Italy – there’s no place like it, and sometimes all you need is an iconic Italian actress to remind you. The landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful, from the romantic Aeolian Islands of the south, to the glamorous Italian Riviera of the north – with a loved-up plate of Spaghetti alla Norma and a glass (or two) of sangiovese in between – the magic of travel in Italy never fades. These four grand Italian destinations may even convince you to throw your hands up and move there altogether. Cue the daydreaming.
Ai Faraglioni, Scopello, Sicily
This off-the-grid luxury villa is where coastal white-washed walls house some of the south’s most unique modernist design. Consider soaking up la vita Italiana obligatory here, as you peer out to Sicily’s endless panorama from the comfort of your sun-drenched balcony. Just 45 minutes from the main city of Palermo, in the province of Trapani, Ai Faraglioni is tucked away in the quaint Sicilian village of Scopello – a village that aside from its exceptionally transparent waters and mouth-watering seafood, is full of serious charm.
What you need to know
Eat: Ristorante Torre Bennistra
See: Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
Monastero Santo Rosa, Amalfi Coast
The iconic photographs taken by Slim Aarons come to life on this 50-kilometre stretch of prettily hued coastline. The elegant ambience of this reformed monastery has been decorated by a local Neapolitan designer into a rejuvenated display of Italian timelessness.Located to the north of Amalfi, at Monastero Santo Rosa, it’s essential that one take comfort in the Sorrento breeze, cliff-face ocean views and the perfume of the nearby lemon groves. It’s the place that will have you scheming up ways to go back, before you’ve even left.
What you need to know
Eat: Agricola Fore Porta
See: Grotta dello Smeraldo
Eremito, Umbria
Without its medieval hill towns, opulent forests, signature truffle dishes and wines of Umbria, Italy just wouldn’t be the same. This region also known as the ‘green heart’ is the de rigeur place to recharge, and the Eremito boutique hotel offers just that.
Designer and entrepreneur Marcello Murzilli proves Umbria to be the hot-spot for the laidback Italian essence with an innovative twist. Two mandates before entry: couples must book separate rooms, and dinner is to be eaten in silence. If you are after a digital detox, then this is the place. Some believe Murzilli is totally crazy, while others who seek refuge from the chaos of the world see this luxury hermitage as legendary. With its exposed stone walls, simply decorated bedrooms, and images of historic saints plastered along the corridor, there is something deeply beautiful about this spiritual masterpiece.
What you need to know
Eat: Ristorante il Cocco
See: Lago di Piediluco
Bulgari Hotel, Milano
The very alla moda, ultra-elegant city of Milan is your playground when you stay at the luxurious Bulgari Hotel. Located in the centre of this multicultural city, the stylish shopping district of Montenapoleone and the Duomo di Milano are just a five-minute walk away. The building that dates back to the 1950s has been restored with interiors that juxtapose space and atmosphere with the details and furnishings designed by the prestige architectural studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners.
What you need to know
Eat: Bice Milano
See: Fondazione Prada
