Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Welcome to the cinematic landscapes of Tuscany, where the outskirts of the famed medieval town of Montepulciano hold a hidden gem – the Poggio Alla Sala estate. This enchanting retreat offers a timeless escape well-suited for families and couples seeking a peaceful, rejuvenating getaway. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and farmhouses, this enchanting retreat captivates guests with its natural beauty, exotic cuisine, wonderful wines and mystical ambience.

This used to be a Fiat factory – the car testing area that once featured in The Italian Job is now a jogging track – but the warehouse building has since been reimagined as a trendy hotel. In the Lingotto district, the NH branded property is right beside an entertainment complex and a short ride via metro to Turin’s centre. 240 modern rooms with high ceilings and workspaces are light and bright. Some have Alpine views and others come with kids’ toys. Pets are welcome too. The Turtle bar, Torpedo restaurant and tropical garden are the hotel’s food and drink outlets and those staying have free access to the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli gallery.

When you’ve visited the delightful town of Sirmione, you’ll understand why this area of Lake Garda is one of the most popular of tourist destinations. A stay at the 5-star Palace Hotel will allow that extra time needed to explore this most beautiful area of north Italy. Situated in the old town area, a five-minute stroll through the cobbled streets of old will have you entering the alluring Italian-style gardens with their marble fountains, statues, fragrant shrubs and flowering plants. With much use made of marble and ceramics in reception and guest rooms, the interior has a light contemporary feel, while the location provides the most stunning of backdrops.

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.

Spring 2022 saw the re-awakening of the fabled Castle Elvira in Puglia. Reimagined as a new designer hotel spread over four levels, the launch was three years in the making. This followed what has been an extensive period of abandonment, beginning not long after the castle’s construction in the late 1800s. Now its original detailing has been beautifully restored, including a cinema and rooftop bar, accompanied by eclectic furnishings and the latest tech. The result is a luxe, artistically-minded environment, the backdrop for Castle Elvira’s one-of-a-kind experiences.

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.

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.

The only 5-star hotel in the Riva Del Garda area, this elegant building from the late 1800s was originally built as a retreat for the well-heeled. The exterior is maintained in its original style, while the interior has undergone major refurbishment, providing a seamless blend of ancient and modern styling. Although located in the centre of the captivating little town of Riva Del Garde, once inside the hotel and its extensive gardens you are surrounded by a serene sense of calm. With two high quality restaurants, and a comprehensively equipped spa and fitness centre, including a Turkish bath, it is the ideal venue to relax and re-charge the batteries.

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.

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.

Marking the brand’s first urban resort, Six Senses Rome brings a wellness-focussed approach to a bustling metropolis. Lashings of interior foliage and planting help create a city-centre oasis that belies its super central location, with celebrated landmarks, such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum all within an easy stroll from the hotel door. Once a bank, the 18th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini has been transformed into a stunning five star hotel that offers guests elegant accommodation, supreme wellness and spa facilities, a rooftop terrace and casual dining restaurant – all enhanced with impeccable service.

Bulgari Milan is arguably the most outwardly glamorous hotel in the city, as the building itself is a renovated 18th-century palace. It lies around 1km from Milan Cathedral, on its own private street in the downtown area. Standard rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, marble bathrooms and either garden or courtyard views, and upgraded rooms include a walk-in closet. Meanwhile, high-class suites include a living area and a dining area. Among the hotel’s other features are a 4,000-square-meter private garden and a traditional Italian restaurant.