Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Set beside the promenade, this was the first 5-star beachfront hotel in Jesolo when it arrived in 2014. But you don’t have to swim in the neighbouring sea; Almar Stephen Abragan has a 70-metre pool onsite, besides its Mediterra restaurant and LightBlue Bar. The Almablu Spa – which includes a seafront hydromassage area – is connected to the outdoor pool via a glass tunnel. 197 rooms and suites follow a timeless ‘Made in Italy’ design ethos and all have a private terrace. A River Lounge Bar sits next to a cascading water ‘river’ installation, and there are lovely lush gardens.

Set in the historic centre along a cobblestone lane, La Bandita is a 12-bedroom residence owned by ex Sony Music mogul John Voigtmann. A rambling 15th-century palazzo (home to nuns for over five centuries), the townhouse has exposed walls and original features, melded with industrial touches. Its Caffe restaurant and bar enables diners to interact with the chef as meals are prepared using the freshest Tuscan ingredients. And there’s a covered outdoor area for drinks, inside the hotel’s walled medieval garden. La Bandita also has a library lounge with a collection of vinyl, an honesty bar and a relaxation area with a Turkish bath.

The Grand Hotel Fasano sits on the edge of Lake Garda and close to the popular Gardone Riviera. Built in the 18th century as a hunting lodge for Austrian aristocracy, the Ville Principe was converted into a luxury hotel in 1888, with the second part of the hotel added in 1903. An elegant 5-star hotel, rooms are bright and airy with all the usual 5-star extras including a laptop in each room. Enjoy breakfast on your terrace overlooking the lake, before taking advantage of the well-equipped wellness centre, spa and swimming pools.

This is the oldest hotel in the area, having opened in 1870 under the ownership of a wealthy English marine biologist. Its vantage point — on top of a hill in the residential district of Posillipo — provides glittering vistas over the Bay of Naples, Capri and Mount Vesuvius, as enjoyed over the wrought iron balcony on the terrace. Guests staying in the Grand’s 67 bedrooms enjoy Neapolitan tailor-made service, antique furnishings and access to multiple restaurants and bars. Its George Restaurant has a Michelin star, whilst the Villa Matilde offers a Wine Archeology experience.

A former Dominican monastery, this 15th-century palazzo has been converted into a hotel, with views of the Mediterranean Sea, Mount Etna and its lush gardens. The double Michelin-starred Principe Cerami restaurant, serving exquisite Sicilian menus curated by Etna-born chef Massimo Mantarro, enjoys a romantic setting and is a real highlight of any stay here. Further amenities include a bar and a lounge, a large outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa offering treatments using organic products. The San Domenico Palace is within walking distance from the historic centre.

The Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is a 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of Trieste, overlooking Trieste’s beautiful sea-view square. The hotel is housed in a stunning building and is comprised of a collection of 37 luxurious rooms and suites as well as 8 private apartments featuring the Master Suite Duplex with Two Bedrooms – Annex. On-site dining is available at Harry’s Restaurant serving haute cuisine with weather-permitting alfresco dining options. Guests can also opt to savour light dishes and carefully crafted beverages in the cosy Harry’s Bar, all throughout the day. There is a range of activities, experiences and events taking place in and around the hotel as well as dedicated hotel staff who are on hand to help you plan the perfect stay. The hotel is situated a short walk from the charming Piazza Unità d’Italia and offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and cosmopolitan living.

Iconic Tuscan resort Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco sits in a 5,000-acre country estate located in Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a mix of guests who wish to enjoy a Tuscan adventure; from couples, families and groups. The resort now comprises a total of 42 suites and 11 villas all beautifully appointed. Guests can make use of the resort’s infinity pool with views over Montalcino and a newly unveiled pool bar. There is a superb programme of seasonal events and excursions designed for an array of interests and passions; from historical horse races and tours of famous movie sets to bike excursions through spectacular landscapes and wine-inspired spa treatments – the new guest experiences encourage visitors to thoroughly explore their surroundings and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the historical region. Known as a superb culinary destination, the resort features two outstanding restaurants, an organic kitchen garden and a cooking school where guests can enjoy delicious dishes that express local culinary traditions. After the success of last year’s winter season extension, the resort will remain open until 7 January 2023, allowing travellers to discover Tuscany in its quieter ‘secret season’, through autumn, winter and into the New Year.

COMO Castello Del Nero is set within a historic 740-acre estate nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The converted twelfth-century castle combines contemporary design with Renaissance frescoes. This theme flows throughout each of the 50 rooms and suites, which were designed by Paola Navone. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences including the Michelin-starred restaurant La Torre, a relaxed Italian vibe in the castle’s original kitchen and Mediterranean-style alfresco dining in the warmer months. The prime location of the resort means there are many outdoor adventures to be had in the nearby area or for those not wanting to stray too far, there is a wonderful selection of experiences on offer at the resort; from cooking classes and truffle hunting to stargazing and wine tastings. The wellness centre, COMO Shambhala Retreat, presents guests with Asian-inspired holistic mind and body treatments and the 25m heated outdoor pool is the ideal place to cool off in beautiful surroundings.

A Michelin-starred restaurant and freshwater infinity pool set right on the lake are just two standout features of this luxury hotel in the village of Torno. Offering luxury accommodation (suites only) decorated by a Wallpaper Magazine Designer of The Year, Il Sereno has Lake Como lapping at its foundations. Panoramic views are complemented by high style and classic Italian design and guests can enjoy excellent facilities including a spa (in the original century-old boathouse) with sauna and steam room, beautifully kept gardens, on-site cooking lessons, and fishing.

Armani Hotel Milano is a 5-star escape and embodies the Milanese essence of sophistication and style. There are plenty of options when it comes to the spacious guestrooms and suites including private balconies and terraces and featuring the exclusive Armani Presidential Two-Bedroom Suite with its rooftop terrace and spectacular skyline views. Exquisite dishes are on offer at the incredible Armani/Ristorante and Armani/Bamboo Bar with its unique Alchemy of Flavours menu – designed to take guests on an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Serenity is achievable in this vibrant city thanks to the Armani/Spa and its sensational treatments. There is also a high-tech gym which is open 24 hours a day. Armani Hotel Milano prides itself on elegant event spaces for hosting anything from a business meeting to a private wedding celebration.

With a view across to the lovely village of Bellagio, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the most imposing hotels in the heart of Lake Como. Set in lush gardens with the Grigne Mountains as the backdrop, the lovely art nouveau hotel offers luxury accommodation in rooms and suites including a number of historic suites with facilities such as access to private garden areas, and also rooftop suites for spectacular views. Guests can dine in excellent gourmet restaurants (once patronised by Greta Garbo), enjoy treatments in a luxury spa, and swim in various lovely pools and from the lake’s only private beach.

Part of The Leading Hotels of the World collection this historic hotel is a splendid five-star resort, with a great emphasis on health and well-being. It has regained its former splendour through a series of renovations and restorations bringing new life whilst still maintaining old charm and character. The hotel and spa resort is in San Giuliano Terme which is located between Pisa and Lucca; surrounded by the Pisan Mountains and immersed in the valley carved out by the Arno and Serchio rivers. It is a beautiful part of Italy and is known for its thermal springs and a millennia-old history. Guests can choose from cosy Comfort Rooms to the stylish suites with their 18th-century vaults frescoed in pastel colours, parqueted lofts, floors in marble, Tuscan earthenware and attractive Carrara marble bathrooms. Views from the hotel capture the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside and from certain points, the Leaning Tower of Pisa can also be seen. The resort is home to a large spa with natural hot springs, there is a wellness centre with an indoor pool, steam bath and sauna. A variety of massages, beauty treatments, and wellness therapies are also available. The Byron Court terrace offers guests the perfect place to unwind with a drink, whilst enjoying the sounds of live piano music and the Dei Lorena Restaurant, overlooking the Leaning Tower, presents delicious Tuscan specialities along with low-calorie and vegetarian dishes on their menu. The stunning five-star resort is a place to reconnect with yourself and with nature.