Italy
Passalacqua, Lake Como
In Moltrasio on Lake Como, Passalacqua is an 18th-century villa reborn in frescoed salons, terraced gardens and whisper-soft glamour. Sunlit rooms and suites, some in the Casa al Lago, gaze across the water. Swim by the lemon-grove pool, book the intimate spa, and dine al fresco, private dock; Como, Bellagio and villas nearby. 10
Il San Pietro di Positano
Carved into Positano’s cliffside, Il San Pietro is Mediterranean theatre made serene: bougainvillea-framed terraces, sea-breeze rooms, and a private elevator to a hidden beach club. Dine at Michelin-starred Zass, linger at Il Carlino, laze by the sea-level deck and courts. Capri, Amalfi and Ravello unfurl by boat from the jetty. 10
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
On Lake Como’s glittering shores, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is Belle Époque exuberance with jaunty, sunlit swagger. Citrus-bright salons and lake-facing rooms gaze to Bellagio. Float in the floating pool, wander tiered gardens, book T Spa, dine at L’Escale and La Terrazza. Ferries, villas and sunset promenades unfurl from its doorstep. 9.8
Le Sirenuse, Positano
In Positano’s heart, Le Sirenuse is an elegant whitewashed palazzo draped in bougainvillaea and lemon scent. Sunlit rooms with Vietri tiles and balconies face the Tyrrhenian. Swim in the cliffside pool, book the small spa, dine at La Sponda, and sip at Franco’s Bar. Steps to the beach, boutiques, and boat launches. 9.8
Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli, Venice
Set in a restored Gothic palazzo in Cannaregio, the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli marries lagoon-old grandeur with crisp contemporary poise. Frescoed salons, cloistered courtyards and a water door lead to serene rooms and suites. Dine under stucco, unwind in the discreet spa. Steps from Rialto, Fondaco, canals and vaporetto.
Casa Cipriani Milano
Beside Porta Venezia, Casa Cipriani Milano feels like a discreet members’ club: polished wood, marble, and Milanese light. Only 15 elegantly tailored rooms and suites, many with balconies. Dine on the rooftop terrace, sip a Bellini, retreat to the spa and gym. Steps to Giardini Montanelli, fashion avenues and galleries. 9.8
The Gritti Palace, Venice
On the Grand Canal facing Santa Maria della Salute, the Gritti Palace wraps Renaissance opulence in intimate, residential calm. Silk-draped rooms and suites showcase antiques and terrazzo. Breakfast on the terrace, dine at Club del Doge, sip at Bar Longhi. Private dock; La Fenice, Accademia and San Marco minutes away. 9.4
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
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Set within a Renaissance palazzo and former convent, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze unfurls frescoes, cloisters and the vast Giardino della Gherardesca. Sunlit rooms feel museum-calm; suites spill to terraces. Laze by the garden pool, book the serene spa, dine at Il Palagio. Minutes from the Duomo yet blissfully tucked away. 9.8
J.K. Place, Capri
Above Marina Grande, J.K. Place Capri is seaside townhouse-glamour: white lacquer, navy stripes and breezy terraces. Sun-bright rooms and suites, many with balconies, face the Tyrrhenian. Laze by the clifftop pool, book the boutique spa, dine at JKitchen, linger over aperitivo. Steps to the Piazzetta, beach clubs and boat days. 10
Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa
In lakeside Menaggio, Grand Hotel Victoria marries Belle Époque bones with crisp contemporary polish. Sunlit rooms and suites open to lake-view balconies. Drift between indoor–outdoor pools, the Erre Spa, and chic bars and restaurants. Terraces, gardens and a private jetty set the tone. Ferries to Bellagio and Varenna depart nearby. 9.8
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