Forte Village Resort

At the Grand Canal’s edge, the historic Gritti Palace occupies a building that dates back to 1475 as a private home for the noble Pisani family, followed by the distinguished Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. Carefully restored in 2013, the Gritti’s heritage and culture have blended with a renewed Venetian style. 61 luxurious guest rooms and 21 sumptuous suites, including some with canal views, are replete with rare archival fabrics, the finest Italian marbles and a stunning array of new and original chandeliers from Murano, as well as the latest technology and sumptuous beds. Gritti’s famous terrace has long been a social hub. The splendid Bar Longhi features some of the best cocktails in Venice and the Club del Doge Restaurant features regional specialties, casual chic by day and a more formal affair at dinner. The palace is also home to the Gritti Epicurean School, an informal Venetian open kitchen that hosts wine tastings, cooking workshops and celebrations. Well located by the Grand Canal on the southern edge of the San Marco district, Venice’s great opera house, cathedrals, museums and palazzos are all close by.

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.

The Borgo Santandrea is a splendid 5-star hotel situated in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, overlooking the charming fishing village of Conca dei Marini. The hotel features 52 rooms and sumptuous suites, all meticulously designed to merge artisanal Mediterranean traditions with elegant mid-century style, perfectly complemented by the breathtaking views of the sea. The hotel has a strong focus on sustainability, and has incorporated some of the best energy saving technologies, state-of-the-art waste management systems, and plastic reduction initiatives. After a day of adventure and exploration, enjoy exclusive access to the hotel’s private beach. Bask under the Mediterranean sun, take a dip in the crystal clear water, and indulge in the delicious cuisine of the beach restaurant and bar. Head to the hotel’s wine cellar, where a new tour is curated by the sommelier each evening, and is paired alongside a delectable selection of meats, cheeses, and breads thoughtfully selected by the chef. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy incredible dining at Michelin star restaurant Alici. For ultimate relaxation, take a visit to the Wellness Retreat at the hotel, where a range of treatments are offered by highly skilled therapists. You can also keep up with your fitness routine in the spacious gym or on the outdoor terrace, all whilst taking in the panoramic sea views.

The Cristallo has been welcoming guests to Cortina d’Ampezzo for over a century. The town has many claims to fame having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and provided the backdrop for the films The Pink Panther, For Your Eyes Only and Cliffhanger. Situated on the Boite River in an alpine valley, Cortina has long been a popular skiing destination but it’s also an ideal base for hikers and those wanted to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery. Rooms are elegant and sophisticated with rich fabrics, hand decorated wall panels and parquet flooring. Most come with views of the surrounding parkland or of the mountains themselves. With four restaurants to choose from, there’s ample opportunity to sample cuisine from the local region and further afield. The circular Gazebo restaurant is surrounded by glass so you can watch the sky and the peaks change colour as the evening draws in. Make sure you spend an evening at La Stube 1872 restaurant, a celebration of traditional with its wooden walls and majolica stove and ingredients sourced from small local farms. For real relaxation, check into the spa or while away the hours on the terrace, covered in flowers during the summer and transformed into an ice rink in the winter.