We don’t know about you, but it seems these days, everyone we know is going to Italy. We decided to do a little research and, as it turns out, travel experts consistently report Italy among the top 10 international travel destinations for Americans, and the country is expected to hold its standing in 2025. With centuries of history and art, breathtaking cathedrals, rich cuisine and stunning topography, among its many attractions, it’s no wonder we can’t get enough of that iconic boot in the Mediterranean. “Italy isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience to be savored slowly and passionately,” says Georges Midleje, regional managing director at Grand Universe La Residenza in Lucca. Florence, Venice, Milan and the coastal regions are some of the most popular and romantic destinations. If you have never been, and want to check Italy off your bucket list, or you can’t wait to go back and explore something new, try one of these new or just-renovated luxury stays.
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
Florence
Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art-lover’s dream, with access to some of the most beloved and iconic works of art in history. Galleries, museums, cultural destinations and top-notch restaurants are among the many draws to this romantic city. The new Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection’s newest Italian resort, has 83 rooms and suites that blend modern luxury and old world-inspired design. Interiors are furnished with hand-selected antiques and curated Renaissance art. “Florence has for centuries enabled the realization of dreams inspired by its history, culture and majestic environs, and this the city has done for myself and the entire team at the Leeu Collection,” says Analjit Signh, owner and founder of Leeu Collection, which owns Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Through Collegio alla Querce, we aim to honor the eternal legacy of Florence and Tuscany with an establishment immersed in the ethos and excellence of Leeu Collection’s luxury hospitality establishments, cherishing the glorious past and complementing the magnificent experiences visitors to the city are privy to.”
Stroll the resort’s manicured Baroque gardens overlooking the hills of Tuscany, soak in sumptuous soaking tubs and end the day with a glass of red wine on a private balcony. The hotel concierge can arrange for a bespoke tour of Florence or the Chianti countryside. Aelia, the hotel spa, has a menu of therapeutic treatments, rituals and experiences inspired by local traditions using organic local herbs and flowers, like the Logevità a Firenze, a wellness treatment that repairs and fortifies the skin, or the olive leaf deep tissue massage. Dining at Collegio alla Querce includes seafood-driven destination restaurant La Gamella, the Conservatorio, a garden atrium open all day for seasonal fare, and The Chef’s Table, an Italian open kitchen where guests can book cooking classes or enjoy intimate dining experiences with visiting chefs. Bar Bertelli is a global bar with an internationally inspired cocktail menu, and Café Focolare and pool bar offers casual fare in an outdoor setting, like crudos, paninos and pizzas.
Grand Universe La Residenza
Lucca
With lovingly preserved churches and intact sixteenth century walls throughout the city, Lucca is known for its rich history, and it’s less than an hour from the Versilia coast. The newest accommodations of the Grand Universe are the resort’s, La Residenza, for guests who want more of a sojourn than a vacation. Once known as Palazzo Mansi in Via Poleriera, the property was a family home owned by Nicolao Mansi, so the long-term residences here are in keeping with the property’s origins.
“With the arrival of Grand Universe La Residenza, we are introducing an ultra-luxurious way to enjoy an extended stay vacation just as the ‘slow travel’ movement takes off,” says Georges Midleje, regional managing director at Grand Universe La Residenza. Guests can choose from junior, one- and two-room suites and one- and two-room apartments. “Here, guests can find accommodations that fit their every need—from romantic suites perfect for couples to apartment-style residences with multiple rooms perfect for family getaways,” adds Midleje. Residences are appointed with fine linens, eclectic décor and cozy bathrobes. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find creations illustrating the Mansi family’s silk trade legacy. Your butler will arrange for custom guided tours of the area, or limousine, sports car and bicycle rentals. While you’re visiting, be sure to book a private culinary, olive oil or wine tasting, a cooking class where you can learn to prepare local dishes, or a carriage ride through the city. Book an outing with a personal shopper for a unique experience, or reserve time at the Grand Universe spa for a facial or body treatment. If you absolutely must bring your work with you on your long-term stay, the property has meeting rooms available for reservation. Guests can “enjoy all the comforts of a luxury hotel stay with personalized concierge services and a dedicated butler on hand to cater to every whim, from serving in-room breakfast to securing reservations to making expert local suggestions,” says Midleje. “It is luxury that is as effortless as it is indulgent.”
Grand Hotel Fasano
Lake Garda
Grand Hotel Fasano has been providing the type of Italian country getaway that has inspired dreamers and artists for centuries (not to mention the rest of us). This spring, the family owned five-star hotel reopens with new luxurious suites, new menus for all the property’s restaurants, and a fully renovated spa. Plus, the hotel’s Il Fagiano restaurant will be greeting guests with one Michelin star to its name. The property, once a hunting lodge of the royal house of Habsburg, offers lakeside views and sits mid-way between Venice and Milan, making it convenient for those who want to explore more of Italy or make it a stop during a longer experience abroad.
Eighty-six rooms and suites have been completely refreshed with contemporary décor and custom-made furniture. While you’re there, book a treatment at the newly renovated Aqva Spa and Wellness Centre, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hydromassage, sauna, Turkish baths, a state-of-the-art gym and a spa garden. Il Fagiano, the hotel’s Michelin-starred fine dining option, has received international acclaim. Executive Chef Maurizio Bufi has designed a menu that captures the tastes of Italy’s northern and southern regions using locally sourced produce. For less formal dining options, try Trattoria Il Pescatore, where you can take in waterfront views and enjoy a global menu including lamb fillet shiso, green beans and barbecue glazed ribs among other options, or visit Magnolia where you can dine al fresco under the shade of 200-year-old magnolia trees. For a quick bite or cocktail, La Terrazza and Rama’s Lounge Bar have something for everyone. “Grand Hotel Fasano’s transformation is all about enhancing the guest experience,” says Alice Lancini, director of sales and marketing at Grand Hotel Fasano. “We’ve blended our heritage with modern luxury to create a haven for those seeking culinary delights, ultimate relaxation, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Garda.”
