s Eau d’Italie toiletries, elevate every moment into an experience of pure, unadulterated bliss.
Dining at this enchanting haven is an exceptional experience: La Sponda restaurant enchants with its delectable flavors and captivating ambiance, illuminated by the romantic glow of candlelight in the evening. The champagne and oyster bar is a treasure, offering breathtaking views from a panoramic terrace; the views from the pool deck are equally mesmerizing, with the fragrant scent of potted lemon trees filling the air. The hotel’s spa is divine, complemented by delightful perks such as complimentary daily excursions on its vintage wooden boat. Though this hotel is an emblem of luxury, the Sersale family continually strives for perfection, tirelessly updating and enhancing the guest experience. This year, prepare to be enthralled by the in situ art installation in the pool by the renowned Swiss artist Nicholas Party.
Palazzo Avino
- Location: Ravello
- Reasons to Love It: The women-operated Pink Palace is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples
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While Positano may lure countless admirers with its enchanting pastel buildings cascading down the verdant mountainside, Ravello offers an air of secluded elegance and exclusivity, beckoning only the most discerning aristocrats, artists, writers, and musicians. Perched majestically on a cliff, Palazzo Avino captures the very essence of the Amalfi Coast’s dual allure: the serene tranquility of Ravello, with its breathtaking bird’s-eye views, and the refreshing embrace of the sea, epitomized by the hotel’s effortlessly chic beach club.
This hotel is extraordinary, as it vividly conveys the distinctive style and vibrant personality of its owners, sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino. Their father acquired this 12th-century palace in the 1990s, and since then, they’ve been infusing it with their unique touch. They pour their hearts into constantly enhancing the 43 individually designed guest rooms and suites, the Michelin-starred Rossellini’s, which has been splendidly renovated this season, the inviting Terrazza Belvedere and Lobster & Martini Bar, the rejuvenating spa, and the pool, now adorned with exquisite custom two-tiered pink-and-white striped umbrellas. And let’s not overlook the Pink Closet, a treasure trove of clothes and accessories curated by the sisters’ favorite designers.
Palazzo Margherita
- Location: Bernalda, Basilicata
- Reasons to Love It: A boutique retreat dating to the turn of the century
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In the early aughts, the legendary Francis Ford Coppola ventured to Bernalda, a serene and enchanting village that holds the essence of his roots in the arch of Italy’s boot. Mesmerized by its charm, he found his sanctuary—a place to revive. Partnering with the visionary designer Jacques Grange, Coppola breathed new life into Palazzo Margherita, an exquisite 19th-century villa. Here, he celebrated a momentous occasion: his daughter Sofia’s wedding in 2011. The following year, Coppola and Grange wove their magic once more, transforming the villa into a splendid nine-room boutique hotel. This haven now radiates the rustic allure of Italian countryside living, sprinkled with the enchanting allure of Hollywood glamour.
The individually designed sumptuous suites are opulent, adorned with exquisite hand-painted frescoes, captivating Murano chandeliers, and elegant tile and marble floors. The Gia (Suite Eight) mesmerizes with its enchanting dusty-rose walls and a luxurious claw-foot tub. At the same time, the romantic Sofia (Suite Four) enchants with vaulted ceilings, beautifully painted walls, a large, inviting white bed, and ethereal gauzy floor-to-ceiling curtains. The hotel’s lounge is a cinephile’s paradise, boasting a meticulously curated library of art-house movies by Coppola, featuring 300 tantalizing Italian titles and a spellbinding program of evening screenings. Once a week, the courtyard transforms into a vibrant communal dinner party for guests, evoking the splendor of Babylon’s final days. Meanwhile, the ground floor Cinecittà Bar, adorned with iconic black-and-white photos of film stars, offers a picturesque view of Bernalda’s bustling main piazza.
Portrait Milano
- Location: Milan, Lombardy
- Reasons to Love It: The Milanese home you’ve always dreamed of
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Portrait Milano celebrates a bold blend of heritage and modernity. It breathes new life into the historic Seminario Arcivescovile. This seminary was founded in 1564 by the visionary St. Charles Borromeo. It has been transformed into a luxurious 73-room hotel. Each room exudes the elegant charm of the chic pied-à-terre you’ve always fantasized about. From the public spaces to the guest rooms, the acclaimed designer Michele Bönan masterfully weaves together vibrant hues and textures. He combines these elements with Ferragamo’s exquisite artisanal craftsmanship. Imagine leather paneling on the walls inspired by Ferragamo trunks. Picture textured rattan headboards and custom-designed walnut desks. Original Ferragamo design prints adorn all the accommodations. At the same time, the main lounge hall boasts a breathtaking 30-foot table. It showcases a meticulously curated collection of books. The collection includes works on fashion, architecture, and the soul of Milan.
At the heart of the 200,000-square-foot retreat is a mesmerizing column-lined courtyard. The vibrant public piazza hosts charming restaurants and exquisite boutiques within the colonnade. It is the ideal haven for delightful people-watching. Beneath this enchanting piazza, discover Portrait Milano’s Longevity spa and pool. This luxurious 7,500-square-foot subterranean wellness sanctuary is dedicated to ultimate pampering and rejuvenation.
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