AN ODE TO THE ITALIAN SUMMER
As the summer gets closer I find myself dreaming of a genuine holiday to the sun-drenched Italian coast. Envision the shimmering sapphire-blue sea, golden sands under your feet, and the irresistible allure of traditional Italian cuisine (and the wine…oh, the wine).
Here are three of my bucket-list hotels and what I’d pack for the trip.
Tuscany for Two
If remote romance and pure coastal bliss are what you’re looking for, Hotel Il Pellicano on the Argentinian coast of Tuscany is a dream come true. The hideaway has won award after award, year after year, and continues to chart as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s best hotels in the world.
The allure of this legendary escape commenced in 1965 with a British pilot and his American socialite wife building a sprawling house near Porto Ercole, evolving into a haven for global celebrities under Roberto Sciò's ownership in the 1970s. Today, with its 50 airy rooms, retro beach towels, chic updates, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Pellicano stands as the epitome of Tuscany's most captivating seaside retreat.
In a place as secluded as this, the rules are easy to bend.
Dress up, dress down, or don’t get dressed at all.
We won’t tell.
Meet you in Amalfi
A weathered fisherman's ruin and its enchanting garden, cascading down to a secluded rocky beach, have been meticulously restored to create Casa Privata - an exquisite and private retreat.
Nestled in Praiano, between Amalfi and Positano, on the renowned Amalfi Coast, Ca' P'a boasts extensive grounds with serene lawns, organic gardens, and a private beach, all overlooking the Mediterranean sea. With just seven rooms, Casa Privata provides an exclusive opportunity to indulge in life's luxuries in complete privacy and seclusion.
Nestled amidst the quaint charm of sleepy Praiano, and more importantly, out of the over-crowded masses of splashier areas, this oasis boasts seven bedrooms and tiered gardens, featuring a fountain, a sleek pool, and lemon groves. Leading to a secluded rocky outcrop with pristine sun loungers, the gardens offer privacy from other guests and onlookers, plus a private bay awaits for swimming…and other activities…down below.
While you’re consuming your body weight in pasta and wine, might we suggest a comfortable and *loose* attire, allowing you to over-indulge…because if you’re asking yourself, ‘do I really need this massive portion of tiramisu?’ the answer is most definitely yes.
Ischia is for Lovers
Ischia, a hidden volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, is a true gem for any lover of luxury. It’s less manufactured, more vibrant, and ultimately more authentic than some other parts of Italy that tend to be over-saturated with tourists.
The Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is a sister hotel to Hotel Il Pellicano in Tuscany, so it boasts a similar feel. It’s described as ‘quietly glamorous’ and very sexy, with private coves, thermal spas, and a clay tennis court shaded with massive trees.
“Hotels are like people. If they have a character and a point of view, you connect. If they’re just pretty girls with nothing to say, you don’t.” - Marie-Louise Scio, Pellicano Creative Director
If there were ever an appropriate time for a full white linen suit, it’s while dining on the edge of a cliff on the coast of Italy. Opt for accessories that are a bit bolder than your daily digs - green tinted sunglasses, blue loafers, and layered jewelry - you’re lookin’ good.