Castel Monastero

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.

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 29 full-service rooms and 16 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. 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 Palazzo Margherita, built in 1892 in the hilltop town of Bernalda, is a true 19th century palazzo. The town was the birthplace and home to Agostino Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather, who set about restoring the grand building into a small, luxurious Italian boutique hotel so that he could introduce visitors to this stunning and still undiscovered region. The palazzo has been completely restored with the help of acclaimed French designer Jacques Grange, creating an authentically Italian experience that ushers guests into a private world of sheer comfort, surrounded by baroque gardens and a courtyard, all just steps from a small, bustling town where tourists are a rarity and welcomed as friends. Restored frescos, original marble floors and countless historic details retain their patina and compliment tasteful new additions such as a cinema and swimming pool. There are just nine unique suites, including one designed Sofia Coppola with a spacious bathroom with a hammam and chromatherapy shower, while others enjoy terraces, balconies or doors opening into the gardens. All are spacious with a full range of modern amenities – such as a gratis bar and modern entertainment system with a digital movie collection specializing in Italian Cinema. While there is no formal restaurant here, guests can dine at the eat-in kitchen, in the courtyard, garden or in any of the bars. Naturally, food is locally sourced, simply and incredible. There’s also the Cinecittà Bar, a traditional café and pizzeria that spills out onto Bernalda’s main street and looks onto the town square. There’s plenty to do here, whether borrowing a bike to explore the local area, taking culinary classes or taking the complimentary shuttle to the Palazzo Margherita’s private beach club on the cobalt-blue shores of the Ionian Sea. Local historic sites abound, wine tastings are a delight and visits to local artisans can be arranged.

Perched high above the sparkling bay, with wonderful views down on to the harbour below, Belmond Hotel Splendido has long been the glamorous heart of Portofino. Once an Benedictine monastery that was ransacked by Saracen pirates frequently enough that the monks abandoned it in the 16th century, the building was renovated inn the 19th century by an Italian aristocrat and then transformed into a hotel in 1901. The Splendido – and Portofino – was discovered by American visitors in the 1950s and soon hosted stars and notaries from Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor to Clark Gable, Groucho March and Elizabeth Taylor. The allure and thoroughly Italian charm of this golden age is retained, indeed celebrated today. 70 rooms and suites make the most of the Italian Riveria’s distinctive light, with spacious and airy ambiance, many with incredible views and private balconies. The panoramic pool, Terrazza Restaurant and piano bar are as elegant as they ever were, perfect spots for socialising and people watching. The trip down to Portofino itself is a pleasant walk (or complimentary shuttle) away, where guests can enjoy the soaking up the bustling harbour’s energy at the hotel’s Chaflay Restaurant and Bar or head out to sea on boating excursions.