Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Once the private estate of film director Franco Zeffirelli and having played host to well-heeled visitors such as Elizabeth Taylor, Villa TreVille is no stranger to a bit of glamour. Enjoy total peace and privacy at this stunning estate consisting of four villas, filled with much of Zeffirelli’s collection of art and curiosities with each of the 16 guest suites being uniquely decorated to reflect their namesake cultural icons. Our favourite might be the Aida suite decorated in refreshing blues and whites and featuring delicate Arabic decorations and paintings to bring a subtle exotic flavour to the room, reminiscent of Verdi’s epic opera. The villas are surrounded by verdant gardens with lovely reclusive spots to relax, cooling plunge pools to escape the heat, and private balconies for a romantic view like no other. Meticulous attention to detail is the key here and the resort promises discreet and personalised service, whether you have an Elizabeth Taylor attitude or not. 

Set amongst a shaded garden of citrus trees and Donna Carmela roses is Palazzo Murat, a tranquil oasis at the heart of the town. Legend has it that Joachim Murat, the King of Naples visited the palace when he came to Positano in 1808, loved the property, and spent the hottest summer months here with his lovers. And it’s no wonder – this hotel is beautifully romantic, despite being right at the centre of town. The public rooms have a certain grandeur about them with vaulted ceilings and are peppered with antiques and fine paintings. Whilst the décor is kept quite simple and fresh here, the details do the talking – expect opulent fabrics, four poster beds and tall French windows opening onto private balconies. Pass beneath the intricate wrought-iron gateway and find yourself in the romantic courtyard, covered in sweet smelling Bougainvillea. The hotel also boasts an incredible restaurant where tables sit under a leafy pergola and specialises in fresh seafood like lobster and turbot.  

Opened in 1951 by four Neapolitan brothers who turned their summer house into a charming hotel overlooking the bay, Le Sirenuse is now a 58-room resort and known to be one of Italy’s leading and most enduring seaside luxury hotels. Located at the centre of the town on the Amalfi Drive, the rooms and terraces are 70m above the beautiful sea and offer views of the town itself but also the breathtaking bay. The maroon painted frontage makes Le Sirenuse stand out amongst the other neutral buildings on the terraces. Inside you will find an eclectic collection of antique furniture and curated art in the rabbit warren of rooms. Walls are kept white and contrast with the terracotta-tiles on the floor, whilst large French windows opening onto massive terraces provide lots of light. If you fancy spending more time outside, the compact pool terrace has outdoor loungers with lemon trees offering welcoming shade, whilst the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant is entirely candle-lit and views over the twinkling resorts lights – romance at its best! 

Palazzo Margherita invites guests from all over the world to feel at home in one of seven homely apartments, nestled in the quaint hillside of Positano. Each apartment is uniquely furnished with bright colours, reminiscent of the typical Mediterranean style, and contains every home comfort to enhance your stay. A 7-day minimum stay is plenty of time to get comfortable and acquainted with the unforgettable vistas of the world-famous, azure Amalfi Coast from the hotel’s stunning terraces. This 19th-century building combines classic design with modern-day commodities to continue to tell the tale of the Palazzo Margherita’s history. The apartments are situated in an ideal location to explore Positano and other nearby tourist hotspots like Sorrento, Pompeii and Amalfi. There are plenty of public transport and private hire options available for an adventure around the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples which are brimming with Michelin-starred eateries and points of interest to enchant guests.

Spanning 1700 acres of the Serchio Valley and set into the hillside, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort overlooks the town itself. An outdoor pool terrace with loungers provides spectacular views, while inside, there’s a further pool as part of the wellness area. The building is a pretty, pink, traditional style villa with shuttered windows. Interiors and 180 bedrooms are decorated in a warming contemporary Italian design, using plush fabrics and earthy colours. Meals can be taken al fresco on the sun-soaked terrace of La Veranda, with regular theme nights offered and drinks can be enjoyed in the Nour Lounge.

A former noble’s residence, this five-century old villa is now a romantic hotel close to the village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The country estate encompasses forestry, gardens and a waterfall. Rooms evoke the building’s heritage, with oil paintings, ornate wooden four-poster beds, antique furnishings, heavy drapes, chandeliers and a Regency colour scheme. And in addition to the main villa, there’s a farmhouse containing three apartments — for those wanting a little more private space. Its location provides plenty of opportunities to explore the native parkland and take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool. Warm Italian hospitality and delicious home baking await the guests at Villa Bertagni.

What was once a reef side fortress has been lovingly restored, to create a whitewashed ten-bedroomed boutique hotel right in Monopoli. Original features such as vaulted stone ceilings, fireplaces and limestone floors have been maintained, complimented by handicrafts, carved wood headboards and mod cons including hydro showers. The rooftop terrace is a romantic spot in which to savour some seasonal Puglian cuisine or take a dip in the little sea-view pool that’s sheltered by a rustic stone wall. Massages can be booked in-room or taken in a dedicated outdoor treatment area and breakfast is served in the 16th-century cellar.

Originally built in 1822, Hotel La Palma, is one of Capri’s most exclusive and luxurious hotels. The hotel’s 50 suites and rooms have all been recently renovated by renowned interior designer Francis Sultana. They are modern yet playful and thus are inviting and fun. Hotel La Palma is home to its own private beach club on Capris white sands, its own fitness centre, spa and picturesque pool. The hotel is home to three separate restaurants which include a lively terrace restaurant and a restaurant at the hotel’s beach club which specializes in fresh seafood. Yet the hotel’s culinary piece de resistance is Gennaro’s, a relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant named after its Michelin-starred executive Chef Gennaro Esposito who specializes in classic Italian dishes.

Just moments away from the Piazetta, La Scalinatella, is the definition of serenity. La Scalinatella overlooks the sea and cliffs of Capri making it one of Capri’s most beautiful hotels. La Scalinatella’s rooms and suites are bathed in natural light which reflects off the room’s exquisite floor tiles, this makes the rooms feel exceedingly welcoming and comfortable. The hotel is also home to private Villas which offer guests the chance to experience the height of luxury. La Scalinatella is home to all the amenities one might want like a pool on the upper terrace, a second pool overlooking the sea, a fitness centre and a beautifully kept garden. The hotel’s restaurant, Casa Morgano, is a perfect choice for guests wishing to enjoy the incredible culinary traditions of Southern Italy all whilst sitting in one of Capri’s most sophisticated restaurants.

The boutique Hotel Villa Brunella Capri boasts one of the most scenic views of the iconic Marina Piccola. It is located on the Via Tragara which makes it the perfect place for those wishing to be near the town centre whilst remaining away from the crowds. Villa Brunella’s rooms and suites are light and spacious, with many of them featuring private terraces which gaze out at the glistening Mediterranean. Villa Brunella is also home to a panoramic pool, fitness centre and has its own in-room spa service. Located on the top floor of the hotel, L’Agave restaurant gazes out over the towns, cliffs and sea of Capri. L’Agave is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the island as it serves deliciously fresh Italian classics and seafood.

Duomo Suites & Spa Cacaptures the essence of Sicilian charm in each of its 17 rooms and suites while exuding modern design and comfort. This luxury, cinema-themed hotel offers a blissful getaway in a range of guestroom options including the unbeatable Le Grand Bleu Spa Suite – complete with a fully equipped wellness area with a private hammam, jacuzzi, and sensory shower. Some rooms have balconies that offer alfresco relaxation in the centre of Catania. The hotel is ideally located a stone’s throw from the charming and bustling Duomo Square and provides a serene sanctuary for guests to enjoy thanks to the indulgent on-site spa. Duomo Suites & Spa Catania is the ideal getaway for those wishing to discover the secrets of Catania and its rich history.

Hotel Bristol Palace Genoa is located in the very heart of the beautiful port city of Genoa and allows for easy exploration of the stunning and historical surroundings. The hotel is conveniently surrounded by incredible sights including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Via Garibaldi. The hotel has recently been renovated and incorporated modernity and functionality into its charming design. There are 133 rooms and suites to choose from and are completely pet-friendly. Each room is decadently decorated with a traditional design in spacious and brightly lit spaces. The hotel also boasts 10 reception rooms and 8 meeting spaces which are perfect for hosting any event. The on-site Giotto restaurant makes for the perfect venue for special occasions and banquets and includes a seasonal terrace option from June to September. The restaurant itself serves exquisite delicacies throughout the day and is open to guests and the public alike.