Italy

A private swathe of beach, fine Italian furnishings and cutting-edge art come together to make this one of the most glamorous stays in Taormina.

Just off the Grand Canal, this Venetian palace is old-world luxury at its finest, complete with chandeliers, frescoes and gilded furnishings. Its private pier and fine-dining restaurant don’t hurt, either.

Enjoy the best in Tuscan seaside luxury alongside stunning coastal views punctuated by the island of Elba. The Maremma, a less explored but most exciting corner of Tuscany provides the perfect counterpoint.

Set in an old palazzo, with original murals still gracing the walls, the Palazzo Firenze is as beautiful as the Florentine views it enjoys. Frescoed ceilings and fine art feature throughout, as do high standards and lashings of luxury.

Stay in a 10th-century castle ringed by vineyards, enjoying fine dining, spectacular views and superb spa treatments.

This century-old grand dame is the best-located hotel on Lake Como – a setting taken in by a superb array of facilities. Expect everything from private-balcony rooms to an infinity spa pool.

The Belmond Grand Hotel sits high on Sicilian cliffs, with glorious views of the sea and Mount Etna.

Choose between luxury stays in a 500-year-old convent or down by the waterfront at this opulent property, complete with spa, gourmet restaurants and stunning setting.

The Belmond Hotel Cipriani is true old-world Venice at its refined best. Expect complimentary rides to the splendours of the city, chandelier-adorned rooms, a gorgeous swimming pool and two exquisite restaurants offering superb authentic Italian dining.

Nestled within a 700-hectare estate in the heart of rural Tuscany, this historic hotel combines fine food and wine, and indulgent spa treatments, with Relais & Châteaux’s signature brand of elegant luxury.

Simply, this is the Amalfi Coast at its chic best. Expect everything from a private beach club to a rooftop fine dining restaurant.

Escape to a historic palace with spectacular views over the Amalfi Coast. Here, infinity-pool modernity is paired with classic fine dining and paintings by old masters.

Secluded above the beautiful town of Cefalù, this four-star hotel, with its pool, wellness centre and extensive gardens, is just 20 minutes' walk from the beach.

At the heart of Sicily’s Valley of the Temples, the deluxe Villa Athena is blissfully boutique, with just 27 rooms. The only five star property in this historic part of the island, with five-star views of the Temple of Concordia.

Discover luxury amid Florence's myriad delights in this opulent hotel whose walls are adorned with more than 400 pieces of art, some dating back to the 900s. Evenings are spent in the Michelin-starred restaurant on the banks of the river – with the option to dine on your own private terrace.

This exquisite five-star hotel was once a 12th-century private villa, perched above the dazzling coast of Amalfi in medieval Ravello. Opulent rooms are adorned with hand-made Vietri tiles and the highest-level suites feature private decks with hot tubs.

Spread across three canal-side palaces, this landmark hotel offers rooftop fine dining, grand architecture and sweeping views across the Venetian Lagoon.

This esteemed Verona hotel lies just moments from the cobbled lanes and Shakespearean sights of Verona's ever-so-romantic streets, with handcrafted marble rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a wonderful panoramic roof terrace.

The historic but hip Hotel de Russie sits right at the heart of Rome, a five-star setting for one of the Italian capital's finest five-star hotels.

The grandest hotel in a grand city, named after German composer Richard Wagner who lived in the namesake street between 1881 and 1882. From sumptuous marble steps at the entrance, the hotel exudes an aura from another era.

Travel in style aboard this elegant hotel on wheels, enjoying superb full-board dining, lounge and bar-car relaxation and beautifully appointed cabins and suites that provide home-from-home comforts on some of Europe's most spectacular rail routes.

Grand Hotel Parker's is Naples' first and oldest luxury hotel, offering breathtaking hillside views of the Bay of Naples. This luxurious retreat boasts beautifully restored 19th-century interiors and impeccable service, making it the perfect base for exploring this captivating Italian city.

Small & Intimate Hotel from £1,785 pp incl. flights

Escape to a world of tranquility at Botania Relais & Spa, a boutique adults-only retreat amidst the lush greenery of Ischia. This haven offers a perfect blend of charming Mediterranean accommodation, luxury wellness and exquisite cuisine.

Discreetly tucked away on the northern tip of Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands, the Therasia Resort Sea & Spa combines a stunning natural setting with exceptional cuisine, a luxurious spa and a split-level outdoor pool overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Nestled among olive groves and rich Mediterranean vegetation on the outskirts of Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town, this hotel offers a charming setting for a Puglian countryside escape.

You’ll find this elegant hotel right in the heart of Lecce, within an 19th-century mansion that’s very much in keeping with the grandeur of the buildings that surround it. Major landmarks including the Castle of Charles V, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Basilica of Santa Croce are all close by.

The Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is an idyllic haven for relaxation on Puglia’s Adriatic Coast, while also serving as an ideal launchpad for exploring the region on day trips to towns such as Fasano, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Ostuni.

The Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita is the result of a meticulous restoration project, converting ancient Sassi cave dwellings into comfortable, modern accommodation right in the historic centre of Matera, in the midst of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This quintessential seaside hotel on Sicily’s north coast combines a wealth of top quality amenities with direct beach access and the convenience of being within easy reach of Cefalu.

Founded by English entrepreneurs in 1874, the opulent, palatial-style Grande Hotel Des Palmes is ideally situated on the main street in Palermo's city centre.

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Siena, Italy, Castel Monastero is a luxurious resort steeped in the rich history of rural Tuscany.

With stunning sea views, a rooftop swimming pool and access to a private beach, the Grand Relais dei Nuraghi is a delightful base from which to enjoy the myriad delights of Sardinia's northern region.

Rural Sardinian retreats don’t come much more authentic than the Su Gologone Experience Hotel, which prides itself on preserving local tradition to create a charming and relaxing sanctuary for guests on the slopes of the Supramonte mountains.

Immersed in a pine forest that fringes a sandy beach on the west coast of Sardinia, the adults-only Is Arenas Resort combines a blissfully tranquil setting with a whole host of top class amenities.

This elegant, manor-style hotel is ideally positioned for exploring the Sardinian capital, and boasts a delightful garden area for relaxing in the sunshine after a day of sightseeing.

This beautifully preserved 16th-century mansion in the medieval village of Norcia offers a truly authentic Umbrian experience, along with Michelin-starred dining at the fabulous Vespasia restaurant.

Pairing old world charm with modern comforts and magnificent views overlooking the sweeping valleys of Umbria, the historic SINA Brufani hotel makes the perfect base from which to explore the medieval wonders of Perugia.

This historic British heritage villa is one of Sicily's most elegant hotels, offering the perfect retreat accompanied by stunning sea views and within easy walking distance of the heart of Taormina.

In the heart of Tuscany's renowned Chianti region, this enchanting 13th-century villa traces its routes back to an aristocratic Florentine family. Now a luxury hotel, guests can find the perfect balance between nearby Florence's culture and the peace and serenity of rural Tuscany.

Situated in a small valley surrounded by rolling hills, Relais La Corte Dei Papi is a typically Tuscan country residence steeped in centuries of history. Experience luxury and wellness by their very definition, with the likes of private in-room spas and fine Tuscan dining.

Perched on a steep cliffside amongst beautiful terraced gardens with unbroken views of the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea, Hotel Santa Caterina offers charming rooms and suites, the finest Italian cuisine and an exclusive Beach Club on the water's edge.

Dating back to the 15th century, this impressive Venetian palazzo takes its name from the last noble Venetian family that owned it. Just a short walk from Rialto Bridge, it overlooks the Grand Canal with elegantly decorated interiors and a charming waterfront restaurant.

On the foothills of historic Mount Etna on Sicily's east coast, this resort of boutique and historic lodges is the perfect choice for stunning island views and standout food and wine.

Located along Capri’s iconic Via Tragara with spectacular sea views, Casa Morgano is owned by the island’s Morgano family and holds arguably the best position on the island.

This historic 17th-century villa is set within a sprawling estate, surrounded by verdant olive groves and the Salento countryside beyond. Experience the heritage of this authentic masseria, set just minutes from Otranto and a pristine beach.

Breathing new life into a 13th-century Capuchin convent, Anantara Convento di Amalfi has been beautifully converted into a modern luxury hotel whilst retaining original elements such as the cloisters and chapel. Enjoy exquisite dining, a signature Anantara spa and cliff-side swimming pool.

Experience modern Italian luxury and serenity at Hotel Miramalfi – nestled along the stunning Amalfi coastline – where breathtaking views from every balcony and first-class amenities offer a unique and unforgettable stay.

Completely updated for 2020, the SS La Venezia invites in its Italian setting with all-included fine Venetian dining, open-bar cocktails and interiors from local design house, Fortuny.

A stunning 18th-century property, in an unrivalled Italian country setting, combining Renaissance charm, elegant decor and Michelin-starred dining, for an idyllic luxury getaway.

A new luxury train, inspired by the creativity of 1960s and 1970s Italy and taking in routes across the country from 2025.

A luxurious palazzo languishing alongside Palermo and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Igiea boasts scenic views, manicured grounds, elegant rooms and gourmet Sicilian cuisine.

Grand & Elegant Hotel from £1,200 pp incl. flights

The ideal option for those looking to stay beyond the bustle of central Venice. Expect elegant accommodation, fine-dining restaurants and a truly privileged setting.

The façade of Palazzo Naiadi embraces the grandeur of Piazza della Repubblica. Overlooking the world-famous fountain, it strikes the perfect balance between international luxury and Roman authenticity.

Grand & Elegant Hotel from £2,460 pp incl. flights

Hailed as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller and Forbes Travel, this is your chance to enjoy palatial luxury

An elegant Venetian bolthole that captures the spirit of the floating city, blending history with luxurious modernity

The splendid Gritti Palace, a lovingly restored fifteenth century palazzo, enjoys one of the most stunning spots on Venice’s Grand Canal.

Staying in Art Deco luxury where fine dining vies for your attention against spa indulgences, you'll be sited right among the movie-star cafés and restaurants of the leafy Via Veneto. The next-door Borghese Gardens making for a tranquil retreat from the city's bustle.

The latest gem to join the Baglioni Hotels & Resorts Italian Collection, this stunning resort is immersed in a sublime natural landscape, almost without parallel in the entire Mediterranean.

The epitome of Sardinian charm and style with pretty gardens, terracotta roofs, and a waterfront setting.

Rest your eyes from Venice’s Baroque grandeur with L’Orologio’s impeccably minimalist style, host to innovative art works, an elegant theme and Grand Canal views.

A stylish and very comfortable new hotel in central Sorrento, just minutes from the beaches and beautiful terraces overlooking the Bay of Naples. The best rooms, garden and pool also have sea views of their own.

A 16th century country house set within a large estate, immersed in olive groves. Experience the heritage of the most authentic Masseria in the area overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Located near Sciacca, a small seaside town renowned for its colourful carnival and the surrounding orange groves of Ribera, the Verdura Resort by Rocco Forte is perfectly positioned for exploring the beautiful Italian island of Sicily.

This lovingly restored 15th-century villa, located in the small Tuscan town of Fiesole, features beautiful landscape gardens, exquisite food and wine and wonderful spa, all within reach of Florence's historic centre.