Borgo Santandrea

Along the banks of the River Arno on a pedestrianised piazza, is the St. Regis Florence, a historic palace designed by Brunelleschi. The hotel’s 80 rooms and 19 suites are decorated in elegant Medici, Fiorentino or Renaissance style. Some feature adorned coffered ceilings, wall frescoes and 15th-century artwork. Florence is a city of true beauty and you’ll enjoy views of the city, courtyard or the River Arno from your opulent room. Indulging in the local food is the highlight of any trip to Italy and the hotel’s Restaurant, Winter Garden by Caino, has been awarded a Michelin star for its innovative cuisine. The excellent food is matched by its surroundings and the high glass ceilings and dramatic chandelier give the room plenty of old-world charm. The Regis Bar is located in the arches of the restaurant and the perfect place to relax with an espresso or cocktail. If grapes are more your thing, the cellar houses more than 300 prestigious labels from Italy and further afield. For when you want to relax and unwind, head to the hotel spa or fitness centre or get out and discover the beautiful city of Florence which is right on your doorstep.

An innate sense of style is part of what it means to be Italian, and the Bulgari Hotel Milan is every bit as elegant as you would expect. Located on a private street and housed in a renovated 18th century Milanese palazzo, you couldn’t be more perfectly situated to explore the city. You might think that green space was hard to come by when you’re in the thick of it, but the hotel has its very own green hideaway in the form of a 4,000-square-metre garden. The 58 rooms and suites are effortlessly chic and light floods through the windows which look out onto the garden or an exclusive Milanese courtyard. Eating in Italy is one of the greatest pleasures and the restaurant serves creative interpretations of Italian classics. With great food must come great drinks and the hotel bar with its spectacular glass wall that looks out to the garden is the place to go. Make sure you try the signature Bulgari cocktail or for something really special, head to the Dom Pérignon bar tucked away in the garden and add some real sparkle to your stay.

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most picture-perfect regions with its rolling hills, rows of vineyards and old stone buildings. Located with a 4,200-acre estate, the Belmond Castello di Casole is everything you would expect from a grand country residence. The castle dates from the 10th century, when it was used to house political exiles from nearby Siena. Traditional construction methods and natural materials found on the estate were used during the restoration to ensure the castle maintains its authenticity and charm. Despite its size, the castle has just 39 rooms and suites, giving it an intimate feel. Rooms have plenty of character with original wood-beamed ceilings and stone walls, luxurious fabrics and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. Most have views of the Tuscan countryside, looking out over the estate’s vineyards and olive groves. There are two restaurants with a focus on honest Tuscan food, so expect home-made pasta, organic vegetables and locally sourced fish and game. With over 100 acres of vineyards, this is the perfect place for wine lovers, and Tosca restaurant has a large wall displaying hundreds of vintages from leading wineries in Tuscany and around the world. The former wine cellar now houses the spa and guests can relax and unwind with a treatment from a menu inspired by local ingredients such as rosemary, grapes and olive oil. Take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and enjoy the views or take advantage of the activities on offer including cooking classes and truffle hunting.

Back in 1619, a group of Cisterian monks headed up the old salt road into the Langhe hills and built a monastery on the ruins of an existing chapel. Almost 400 years later and doors are once more open, offering guests the chance to explore this beautiful corner of Italy from the most charming of locations. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites are full of character, each one unique in its design. Some come with ancient fireplaces and private gardens, while suites have their own balconies and Jacuzzi. Decor is elegant and refined and befitting of its origins as a monastery. The hotel is located along one of the five ancient Vie del Sale, or salt roads, that carried precious salt from the Ligurian Sea to beyond the Alps. The views are truly spectacular and even just stepping outside your room you’ll find yourself surrounded by strawberry and olive trees and the beautifully maintained flower, herb and vegetable garden. The outdoor swimming pool offers panoramic views of the Moscati vineyards and the Langa Hills, but for the ultimate in relaxation you’ll want to head to the spa. A real highlight, it has a wine hammam with a Jacuzzi filled with water and wine, and a sauna in the shape of a barrel. This part of Italy is known for its fine food and wine, and the choice of restaurants at San Maurizio is second to none. For high-end dining there is Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole located in the ancient cellar. A more relaxed option is the Truffle Bistrot, named after one of the region’s most loved ingredients; in the summer there is the option to dine al fresco. There is also a wine and cocktail bar showcasing the region’s top drops. There’s lots of beautiful countryside to explore and horse riding, walking or cycling through hazelnut groves and medieval villages is one of the best ways to appreciate this very special pocket of Italy.