Best Design Hotels in Italy

Located in the lush Chianti countryside, One Belvedere Tuscany is a serene and luxurious wellness retreat for discerning travellers seeking to slow down and reconnect with themselves and nature. Founded by visionary Natacha Fazal-Karim, the wellness sanctuary embodies her ‘Soul Aligned’ philosophy, where mind, body, and earth unite in harmony. Set on a 50-acre regenerative bio-farm between Florence and Siena, One Belvedere Tuscany invites guests to experience sustainable luxury through design, nature, and mindful living.

Surrounded by Chianti Classico vineyards and home to Belvedere 1 Castellina in Chianti Winery, guests can also explore the stories of the land, olive oils and its wines, apart from enjoying other wellness and lifestyle led experiences guests can enjoy premier fine dining at the exquisite QB Cucina, a deliciously vegetarian restaurant led by Chef Federico Viti. Refined accommodation options include the spacious suite Villa N or 3 fully furnished apartments, available to book individually or the entire property can be booked for exclusive use.

Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Roma is set along the prestigious Via Veneto, bringing together contemporary Japanese design and timeless Roman elegance in the heart of the Eternal City. The hotel offers 117 rooms and suites, including the striking three-bedroom Nobu Villa with a rooftop terrace overlooking the historic skyline.

Designed by the Rockwell Group, the interiors blend calm minimalism with classic detailing, creating a sanctuary that feels both luxurious and serene. Dining is led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, serving his signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the main restaurant, alongside an intimate sushi counter and stylish bar.

The hotel also features a serene spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and flexible event spaces. With its prime location close to the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese, Nobu Hotel Roma embodies sophisticated city living through exceptional design, service, and gastronomy.

Locanda le Piazze, crafted by Natacha Fazal-Karim and cherished by guests for over a decade, is a luxurious boutique hotel housed in a 16th-century farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany, offering an eco-conscious sanctuary. Surrounded by lush olive groves and vineyards, guests from all over the world are invited to stay in one of 20 elegantly appointed guestrooms and experience a world of serenity and sophistication. Traditional character and charm meet modern design with every contemporary comfort on hand to make each stay seamless. The hotel boasts beautiful outdoor areas including a swimming pool offering panoramic views and gazebos for relaxing in the shade. Guests’ wellbeing and sustainability are the priority in the full service AnaiSpa and there’s a fitness centre for keeping fit on the go. On-site, farm-to-table dining is on offer with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced as part of Locanda Le Piazze’s commitment to sustainability.

Nhow Milano, a pioneering design disrupter, is the hotel that helped shape modern-day Zona Tortona, the sought-after fashion and design district of Milan. The hotel has 246 rooms and suites and some of the best meeting spaces in the area. Set above the bold and playful nhow Milano is Vertigo Milano by Purobeach, the rooftop destination for people in the know. With its glass-bottom pool, stylish sun decks, circular plunge pools, and cocktail bar, this is no hideaway, it’s the place to be. Sunbathe, swim, sip Franciacorta, dine under the stars or dance into the night, this is Milan’s summer playground in the sky.

Located on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, steps from the Duomo, W Florence transforms the former Grand Hotel Majestic into a vibrant, design-led retreat. The hotel offers 119 rooms and suites, including a Penthouse with a 140-square-metre terrace and panoramic city views. Interiors by AvroKO blend 1960s Italian glamour with bold modern details, complemented by artwork from Adam Ellis Studio. Guests can enjoy dining at Tratto, rooftop cocktails at Zefiro (opens late summer 2025), Japanese-Korean cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, and social evenings at W Lounge. Additional highlights include a central courtyard, 24-hour FIT gym, rooftop garden, and flexible event spaces.

Located one street further back from the waterfront than the Grand Hotel, Principe Forte Dei Marmi provides guests with free bicycle hire to explore the party district of Forte Dei Marmi. The hotel itself is a sanctuary, however, perfect for dipping in and out of the fashionable local bars with live DJ sets. It’s a large, gated property incorporating a serene spa with a hammam, cold lavender mist shower, Russian banya, cold mint storm and an indoor pool (in addition to the outdoor pool with comfy loungers). Italian designers have worked their chic magic with the 28 rooms and there are several sophisticated dining options, plus a sought-after rooftop bar – one of the most exclusive spots in the area.

You don’t get any more boutique or high end on Via del Corso than Corso 281 Luxury Suites. Located on the main thoroughfare of the city right in the heart of high street brand shopping, this 12 room property is positioned perfectly. With stunning designer interiors, Nespresso machines, and luxurious Bulgari amenities, each of the architecturally appointed rooms boasts views of Roman rooftops or the grand Piazza Venezia. An added comfort and touch is the smart device in each room to help you navigate the city like a true local.

In the buzzing Navigli district of Milan lies the modern and luxurious Aethos Milan with 32 vintage Italian-style rooms, suites and an apartment featuring original décor. The Aethos Dependance apartment is located mere steps from the main hotel building and offers charming views of the Darsena. Guests can opt to dine in the divine ZAÏA restaurant with its Mediterranean menu which has influences from all over Italy and the countries that influenced their cuisine. Be sure to stop by the The Doping Bar for an expertly crafted cocktail by one of the inventive mixologists or take part in any of the exciting events. Aethos offers a private member’s club offering benefits in their hotels and restaurants with a club location in this hotel. The hotel also boasts a fully equipped fitness centre and diverse private event space options.

The Aethos Sardinia is a beautifully designed hotel in a serene and secluded location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel offers a selection of luxurious rooms and suites with splendid sea and garden views as well as terrace, balcony and private garden options. This hotel features the Grand 3-bedroom Pool Suite with its tranquil private garden, 200m panoramic walking path and freshwater pool. Guests are invited to dine at the ZAÏA Sardinia restaurant and savour the flavours and traditions of the island. You can lounge by the serene outdoor pool or take full advantage excellent spa facilities. There are wellness treatments and experiences available to transport you during your stay. The hotel also boasts a unique outdoor fitness room with floor to ceiling windows and unbeatable views.

The casa is an amalgamation of five shuttered houses, to create a 13-bedroom boutique bed and breakfast. Each of the buildings has a lounge on the ground floor, shared with the residents of that house and offering tea, coffee, treats and a daily “help yourself” breakfast. Guests can book out an entire house if desired, or a single bedroom. The suites all have an airy feel, with similarities to a New York loft in places; think exposed red brick and industrial-chic metal bed four-poster frames. Locally made linens and textiles have been woven into the design, including Orsoni mosaic tiles.

Situated north of San Teodoro, close to Lu Impostu—one of the island’s most stunning beaches—this elegant 98-room resort is nestled within the splendid Mediterranean landscape. With its white sands and crystal-clear waters, the resort is an idyllic setting for experiencing the natural beauty of Sardinia. Guests have access to a variety of water sports activities including diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and boat tours. Culinary aficionados will delight in the resort’s multiple dining options. For those seeking relaxation, the exquisite spa at the hotel offers a peaceful retreat.

Rome Glam Hotel sits right on the edge of the cool, boho Monti neighbourhood where young and local designers are dotted throughout. Its location makes it great for shopping and exploring this area as well as quick access to many of the museums in the centre including Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the Scuderie del Quirinale. Designer and boutique interiors plus a rooftop terrace is a bonus.