Six Senses Rome

Sat amidst the rolling green hills, deep in the heart of Tuscany, you will find the inviting haven of Borgo Pignano, a hotel built into a perfectly renovated 18th-century country villa. From this 750-acre hilltop estate, which offers exquisite views of Tuscany’s olives groves, fields and woodlands, you can indulge in the upmost comfort found in the 14 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. While the hotel has been renovated, it hasn’t forgotten its historic roots, and some rooms still feature their original frescoes under rustic wood beams. The hotel grows a lot of its own produce and has also started growing antique and heritage crops. The broad cross-section of flowers and plants you’ll find here attract bees, helping with the vital process of pollination of vegetables and fruit trees. The infinity pool is certainly one of the hotel’s most enticing features, cradled by old stone walls and looking out towards the impressive landscape. The wellness centre can be found just a few steps from the main building and offers a range of treatments which have been created using organic ingredients grown on the estate. Over in the hotel restaurant you can dine on fine Italian cuisine made from home-grown and locally sourced ingredients. The pasta here is made from wheat flour produced from grains grown on the property, so you can be assured you are really getting a true taste of Tuscany. This hotel is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and a range of exciting activities. Yoga classes take place inside the property, while those wishing to explore the outdoors can do so on horseback, or by bike. Painting classes, cooking classes and wine tastings are all part of the fun here at Borgo Pignano, making every stay unforgettable.

Perched atop Ravello’s cliff, the beautifully restored Belmond Hotel Caruso is one the finest spots from which to soak up the Amalfi Coast. The current building dates back to 1800, the original palace 700 years further still, and its 51 rooms and suites in an array of shapes and sizes are fittingly replete with marble, original frescos and Italian antiques. Many enjoy wonderful vistas of the coast, sea and fragrant gardens. The Belmond Hotel Caruso’s two Exclusive Suites have their own terrace and garden. The Belvedere Restaurant serves up Italian and local Neapolitan delicacies, in the summer to be enjoyed out on the terrace. There is also a restaurant by the famous infinity pool with a wood-fired pizza oven, an adjoining bar, and the elegant piano bar indoors. Explore the coast on complimentary cruises to Amalfi and Positano, scenic helicopter flights on request, or perhaps take out vintage Vespas or classic car along the coastal road.

Lake Como is all about style and elegance, and the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its impressive art nouveau façade, fits the brief perfectly. Sat on the western shores of the lake, the hotel looks out across the water to the pretty town of Bellagio and the dramatic Grigne mountains. Not to be outshone by its famous neighbour, Villa Carlotta, the hotel sits within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with rare and ancient magnolias, palm trees and flowers that explode in clouds of red, purple, pink and blue. Rooms come with large windows that look out over lake or gardens, and the views from the rooftop suites are hard to beat. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your eye, however, and there’s plenty to admire inside as well. The lounge is filled with brightly coloured furniture and features ornate silk hangings on the wall, while the billiards room is home to an original table from the 1800s. Guests can dine on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant where in the warmer months, food is served on the terrace. The trattoria and wine bar is perfect for more casual dining, offering the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar with a touch of modern elegance. Relaxing here is easy; the hotel has a secluded outdoor pool in the gardens and its own man-made beach, located just in front of the water-on-water floating pool on the lake. The indoor infinity pool and spa look out over the water and offer luxurious Santa Maria Novella products and treatments. The hotel also has its own water limos for when you want to explore and discover the lake.

In the heart of Old Lecce, La Fiermontina is an urban resort built around a 17th century private home known for its Baroque architecture and storied past. There are 16 unique suites and guestrooms, simply and comfortably designed with subtle modern touches letting the original features take precedent. The historic property is scattered with selections from the owner’s personal art collection, including pieces by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Tobia Scarpa, with striking sculptures out in the garden along with olive trees, a swimming pool and striking terrace restaurant serving a modern take on traditional Pugliese cuisine. Explore the wonderful Old Town outside or discover the surrounding countryside on cycling and hiking trips, horse rides, sailing excursions and wine and olive oil experiences.