Italy
Where does one begin with Italy? Italy is the land of mouthwatering meals that last all night, heady wines to drink underneath olive trees, pastel villas built into sheer cliffs above the crystal blue Tyrrhenian Sea, and Renaissance paintings and marble sculptures that leave you awestruck and inspired. It is everyone’s dream to travel to Italy, and for good reason. Whether you are heading to the beach or to the mountains, to the vineyards or to the cities, the possibilities are truly endless.
Lake Como
Lake Como’s appeal is a timeless one. Located in the north of Italy, near Milan, this natural paradise has been a popular destination since the time of the ancient Romans. Lake Como travel means exploring medieval remnants in stone villages like Bellagio and Varenna; it also means being surrounded by opulent villas on lakeside estates. Rolling vineyards, olive trees, wisteria vines and Alpine peaks are the cherry on top.
Preferred Accommodations
Villa D’Este
Perched at the edge of Italy’s fabled Lake Como, Villa D’Este is sort of the king amongst kings when it comes to old-school Italian luxury. The building is classic Italian stucco (it was built as a summer home for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio in 1568), and the experience is as luxe as you would expect—between Venetian glass chandeliers, a pool that floats out onto the lake, and a state-of-the-art Turkish bath. As many rooms have gorgeous views of the lake, you don’t need to do much more than open the drapes for an epic backdrop, but the 25 acres of appropriately lavish Renaissance-style gardens that surround the hotel don’t hurt either.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
With a spot-on location on the west side of Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a historic grande-dame hotel that would tickle Wes Anderson. Rooms are fantastically over the top with heavily swagged curtains, antique gilt-framed mirrors, velvet armchairs and bathrooms in marble from top to bottom.
Amalfi Coast & Capri
When it’s time for a break from Italy’s art museums, Roman ruins, and churches filled with Old Masters paintings, sunseekers flock to the Amalfi Coast to hobnob with the glitterati in Positano, get lost in the fragrant hilltop gardens of Ravello, and soak in the breeze and scent of fresh lemon trees in Capri.
Preferred Accommodations in Positano
Le Sirenuse
When it comes to romance, you can’t do much better than pastel-hued Positano, and Le Sirenuse—one of its most historic (opened in 1951) and glamorous hotels—takes full advantage of the storybook setting. Each of the beautifully appointed guestrooms boasts killer views of either the sea or the lush courtyards and is designed to keep the hustle and bustle of the pool and on-site restaurants and bars at bay.
Il San Pietro di Positano
One mile outside town is just far enough to escape Positano’s crowds at the coast’s most famous cliff-top hideaway, which spills down the sides of a rocky promontory, its terraced rooms discreetly hidden amid a profusion of flowering plants. The elegant guest quarters—decorated in a singularly odd mix of gilded 18th-century-style elegance and 1970s fab—all come with sea views from private balconies (and, in some cases, from the showers).
Preferred Accommodations in Ravello
Belmond Hotel Caruso
As if its location in an 11th century palace weren’t enough, this hotel literally sits above Ravello, with stunning views of the sea at its feet. They offer daily boat rides around the Amalfi Coast (or to Positano), or you can linger in the infinity pool perched above the city.
Palazzo Avino
It has remained a consistent fave for summer travel with rooms layered in 17th- through 19th-century antiques, Vietri tile floors, and Frette and Bulgari appointments. But the main attraction? Sea view, sea view, sea view. Even the gym and heated pool come with sweeping views (the pool from an underwater window).
Preferred Accommodations in Capri
JK Place Capri
If Fellini had designed a hotel, JK Place Capri would have been it. This brilliantly white, Italian deco-inspired estate overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea feels miles from anywhere but is still a quick jaunt from all the island's glitz and glam. You’ll remember the wafting fragrances from its citrus trees and the sun-soaked poolside hours long after you wave goodbye.
Capri Tiberio Palace
Fashion designer turned architect Giampiero Panepinto’s soothing pastel-hued interiors are decorated with eye-catching polka-dot wingback chairs and inlaid majolica floors, and most of the 60 guest rooms overlook the Mediterranean. The stylish setting on the Gulf of Naples is a scene, which is exactly what makes the centrally located—yet oh-so-tranquil—Capri Tiberio Palace a top property for the summer.
Puglia
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia exhibits the rustic tranquility of the Italian countryside with the Baroque luxury of world-class hotels that are nestled inside 15th-century convents. Despite its cultural richness and architecture, Puglia is still one of the least explored regions of Italy, offering a coastline bathed by two crystal blue seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian.
Preferred Accommodations
Borgo Egnazia
There is nothing in Puglia quite like this, a vast hotel-village with a riad feel that sprawls luxuriantly over three areas. At the centre is a gorgeous 63-room masseria hotel. Though this blinding-white stone monolith looks as ancient as the fortified farmhouses that surround it, sprawling Borgo Egnazia is actually brand-new. Rooms are monochromatic, splicing luxe (limestone double sinks; wide shaded terraces) with unexpected design moments (single olive branches in lieu of flowers).
Masseria Torre Maizza
Masseria Torre Maizza reopens its doors in May 2019 under the Rocco Forte brand. Built more than 500 years ago, the iconic property is the perfect example of contemporary sophistication and historical charm. Its 40 light and luxurious rooms and suites are designed by Olga Polizzi and offer a wonderfully romantic retreat. The masseria is set amongst orchards and olive groves, with a rooftop bar and wonderful restaurant that overlooks the swimming pool.
