Best hotels in Italy

Southwest Sicily doesn't feature in most first-time itineraries, but that's exactly what keeps it interesting. Wedged between the archaeological wonder of Agrigento and the port of Sciacca, this stretch of coast is quieter, more rugged and considerably less photographed than its more famous cousins. And so, amid 230 hectares of olive groves and citrus orchards, Rocco Forte dreamed up his only purpose-built resort: a collection of low-rise terracotta-and-ochre pavilions that look as though they've always been here. Days tend to revolve around the Irene Forte Spa, eight restaurants serving food largely grown on the estate, two championship golf courses and a two-kilometre stretch of private beach. Bliss.

Nestled along the crystalline waters of the Bay of Mazzarò, this century-old residence whispers tales of aristocratic summers past while offering thoroughly modern indulgences. Dating from 1919, when a noble family built their dream escape amid subtropical gardens, the property retains that unmistakable ambience of a private coastal villa rather than a hotel. The secluded shoreline setting creates a haven of tranquility, yet adventure lies just moments away via the cable car that whisks you up to the cultural treasures and boutique-lined streets above. It's the perfect harmony of isolation when desired and accessibility when needed – a rare combination that keeps devotees returning year after year.

Among the ancient alleys of authentic Rome, nestled like a diamond between the Lungotevere and some of the city center's most beautiful squares, lies a small, intimate universe, a concentration of perfection and elegance. Intimate and welcoming spaces, a mysterious and captivating atmosphere, the refined allure of exotic and sophisticated details. The intense pleasure of an exquisitely curated welcome, attentive to every detail: just close your eyes and imagine yourself at home. Vilòn is all this... and so much more.

Perched high above the glittering Mediterranean, this elegant hideaway sits pretty amidst rolling vineyards and wild gardens on a UNESCO-listed volcanic isle. The white-washed buildings peek out between tangles of bougainvillea and swaying palms, while the heady scent of Malvasia grapes ripening on ancient vines fills the air. Let yourself be drawn into the rhythm of island life, where mornings might find you practicing sun salutations on the rooftop, afternoons call for lazy dips in the freshwater pool, and evenings are best spent sampling estate wines as the lighthouse beam sweeps across inky waters.

JK Place Roma is a discreet, exclusive and intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Rome. It has a distinctive and luxurious design in an elegant atmosphere, where guests can feel at home. The hotel also offers you poersonalised service for high-end travel experiences as well as first-class service, stunning facilities, top-notch food, and a great central location for exploring the surrounding attractions.

Hailed as one of the best new stays around by the sort of magazines well-heeled travellers peruse, Sikelia Luxury Retreat on the tiny Italian island of Pantelleria is well deserving of the hype. An elegant white-washed outpost on the wild and windswept isle, whose name is derived from the Arabic for 'daughter of the winds', Sikelia's a first-class escape amid the farmsteads and their rough-hewn volcanic-rock walls. Outside, the traditional dammuso-style structures with their domed roofs have an archaic appeal; indoors, the style is contemporary, the spa treatments serene, and the creative cuisine is the island’s very best.

Lùme is located in the heart of Ortigia, the historic district of Syracuse. Like an invitation to travel and contemplation, its rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the city's rooftops, and the majestic Mount Etna. If you love the sun, the sea, and fine food, this is the perfect place for you!

Here, take the key to your Roman apartment. There’s no lobby at G-Rough—walk into our 17th-century palazzo through the wine bar, to the sound of clinking glasses, and head up to your pied-à-terre. Throw down your bag and fling open the windows—you’ve arrived.

G-Rough is all about the visceral. Every surface has a texture, from the brass-finished bar to the exposed foundation beams and original walls. The hotel is an homage to timeless good taste, with midcentury furniture by Italy’s top designers and revolving art installations in the Gallery Bar. There, you can enjoy local wines, classic aperitivo, or signature cocktails while the city thrums on out the windows.

A lavish wedding present from Baron Oppenheim to his bride in the 1860s, this sumptuous villa soon became a magnet for Italian and European aristocracy, then passed into the hands of Napolean III’s widow. Its former splendour has been miraculously preserved, with magnificently opulent and eclectic interiors. Elaborate frescoes, bold tromp l’oeils, gilded mirrors and detailed stucco decorations adorn the rooms and halls, with eclectic Florentine and Moorish influences. All this is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, full of fragrant roses, topiary hedges and ancient oaks, with that inimitable view over the city of Florence. Naturally, the service is slick and attentive – nothing is too much trouble. You could definitely become used to villa living.

A luxurious perch on one of Sicily's most captivating coastlines where two worlds - and two star ratings - collide in spectacular fashion. Nestled in the Caldura bay just a stone's throw from Cefalù's UNESCO-protected historic centre, this boutique resort has been beguiling visitors for over half a century. The Mediterranean architecture follows the natural contours of the coastline, with whitewashed buildings that tumble down the rocky slopes towards the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Perched above the shimmering Strait of Messina, this architectural gem was born from the creative genius of Charles Robert Ashbee, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Yet, what began as an English vision in 1908 evolved into something distinctly Greco-Sicilian – and therein lies its irresistible charm. Step inside and you're transported to a world where history whispers through every corridor; from the grand lobby with its sweeping marble staircase to the panoramic terrace that cascades down to tiered gardens and a rather inviting swimming pool. It's the perfect vantage point to gaze across the glittering waters towards mainland Italy, ideally with something chilled and local in hand. And when hunger strikes? The Michelin-starred restaurant oozes high-octane glamour without a hint of stuffiness – just the sort of place where memories are made over lingering, laughter-filled meals.

A luxury hotel within the valley of the temples. Sicily, dating back millennia, is here. Villa Athena is the only 5-star hotel situated within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site, with an exclusive direct entrance.

The resort’s recent restoration has renovated every environment, including the rooms and the suites, which have a view of the temples and/or of the park of age-old olive trees.

The Therasia Resort is more than just a 5-star hotel. It's a luxury outpost suspended between black rock and the electric blue of the Mediterranean. Here, geothermal energy dictates the rhythm of the day. Forget the classic concept of passive relaxation. At Therasia, go to recharge with the power of primordial elements: the breath of the volcano, the iodine of the sea, the vigour of a land that burns and creates.

It is a farm, first and foremost, run by a family who pledge themselves to an enduring care for the land, with a true passion for hospitality and the dream of a place to share with friends and travellers, with an authentic love and respect for the Sicilian countryside. Mandranova brings together agriculture, hospitality, catering, oleo tourism and culture to communicate and spread the deep-running values that they believe in.

Step back to 1765 as you cross the threshold of this splendid boutique hotel, once the stately residence of a Bourbon-era judge who later became a Marquis. Built during Palermo's renaissance when the city was flourishing with new energy and ambition, the palazzo has retained its aristocratic bones while embracing contemporary luxury. Here, velvets and cushions mingle with shaved cotton linens in a masterful display of refined elegance. The intimate scale belies the grandeur of the building's heritage, creating a hideaway that feels both exclusive and welcoming. You're perfectly positioned in the bustling heart of the city, with its vibrant markets, Norman architecture and Arab influences just waiting to be explored.