In the Province of Perugia in Umbria, Reschio is a resort described as a millennium in the making. Encompassing over 3,700 aces of protected countryside, this estate with its thousand year-old castle hotel and multiple farm houses containing guest rooms, is set within the beautiful town of Lisciano Niccone, one of the most charming areas imaginable. A few miles north of Perugia, the estate is nestled against the eastern border of Tuscany. Guests can settle into one of nine reimagined historic farmhouses or one of the gorgeous suites in the main hotel, which is impeccably restored and abounds with art. You can see more on the hotel’s website at www.reschio.com
In Palermo, Sicily, the newest Rocco Forte hotel has just opened. The 5-star coastal retreat of the famed Villa Igiea is set in an Art Nouveau palazzo built in 1900 by one of Italy’s most prominent families. Original touches such as the frescoed bar and mirrored ballroom have been carefully restored, while the 100 rooms have been upgraded, beautifully appointed and expanded to offer more suite options. Savor an aperitivo on the terrace overlooking the gardens and the water, then move on to dinner in the elegant main restaurant. Sicilian majolica tiles line the spa, which offers Mediterranean-inspired therapies using the house-brand Forte products. Accessible by both land and sea, the villa is just a ten minute drive from the center of Palermo. Visit www.roccofortehotels.com to find out more.
In the Langhe area of the Piedmont and overlooking 100 acres of vineyards and rolling hills, sits the new boutique hotel, Casa di Langa. Opened on June 11, it is set within the home of the Slow Food movement, where you can find over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants in the vicinity, an area renowned for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, as well as its white truffles. The 39-room hotel offers plenty of ways for guests to connect with the land and its bounty. Ride a Vespa through the historic vineyards, search for truffles with an expert hunter and their Lagotto Romagnolo dogs and enjoy a tour of the gardens and greenhouse, followed by a hands-on cooking class. The property’s wine academy offers a range of tastings, both on-site and at area wineries and its cellar houses over 4,000 bottles from 700 labels. See more at www.casadilanga.com
The newest 5-star hotel in Florence is Il Tornabuoni, which is part of the Italian-owned AG Hotels portfolio. This new upscale hideaway is set in the 12th century Palazzo Minerbetti, one of the oldest palazzos in the heart of the city’s historic center on the central Via Tornabuoni, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Currently slated to open toward the end of summer, the 62-room hotel has been designed as an ode to the city’s Renaissance history, with plenty of grand fixtures and regal flourishes. The three restaurants are spread out from the ground floor to the rooftop and highlight Tuscan specialties and ingredients. See more about the hotel at www.iltornabuonihotel.it
Among the iconic hotels in the Belmond Hotel’s Italian portfolio are Venice’s Hotel Cipriani, Florence’s Villa San Michele and Portofino’s Hotel Splendido, which sits high above the bay along the Italian Riviera. The Splendido now has a smaller re-done sister property in the heart of town, the luxurious and exclusive 14-room Splendido Mare, which has just had an extensive renovation. The interiors now feature a mix of classic Italian materials with terracotta tiles, Carrara marble and furnishing by top Italian designers, with Murano glass wall lamps and refined Loro Piana fabrics throughout. Over 100 pieces of art from commissioned works to cinematic photography, also adorn the spaces. The top suite is named after actress Ava Gardner, who stayed there while filming “The Barefoot Contessa.” See more at www.belmond.com
Finally, we have one of Sicily’s most storied hotels which has just refurbished under the Four Seasons banner. In the iconic resort town of Taormina, San Domenico Palace has been welcoming guests, including royals and celebrities, for 125 years. Built on the site of a 14th century convent, it is surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Ionian Sea. Wander through spaces adorned with both antiques and contemporary art in the newly refurbished property. See more at www.fourseasons.com
