OVERVIEW
‘La Dolce Vita’ sums Italy up and you’d be hard pressed to find a sweeter life than one sipping an excellent Rioja surrounded by olive groves. In fact it’s difficult not to be inspired by any number of hotels which is why many of our itineraries turn into a mini tour, packing in as much as one can see, whilst still maintaining an air of rest and relaxation.
We specialise in bespoke honeymoons, exploring the country by classic car. Starting in Pisa or Florence to soak up the culture before heading down to Tuscany and then the Amalfi coast, via Rome. Combining hotels with private villas, B&B’s with boat charters, we just think it would be rude not to show you all the country has to offer.
Or how about finally ticking Puglia off your list? Within easy reach of two airports, Bari and Brindisi, popularity has soared for this once-overlooked part of Italy. Winding tracks will take you to medieval villages and untouched coastline and boutique hotels have popped up at a rate of knots. Boasting sunny days until early October, we just recommend you go with an empty stomach, to ensure you have room for every last mouthful of hospitality.
I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list
Susan Sontag
CURRENT FAVES
AMALFI COAST
CAPRI TIBERIO PALACE
CAPRI
Just a short walk from Capri’s main square, Capri Tiberio Palace is perfectly located. Just a five-minute stroll to the main piazzetta, this hotel was fully refurbished in 2010 by the innovative interior designer, Giampiero Panepinto, combining eclectic stylish fabrics with the style of 1960’s Capri. With only 46 rooms and suites, enjoy drinks at the Jacky Bar followed by supper at Terrazzo Tiberio which serves Mediterranean cuisine. The Spa Tiberio has an indoor-outdoor pool, hydrotherapy pools and steam rooms along with spa treatment rooms for the ultimate in relaxation.
PALAZZO AVINO
RAVELLO
This beautiful Moorish hotel is tucked away in glorious gardens in the medieval village of Ravello. Offering spectacular views over the Amalfi coast, this former twelfth century nobleman’s villa has been lovingly restored. There is an open air fitness area, a spa with hydrotherapy pool and a panoramic rooftop solarium with Jacuzzi whirlpools. Spend your days at the private beach club or just relax by the pool in the terraced gardens. Lunch can be enjoyed on their terrace at Terrazza Belvedere, before making room for supper at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Rossellini’s.
FLORENCE
GALLERY HOTEL ART
This stylish hotel comes courtesy of the Ferragamo family so you can expect impeccable design throughout this stylish boutique hotel. Just moments from the 14th century Ponte Vecchio, expect modern and minimal lines against the stark contrast to the architecture of the city. With the bonus of a delightful little roof terrace aside the hotel’s restaurant and Fusion bar, this hotel offers fantastic quality at a great price.
PORTO ERCOLE
IL PELLICANO
Located on the jet set Porto Ercole peninsula, Il Pellicano clings to a steep cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 50 bedroom hangout has been the hotel of choice for movie stars for years, popping down to their seaside sundeck by the hotel’s elevator. You can take a boat trip to local islands to visit Roman ruins or snorkel in the clear waters of Tuscan Archipelago’s marine sanctuary. Their restaurant has 2 Michelin stars or head down to the local harbour to experience local cuisine. With cooking classes and cocktail classes available at the hotel though, there’s not much reason to leave.
PUGLIA
BORGO EGNAZIA
Open all year round, this exclusive 5* resort echoes the true authenticity of a Puglian village. With expansive grounds housing three swimming pools and gardens with views towards the Adriatic Sea, the location is picture perfect. There are plenty of gorgeous restaurant options including Pescheria da Vito on the beach. Additionally the hotel has a cookery school, kids club and spa, making it one of the most luxurious family retreats. Similarly, there are amazing beaches and 40-acre grounds to explore on one of the resort bikes. This really is one of Puglia’s best kept secrets.
SAN CASSIANO
HOTEL FANES
Mainly traditional in style, yet with all the modern luxuries you would expect and more of a present day 4* superior hotel. Overlooking the pretty village of San Cassiano, with the stunning Dolomites surrounding, the Hotel Fanes offers an amazing 2,000 sqm spa with an indoor/outdoor pool, various sauna’s and thermal experiences, as well as an outdoor plunge pool, sauna and hot tub along with their new ‘Sky Pool’. With a great restaurant, impressive wine cellar and 5-minute transfer to the lifts via their complimentary shuttle, it’s well worth a visit to one of Italy’s most breath-taking mountain ranges
TUSCANY
BORGO PIGNANO
Known for their organic farm, Borgo Pignano is set on a 750-acre estate set around a restored 18th century Tuscan villa. With a mixture of rooms, maisonettes and villas, guests can enjoy their stunning infinity pool (carved out of limestone rock), borrow bikes, go horse riding, book a yoga class, wine tasting or cooking class. Now, they can even arrange an apiary tour (their bee colony is one of the few in the world that is growing) and even a tour of their new vintage car museum. Or just sit back with a good book. You’re likely to find leaving the hotel difficult but if you can, you’re just a short drive from the historic hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano, the vineyards of Chianti and within easy reach of the medieval cities of Florence and Siena.
VENICE
CA’ DI DIO
Ca’di Dio are so pleased to open their doors for the first time in the summer of 2021 – one of the most exciting openings for Venice in a long time. Think boutique (only 66 rooms), contemporary, personable hotel, with magnificent courtyards and spectacular views of the lagoon. A 10-minute walk from St Mark’s Square in the ‘Arsenale area’ – otherwise known as the art district! (Perfect for all the Biennale lovers – it’s right on your doorstep.) The perfect Venetian home to stay away from the crowds but still walking distance to explore this beautiful city.