Destinations

5-Star Hotel Guide

Other Regions

Whether it's the Italian Riviera in the northeast, Umbria in the centre or Puglia further south, Italy is a must for luxury explorers

Other Regions
Other Regions
Luxury Villas in Other Regions

5-star experiences around Italy

From the glittering Italian Riviera in the northwest, south of Genoa to Le Marche in the east and  the aggrarian sun-drenched south, you can never tire of exploring this magical and varied country. Aside from the dramatic differences in climate and geography, each region has its own identity, customs and delicacies.

Luxury Explorer is seeking out the very best boutique luxury hotels and 5 star private villas that Italy has to offer, and we look beyond the obvious attractions of Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice. We adore Lake Como in the north and the Amalfi Coast south of Naples, where we already offer comprehensive recommendations for the finest hotels and luxury villas, but we are also adding old favourites and new discoveries elsewhere.

South of Genoa on the Italian Riviera is Portofino, a totally charming Ligurian fishing village with pastel-hued houses and a cobbled Piazetta hugging the pretty port, where gleaming white super yachts now outnumber traditional wooden fishing boats. Overlooking this picturesque scene is Belmond Hotel Splendido, a classically opulent 5 star hotel perched high above the village.  This dreamy peaches and cream retreat is in a class of its own when you are in the mood for a little languide Italian indulgence, with a splash of la dolce vita.

For an unforgettable private villa experience off the beaten track, look no further than Casa Olivi in Le Marche. Le Marche sits between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea east of Tuscany and Umbria and is known for its sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. Pesaro, birthplace of composer Rossini, honours him with an annual music festival and in autumn the region is well known to truffle hunters. With its architect-inspired blend of ancient and cutting-edge contemporary Casa Olivi is the perfect place to base yourself to relax and then explore this beautiful region, but book early, as it is already one of our most popular villas.

Puglia, or Apulia, in southern Italy is well-known for its year-round sunny weather, whitewashed buildings and expansive Mediterranean coastline dotted with fortresses, which extends all the way around the heel of Italy's 'boot'. Here we fell in love with an ancient 'trullo', a traditional dry stone house with conical roofs that has been restored and modernised to offer exceptional creature comforts. Villa Angela offers a unique southern Italian experience that will inspire memories to last a lifetime. Fly to Brindisi and you will be in your perfect Puglian escape in less than half an hour.