Travels

TOP 10 AMAZING Stays In Italy

As Italy opened its borders for the tourists again this June, and everything seems to go back to how it was before corona, the hotels get booked really really quickly!

People have loads of destination ideas – Sicily, Tuscany, Italian Road trips (click here for a PERFECT itinerary). The options are countless! I am heading to Italy in about a Month – can’t wait to explore amazing Puglia again.

To me, Italy is not only about its magnificent sights. It is obviously about the experience as a whole. The hotels, food, people.

Today, I am counting down my top 10 luxury stays picks. I have picked some agri places, huge resorts, boutique hotels and city stays. Every place from today’s list is a 10/10 for me, and I would ALWAYS recommend it, even to a president. I am aware more of my TOP places are locates in Tuscany but… what can I do? I just love this specific region so much!

  • Castel Monastero, Tuscany

Castel Monastero, located in a peaceful setting of hills of the Chianti region, was our first stop in Tuscany. We got there very late but the first impression was… jaw-dropping. The room number 108 left us speechless! I travel a lot and stay in some really amazing 5-star hotels but the rooms have rarely such a high standard! This place is truly unique and exclusive!

  • Relais La Suvera, Tuscany

My very first Tuscan castle stay! Relais La Suvera, which is a charming 17th-century castle, is located in Pivescola, around 30 km from Siena. In the 21st century, Hotel Relais La Suvera is much more than simply a 5-star luxury hotel. Once a medieval fortress later converted into a sumptuous Renaissance villa, through the genius of the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi. In 1508 it became the sumptuous residence of Pope Julius II while in the following centuries it welcomed his descendants and more recently the friends and relations of the Ricci family in its patrician halls surrounded by lush gardens, a splendid church, stables and a lovely farmhouse.

I especially like the pool area and an amazing back garden overlooking photogenic wineries and hills. It felt amazing to just sit there, chatting with my bestie and sipping their La Suvera house wine.


  • Villa San Martino, Puglia

This charming Apulian villa is actually a 5***** resort with a fairytale-like outdoor swimming pool and an amazing garden, where they do weddings, birthday parties and other events. They also have an amazing SPA!

  • Number Nine, Florence

Firenze Number Nine Fitness SPA Hotel is a real hidden gem, located only a stone’s throw from the TOP attractions, such as Uffizi Gallery (10 minutes walking) and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (5 minutes walking). Number Nine is one of a kind. It is a luxurious place, featuring many designer decoration elements and artwork, but also…very laid-back. We loved the atmosphere! The staff, including the general manager, are very kind, helpful and well-dressed

No such thing as ‘strict rules’! The aim of the hotel was for the guests to feel ‘at home‘ – mission accomplished!

Probably the most stylish hotel in the heart of Florence. Not only the view is amazing but every suite corresponds to the history of Florence, the staff is AMAZING and the interior inside is jaw dropping.

  • Agritourismo La Bilaia, Rapallo

To me agriturismo means luxury. I have never been so impressed by the overall and oh-so-luxurious experience. Located on the top of the hill in Chiavari, this family-run place offers the real ultimate agrotourism experience! The owner, whom we personally met, puts a lot of attention into details, which is quite visible all over the place. Paolo studied at Slow Food University and launched his own book, which is why he tries to adapt all his knowledge and experience into La Bilaia. Apart from the culinary excellence, the p.e.r.f.e.c.t. location ‘does the job’ – the restaurant and the terrace are both overlooking the Ligurian coast with the famous Portofino just in front of our eyes.

As for the agrotourism – they plant the whole range of herbs, such as thyme, they also grow chickens and rabbits, produce both wine and olive oil as well as the whole range of preserves. The plantation is huge, is walkable and there is a nice ‘chill out’ area. I would recommend a day trip to just load your batteries.

La Bilaia is only accessible with a car.

  • Agritourismo Follonico , Tuscany

Another agri stay – real Tuscan experience. Follonico Farm is located… in the middle of nowhere! You will find it with Google Maps but you would surely be surprised it is there. This place is unbelievable! Every room is beautifully decorated, with a touch of luxury and style. The rooms/suites have been inspired by the history and nature surrounding Montefollonico. Ours featured some fashion garments and accessories, such as basket bags and straw hats. So inspiring! I think it is a perfect place to relax, escape the city, try out some really delicious country specialities including cheese and pastries for breakfast. As for the wine, it is hard to find a better-tasting one!

  • Chalet Al Foss, Dolomiti Trentino

Trentino is one of my favourite regions in Italy. It is a real ‘Pearl of the North’! This region is located in the heart of the Dolomites which are the part of the Southern Limestone Alps. It is not only about hiking – they have loads of stunning lakes! Riva del Garda is located two hours driving from Chalet al Foss but I doubt you would ever want to leave this hidden gem! This hotel is the most amazing finding of 2020! It is placed in the heart of Dolomites. I love its interior and exterior – a wooden shed with an outside SPA area including hot tubes, pool and sauna. I have only been there in the winter but summer must be equally exciting. This place is a must-see!

  • Castello Banfi Il Borgo, Tuscany

I will never be able to say enough good things about Castello Banfi.

Castello Banfi Il Borgo is the whole complex: Castello Bandi -the historic fortress, Boutique Hotel Il Borgo, La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, La Taverna Restaurant and Enoteca. The boutique hotel, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, has 14 rooms and suites but there are loads of accommodation options in the area. We were sleeping in a farmhouse ( 2 minutes drive from the main castle) and we adored it. It was an amazing Tuscan experience – I bet equally nice as one of the suites at the castle as the owners are truly fond of the unique experience.

  • Hotel Adler Resort & SPA, Tuscany

This fantastic resort is a perfect place for couples! Adler has everything – Tuscan views, fantastic SPA area, great food… As a matter of fact, the resort looks like it is a perfect place for a wedding but it is not. Parties, ceremonies and even conferences are highly restricted as the resort cares for its slow travel reputation. Not only thermal waters and daily sunrise yoga sessions but also the piano bar with distinguished music or a wine cellar by candlelight. Not to mention the resort’s location and the view…The way I see it, Adler SPA Resort is a perfect resort for the ‘busy’ couple but definitely not for the party animals. The thermal waters will help you to relax, reflect and be yourself for a little longer but there is no place for 5 am the drunken dance.


  • Hotel Orso Bruno, Lake Como

It is very easy to reach by car, train and boat – the boat station is located just in front of the hotel. As it is quite a long way from the high road, staying here guarantees the most desirable peace and quiet. Our balcony faced the lake itself, with all the blues and greens on the horizon. What a perfect view in the morning!I especially love this hotel because of its cosy atmosphere. It’s a boutique hotel run by a lively family, which makes it very friendly! The interior is kept in a vintage style, with all the yellow curtains and coffee tables. It definitely corresponds to the whole mood about Lago di Como.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.