Italy is among the best summer holiday destinations in Europe and in high season it could become difficult to find a boutique hotel in Sicily, a nice Masseria in Puglia, a chic retreat in Tuscany or a nice family hotel in Liguria! Here comes the idea to select some places for you!
Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina (Sicily) – The chic resort of Taormina is perched on a steep hill and from here the Villa Angela offers breathtaking views of the sea and of the volcano Mount Etna. Taormina is just over an hour from Catania airport and has been a celebrity Mecca ever since German writer Goethe visited in 1787. In 1995 Jim Kerr the singer-songwriter of the Scottish super-band Simple Minds fell in love with the place while touring and decided to open the perfect hotel where fans and friends could be seduced by the magic of this beautiful island. When he’s not here you might be lucky enough to be able to book into his own private suite! The hotel is located just below the Sanctuary of the Madonna Della Rocca and has a solarium and a pool with a stunning view.
Il Vigneto Resort in Menfi (Sicily) Il Vigneto Resort is a boutique hotel in the Sicilian countryside, near the village of Menfi, halfway between Trapani and Agrigento and close to some beautiful beaches. The hotel was founded in 1983 by Marco Bursi and offers 17 beautiful rooms. The real draw of Il Vigneto Resort is its fabulous restaurant, recommended by Michelin and Gambero Rosso, which serves typical Sicilian dishes and fresh fish caught that very morning. Cycle to the blu flag beach of Porto Palo and explore the area. An hour’s drive away is the famous Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, Sciacca is 20 Km, the nature reserves of Belice and Torre Salsa, where turtles nest, are easily accessible, while the archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte make excellent day trips. There are also the opportunities for hang-gliding if you want to admire the coastline from the sky.
Masseria Bosco and Masseria Strazzati (Puglia) This lovely resort near Avetrana, in the heart of Puglia, is surrounded by olive trees and vines. It includes Masseria Bosco with 12 rooms hosted in the ancient farm, used in the past to host shepherds with their flocks, and Masseria Strazzati with 22 rooms hosted in the former convent with a beautiful cloister. Savour the delicious Apulian recipes in their delicious restaurant. Relax at the pool or take a dip in the sea, a short drive away. Visit the picturesque villages of Valle d’Itria towards the North and historic Nardo’ and Gallipoli towards the South.
Relais La Costa in Chianti (Tuscany) Relais La Costa is a luxurious boutique hotel in the Chianti region, between Siena and Florence. The ancient building which hosts the beautiful inn of today dates back to the 13th century and once was used to host the pilgrims in their journey to Rome along the Via Francigena. There are only 9 large suites beautifully furnished combining the traditional Tuscan materials with modern pieces. Relax at the panoramic pool which has also a jacuzzi and enjoy the indoor SPA with sauna and Turkish bath. ‘Mammy Marianna’ is the chef and prepares delicious traditional dishes, only for their guests. Here you definitely feel you are getting away from the hustle and bustle!
Il Tosco in Montepulciano (Tuscany) Boutique B&B Il Tosco is located in the high street of Montepulciano, a picturesque hilltop village in the Tuscan countryside. Hosted on the first floor of an elegant palazzo, it offers only 4 beautiful rooms, some with views across the olive groves and vineyards below. The breakfast in the morning and the aperitif in the afternoon are a sumptuous array of sweet and savory local specialties that Elena is happy to share with her guests in the gorgeous frescoed living room. Take a trip to Siena and enjoy a peaceful drive (or bike ride!) in the beautiful hills of the Val d’Orcia. Have a wine tasting at the Salcheto cellar. You can even learn Italian at the language center, Il Sasso.
L’Antico Pozzo in San Gimignano (Tuscany) The hotel is in the heart of the iconic town of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and the backdrop to many a Hollywood movie. The hotel is in a 15th-century building on Via San Matteo that links the two ancient city gates of Porta San Matteo and Porta San Giovanni and is seconds from the town’s famous historic sights. The house was once a convent and, in the cellar, you can still see the old well, the antico pozzo, after which the hotel takes its name. The entrance retains its beautiful staircase, vaulted ceilings, and original terracotta floors. Ask for one of the rooms on the first floor which has beautiful frescoed high ceilings. Enjoy wine and olive oil tasting trips in the Chianti region and explore San Gimignano, Volterra, and Siena, home of the famous Palio on 2nd July and 16th August.
Relais del Maro in Borgomaro (Liguria) This elegant boutique hotel is located in Borgomaro, a 20 minutes’ drive from Imperia on the western Ligurian Riviera. The pretty, sleepy village keeps a real Ligurian charm. Pastel houses line the riverbank, there’s a lovely old church and children kick footballs in the main square. There are olive trees everywhere and you can buy olive oil and wine directly from producers. This is authentic Italy! Relais del Maro hosts rooms in 3 traditional village houses that have been in the family for generations and has a garden with a pool. It’s a lovely place to unwind taking a break from your routine and relaxing watching the geese by the river. If you want to take your dog on holiday, he is welcomed with his own dog basket and food.
