With Italy coming back swinging after the pandemic, and the fact the hit show White Lotus Season 2 on HBO put Sicily on the map again (400% increase in hotel searches), US travelers are eager for some far-flung adventures to the country of wine, skiing, and ancient attractions. In fact, winter is a great time to visit one of the most romantic destinations in the world — with some of the best, iconic winter hotels in Italy that are destinations unto themselves – and worth the journey.
While Sicily is on everyone’s radar, here are other top destinations you may consider — and the best places to stay. From Milan to Rome, here are 4 iconic hotels in Italy to book this winter.
4 best iconic winter hotels to book in Italy
Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda
The highlight of The Harrods Suite, the large Roof Terrace, features a beautiful raised swimming pool, an outdoor dining area, a sunbathing deck and a recreational area. pic.twitter.com/m36tRvoGfY
— Hotel Cala di Volpe (@caladivolpe_htl) March 16, 2021
Like a timeless village, the Hotel Cala di Volpe is stretched over a bay and between the hills and the lush coast of Sardinia. The iconic property was started by Jacques Couëlle in the 60’s and has been reinterpreted by 4BI & Associés.
Each of the 121 guest rooms (71 newly designed) celebrate the region’s natural beauty and superb Sardinian artistry. Simple whitewashed walls are decorated with whimsical trompe l’oeil paintings, unique to each room. Handcrafted furniture is painted to match each room’s singular theme, complemented further by vibrant ceramic tile work on the floors and in the bathrooms.
On our bucket list: Bellini at the Hotel Cala di VolpeThe famed cocktail made of fresh white peaches and chilled prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, is a must-try when in Costa Smeralda. This refreshing tasteful drink celebrates the unparalleled summer happiness and freedom. pic.twitter.com/3fCdkZuUEB
— Hotel Cala di Volpe (@caladivolpe_htl) May 11, 2021
Guests of the resort can enjoy the properties numerous hikes, swim in Olympic-sized pool (over the summer), visit the fitness center and SHISEIDO Spa, or relax all day on the white-sand beaches. It’s one of the most luxurious and best iconic winter hotels to book in Italy.
For more information, or to book Hotel Cala di Volpe, click here.
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
When the hotel is a destination in itself 🏨
Discover our superb collection of rooms and suite at the https://t.co/hLWBy2XnC1 ! pic.twitter.com/z0qRZJ0XST— The Gritti Palace (@thegrittipalace) September 4, 2019
The Gritti Palace, housed in a 15th century noble palazzo in Venice, is an iconic property embracing generations of venerable guests and global travelers.
Overlooking the Grand Canal, the grand dame boasts one of the most majestic views, spanning from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore past Punta della Dogana and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The hotel is a historical treasure where heritage and culture have blended, offering an experience marked by iconic art and design, attentive service, and notable culinary offerings.
We are proud to announce that The Gritti Palace has been named the No.1 Hotel in Venice in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2019 🥂🍾https://t.co/M51gyBYnSy pic.twitter.com/mSkbMO9Ymk
— The Gritti Palace (@thegrittipalace) July 16, 2019
Each of the hotel’s 82 guest rooms and suites boast impressive canal views which reflect the intimacy of a private residence and provide a truly distinctive experience that captures the heritage of the palace the cultural roots of the city.
The Gritti Palace’s famous terraces will continue to be the social hub of Venice. Guests will enjoy delicious Venetian cuisine, cocktails, and enchanting views at The Club del Doge restaurant, Bar Longhi, and the Riva Lounge. Guests of the hotel can arrange anything from an exclusive tour around the Venetian lagoon aboard a private Riva speedboat to a relaxing day at The Gritti Spa, with treatments from Sisley Paris.
For more information, or to book Gritti Palace, click here.
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The St. Regis Venice
At the edge of the Grand Canal, an exquisite vision of #Venice. pic.twitter.com/TOntQxwcvr
— St. Regis Hotels (@stregishotels) May 9, 2021
A combination of five 18th and 19th century palazzi, The St. Regis Venice, which first debuted in 2020, is an ideal getaway for travelers seeking culture, natural settings, unspoiled architectural heritage, and notable culinary offerings in Venice.
The hotel boasts 169 guestrooms and 40 suites, many with private terraces with views of the city, the hotel’s gardens and the Grand Canal.
The hotel offers the most Grand Canal-facing rooms in the city as it is the widest canal-front property. and it merges the historic origins of its location with striking interiors, restored with terrazzo floors and stunning crown moldings. The St. Regis Venice’s features also include: four stunning and spacious terraces on the ground floor; Gio’s restaurant offering authentic, innovative Italian cuisine; The intimate Arts Bar, serving modern and classic cocktails; The St. Regis Bar; A secluded Italianate garden with extraordinary views across the Grand Canal, where guests can sample the signature Bloody Mary, or the famous Spritz from the roaming, custom-made Spritz Trolley; The St. Regis’ legendary Butler Service; a 24-hour fitness center; and an Iridium Suites Spa.
For more information, or to book St. Regis Venice, click here.
The St. Regis Rome
It's all about the things you need, when you need them.#StRegisRome #LiveExquisite #Castinglightonanewera #ButlerService pic.twitter.com/X0VqbRBG1L
— The St. Regis Rome (@StRegisRome) January 15, 2019
Originally opened in 1894 by legendary hotelier César Ritz, the iconic St. Regis Rome is located in one of the one of the city’s most impressive palazzos, near Piazza della Repubblica and the Quirinale presidential palace. It’s great any time of year, but definitely one of the best winter hotels to book.
The St. Regis Rome has long been regarded as the definition of refined European hospitality. The hotel recently underwent a full-scape renovation including all of the public spaces, as well as the hotel’s 138 guest rooms and 23 opulent suites. The spacious guestrooms and suites mix influences from the Empire, Regency and Louis XV eras. Elegantly layered pastel hues breathe new life into the guestrooms, showcasing one of two uplifting color-schemes: clean powder blue of the Mediterranean city’s vibrant skies, or warm terra cotta of weathered Roman walls at sunset.
For more information, or to book St. Regis Rome, click here.
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.