There is something truly special about summer in Italy. While the country is lovely to visit all year round, things really come alive in the warmest months, showcasing the stunning beauty and welcoming hospitality — not to mention the delicious food.
The journey begins on the Amalfi Coast of Italy at the iconic Hotel Santa Caterina, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and seafront luxury. Perched above the vibrant waters of the Mediterranean, Hotel Santa Caterina is as elegant as it comes. This stylish hotel embodies sophistication with its early 20th-century furnishings and vibrant Vietri ceramics. Each guest room offers breathtaking sea views, with many featuring expan- sive terraces or lush gardens. Dining here is a feast for the senses, combining the natural beauty of the coast with exquisitely prepared local cuisine. Just a short distance from the bustling streets of Amalfi, this hotel serves as the perfect base for exploring the nearby towns of Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento. But why would you want to go offsite, when the cliffside beach club — reachable by a truly jaw-dropping glass-fronted elevator — and manicured gardens have everything you need?
Not far from Amalfi, in the picturesque town of Positano, Italy Hotel Poseidon offers a mix of history and luxury. What started as a family villa in the 1950s has transformed into a boutique hotel that exudes charm and elegance. With its eclectic design, panoramic pool, and stunning views of both the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Poseidon creates a cozy, yet luxurious atmosphere. The hotel remains managed by the Aonzo family, ensuring that every stay feels personal and authentic. Unique experiences such as guided tours in lesser-known parts of Positano and complimentary use of a vintage Volkswagen convertible add to the bespoke feel of the hotel.
A haven of privacy and artistic elegance, Villa TreVille, once the home of Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli, retains an air of secluded luxury. Its privileged position offers unmatched privacy and spectacular views of the sea. Guests can enjoy meals crafted from the villa’s own organic produce, epitomizing the farm-to-table experience in a setting filled with lush Mediterranean gardens. There is truly no reason to leave the grounds but if you do, the oft-Instagrammed Arienzo Beach Club — you’ve surely spotted the picture-perfect white-and-orange-striped umbrellas on social media — is just steps away.
For those who seek a blend of traditional Italian elegance and modern amenities, Il San Pietro di Positano is the perfect choice. The hotel offers a private beach, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views that are among the best on the Amalfi Coast. (I’m still dreaming about breakfast on the balcony and tennis on the courts surrounded by lush gardens during a memorable pre-pandemic stay.) Here, luxury is defined by impeccable service and attention to detail, Italian-style.
Further along the coast, Monastero Santa Rosa, a converted monastery, offers a tranquil retreat perched atop a cliff. With its historical architecture, luxurious spa treatments, and an infinity pool overlooking the sea, the hotel provides a peaceful escape combined with the opulence expected from a top-tier luxury resort. Each room, named after traditional herbs found in the gardens, ensures a unique, serene experience deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
On the volcanic island of Ischia, known for its natural thermal springs, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa offers a healing retreat set in a 16th-century watchtower. The spa utilizes the island’s thermal waters, providing treatments that rejuvenate both body and mind. Its secluded location and private beach club offer an oasis of tranquility amidst the lush landscapes of Ischia.
Just a boat ride away, Capri, an island synonymous with glamour, is home to J.K. Place Capri, located just above the bustling Marina Grande. The hotel combines stylish decor, stunning views, and a serene garden setting to provide a luxurious escape from the everyday. The emphasis on local Mediterranean flavors in the hotel’s restaurant ensures that each meal is not only delicious but also authentically Capri. Hotel La Palma, the oldest hotel in Capri, originally opened in 1822 and now transformed into a 50-room-and-suite hotel, epitomizes timeless charm combined with modern luxury. Located centrally in Capri Village just steps from the famed Via Vittorio Emanuele lined with upscale boutiques and authentic eateries. Hotel La Palma offers guests an exquisite base to explore island delights, featuring a rooftop restaurant, plush rooms, and a vibrant atmosphere that mirrors the Mediterranean’s allure.
Moving north to the Italian Riviera, Belmond Splendido sits in the postcard-perfect town of Portofino. This hotel, once a monastery, now serves as a sanctuary of elegance with breathtaking sea views and a picturesque setting. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining, luxuriate by the saltwater pool, or explore the charming streets of Portofino.
In Tuscany’s Monte Argentario, Hotel Il Pellicano offers a discreet, yet glamorous retreat. Known as a former love nest for a charismatic American socialite and dashing British aviator, it now attracts the global elite with its stunning sea views, Michelin-starred dining, and chic decor. The hotel’s terraced gardens and private beach club provide the perfect backdrop for a luxurious Italian summer.
Also in Porto Ercole, the newly opened La Roqqa and Isolotto Beach Club effortlessly blends contemporary luxury with classic Italian elegance. Set against the dramatic cliffs of Tuscany, this 55- room boutique hotel offers an exquisite rooftop dining experience and an exclusive beach club, redefining relaxation with panoramic views and refined hospitality. Just a scenic drive from Rome and Florence, it’s the perfect escape to indulge in the slower pace and natural beauty of coastal Italy.
Facing the picturesque Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an icon of Italian luxury. With its Art Nouveau design, panoramic views, and lush park, guests can enjoy a sublime blend of history and contemporary luxury. The hotel’s spa, located in an 18th-century villa, provides a sanctuary of wellness with treatments that harness the natural properties of the lake. Also on the tranquil shores of Lake Como, the stunning Passalacqua invites guests into a world of refined luxury. This historic villa, with its unique rooms, expansive gardens, and private pier, epitomizes Italian elegance and the art of hospitality.
Each of these destinations provides a unique window into the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty in Italy. Whether it’s the sun-kissed cliffs of the Amalfi Coast or the quiet elegance of Lake Como, Italy’s summer allure is timeless, offering the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and exploration. As you plan your travels, consider these luxurious retreats for a truly memorable Italian summer.
