Luxury hotels in Italy offer more than just elegant accommodations—they embody renowned Italian hospitality and an unparalleled blend of timeless elegance, breathtaking locations, and la dolce vita sophistication. From the Alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-soaked shores of the Amalfi Coast, and all the way to the island charm of Sicily, Italy is home to a dazzling array of five-star retreats that capture the spirit of each region. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic couple’s getaway, or a dream honeymoon in Italy, these handpicked properties promise refined service, immersive design, and unforgettable experiences.
From mountain hideaways and fashion-forward city escapes to historic Roman stays and seaside retreats, here’s your insider’s guide to the best luxury hotels in Italy, from north to south.
Hotel La Perla – Alpine elegance in the heart of the Dolomites
Location: Corvara in Badia, Alta Badia, Trentino-Alto Adige
Category: 5-Star Boutique Hotel | Family-Owned | Luxury Mountain Retreat
Tucked in the picturesque village of Corvara, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, Hotel La Perla is an exquisite alpine retreat that exudes warmth, tradition, and understated elegance. This family-owned property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is known for its intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and deep connection to Ladin culture. Blending traditional craftsmanship with a sense of modern comfort, the hotel invites you to slow down and connect with nature in one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Authentic alpine atmosphere: Interiors feature hand-carved wood, antique furniture, and charming Tyrolean textiles, creating an ambience that’s cosy, soulful, and true to the region. Many rooms and suites offer views of the Sella massif or lush alpine meadows, providing a peaceful mountain backdrop.
- Spa and wellness sanctuary: The hotel’s Spa offers a holistic approach to wellbeing, with panoramic saunas, herbal steam rooms, and a range of massages and treatments using organic alpine products like arnica and local essential oils. The serene setting, overlooking the Dolomites, enhances the sense of calm and renewal.
- Michelin-starred dining: The acclaimed La Stüa de Michil – chef Simone Cantafio, is one of the region’s Michelin-star culinary gems, combining South Tyrolean heritage with creative flair. Expect handmade pasta, wild game, locally foraged mushrooms, and an award-winning wine cellar with over 30,000 bottles.
Best for: Luxury ski holidays, active summer breaks, gourmet mountain getaways, wellness retreats, alpine honeymoons, and family holidays.
Portrait Milano – Milan’s most stylish 5-Star design hotel
Location: Milan, Lombardy | Fashion District (Quadrilatero della Moda)
Category: 5-Star Luxury Hotel | Lungarno Collection | Fashion-Focused Hospitality
Housed in a magnificently restored 16th-century seminary, Portrait Milano is the newest jewel in Milan’s fashion district, offering you a seamless fusion of history, and contemporary luxury. Part of the prestigious Lungarno Collection, owned by the Ferragamo family, the hotel reflects Milanese elegance at its finest—where architecture, design, and service come together in flawless harmony.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Unbeatable location: Situated in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s iconic shopping and cultural district, the hotel is mere steps from Via Montenapoleone, the Duomo, and Teatro alla Scala. You have immediate access to the best of Milan’s fashion, art, and cuisine.
- Bespoke interiors: Designed by architect Michele Bönan, the hotel’s rooms and suites exude sophistication, with custom furnishings, refined colour palettes, marble bathrooms, and details inspired by Italian tailoring. Luxurious yet deeply personal, the spaces feel like private Milanese residences.
- Sophisticated dining & courtyard living: You can enjoy upscale dining in the grand central courtyard—one of the city’s largest private squares—featuring restaurants, the Ten Eleven Bar, a spa, boutiques, and event spaces. It’s a new social and culinary hub in the heart of Milan.
Best for: Fashion-forward travellers, design lovers, luxury family holidays, personalised luxury thanks to the hotel Lifestyle Team, stylish city breaks and honeymoons.
Hotel de Russie – Roman glamour meets timeless sophistication
Location: Rome, Lazio | Between Piazza del Popolo & Spanish Steps
Category: 5-Star Historic Hotel | Rocco Forte Hotels | Urban Oasis
A favourite among royalty, artists, and celebrities for over a century, Hotel de Russie is a Roman icon that combines historic grandeur with contemporary comfort. Perfectly positioned between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, this landmark hotel by Rocco Forte delivers elegance, discretion, and a rare sense of tranquillity in the heart of the Eternal City.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Elegant heritage and location: The building dates back to the 19th century and has long been a meeting place for the cultural elite. Today, it offers easy access to major Roman attractions like Villa Borghese, Via del Corso, and the Pantheon, while maintaining a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. One of the hotel’s most beloved features is its Secret Garden, a tiered oasis of citrus trees, stone fountains, and flowering plants that climbs the hillside behind the hotel. It’s the perfect setting for a quiet breakfast, a sunset aperitivo, or a romantic evening under the stars.
- Refined wellness experience: The De Russie Spa offers a tranquil retreat after a day exploring Rome. Facilities include a saltwater hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and personalized treatments featuring Irene Forte Skincare, made from Sicilian botanicals.
- Michelin-level cuisine: At Le Jardin, Michelin-starred Chef Fulvio Pierangelini crafts modern Italian dishes that celebrate seasonal Roman ingredients all served with views of the garden terrace.
Best for: Culture lovers, romantic Rome stays, spa escapes, travellers seeking historic luxury, stylish family city breaks, luxury honeymoons.
Hotel Miramalfi – cliffside luxury and chic on the Amalfi Coast
Location: Amalfi, Campania | Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea
Category: 5 Star Hotel | Family-Owned | Seafront Location | Coastal Luxury
Perched dramatically on the cliffs just above the Mediterranean, Hotel Miramalfi is a family-owned gem that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast: scenic beauty, laid-back luxury, and effortless Italian charm. Its whitewashed terraces, hand-painted tiles, and nautical details reflect the coastal heritage of the region, while its location—just a 10-minute walk from Amalfi town—offers both convenience and seclusion.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Breathtaking views, Mediterranean interiors and comfort: Every room and suite offers a private balcony or terrace overlooking the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi harbour, or the dramatic coastline dotted with pastel-coloured villages. The visual connection to the landscape is constant and unforgettable. Rooms are light, airy, and designed in harmony with the coast, showcasing traditional Vietri tiles, custom ceramics, and light wood furniture. The aesthetic is minimalist yet warm—elegant without excess.
- Private beach club: An elevator carved into the cliffside leads to the hotel’s exclusive beach platform, where sun loungers, parasols, and direct sea access await. You can enjoy swimming in the emerald sea, sipping cocktails from the bar, or simply relaxing with the sound of waves below.
- Elevated local cuisine: The hotel’s restaurant, Donna Emma, serves regional specialities with a modern twist—featuring locally caught seafood, handmade pasta, sun-ripened vegetables, and Campanian wines. Dining here is as much about the view as it is about the food, with tables elegantly set along the panoramic terrace.
Best for: Luxury coastal retreats, romantic vacations, Amalfi Coast honeymoon, explorers, and family holidays in style.
Villa Sant’Andrea – Sicilian seaside grandeur in Taormina
Location: Taormina Mare, Sicily | On Mazzarò Bay, steps from the beach
Category: 5-Star Luxury Seaside Hotel | Belmond Collection | Historic Villa by the Sea
Set on its own private stretch of Mazzarò Bay, just beneath the hilltop town of Taormina, Villa Sant’Andrea is a lavish yet deeply serene retreat that channels the spirit of Sicilian aristocratic summers. Once a 19th-century villa, this Belmond property blends old-world charm with flawless service, beachside indulgence, and panoramic coastal beauty. Surrounded by subtropical gardens and with direct access to one of Sicily’s most picturesque coves, it’s a haven of tranquillity, ideal for sophisticated travellers seeking Mediterranean elegance with a touch of nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Exclusive beachfront location: Nestled directly on the pebbled shores of Mazzarò Bay, the hotel offers private beach access—a rarity in Taormina. You can step out of your room and onto the shoreline, with sun loungers reserved for hotel guests, beachside service, and crystalline waters perfect for swimming or snorkelling. The funicular to Taormina’s historic centre is just steps away, allowing for effortless transitions between the beach and the town’s ancient ruins, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Romantic Mediterranean charm: Each room and suite is tastefully adorned with antique furnishings, handcrafted Sicilian ceramics, and fine Italian linens. Many feature private terraces or balconies with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. The ambience is timeless—where the gentle rhythm of the waves, marble bathrooms, and classic decor create a mood of relaxed, refined luxury. The villa is surrounded by meticulously maintained botanical gardens, filled with palm trees, oleander, jasmine, and bougainvillea. This green oasis contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea, creating secluded nooks for reading, lounging, or enjoying a glass of Sicilian wine under the shade.
- Sea-view dining & Sicilian cuisine: At Ristorante Sant’Andrea, the dining experience is a harmonious blend of culinary tradition and refined presentation, set against the backdrop of the sparkling Ionian Sea. The restaurant’s elevated terrace, perched just above the shoreline, offers uninterrupted views of the bay. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted using the finest seasonal produce sourced from local markets and regional suppliers, ensuring an authentic and ever-changing menu that reflects the richness of Sicily’s cultural heritage. For an even more exclusive experience, Brizza fine dining restaurant offers a unique opportunity to dine with your feet in the sand. With only eight tables on the beach, it provides an intimate setting where guests can savour one of three exceptional tasting menus, all while immersing themselves in the breathtaking atmosphere of the Bay.
Best for: Romantic getaways, beachside Taormina honeymoon, luxury coastal escapes, Sicilian heritage lovers, luxury family holidays in Sicily.
Explore further: For a honeymoon that hits all the right notes or a family holiday brimming with unforgettable moments, Italy is exactly what you need.
