As summer arrives our eyes turn to Italy, where iconic destinations and properties have just opened for the season.
What’s new? What’s exclusive? Where is hot in Italy this summer?
Our partners at Belmond have some exciting updates, from Splendido to Sardinia to Sicily. The Belmond brand is incredibly strong in Italy. They have a wide portfolio of contrasting properties, in absolutely prime locations, in the most iconic destinations.
And when you book through EliteVoyage you enjoy exclusive Belmond Bellini Club benefits, like complimentary upgrades and in-room credits.
Revealing Romazzino in Sardinia
Romazzino, Sardinia’s original beach hotel, reopened as a Belmond Hotel less than two weeks ago.
The setting is the most extraordinary turquoise-green bay, the very definition of Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast).
Inaugurated by Aga Khan IV in 1961, this was the hotel that made Sardinia as a luxury destination. It has always enjoyed the best location in all of Sardina, with its long, private sandy beach.
Hotel Romazzino has traditionally been a nice summer option for families. We’re very happy that Belmond is returning Romazzino to its former glory. They’ve started on a multiphase renovation project, which will take place in the off seasons.
Some renovations are already complete. This year’s grand reveal included new restaurants and bars, like fine dining La Terrasse by Dario Parascandolo and beach bar Éntu e Mari, an ode to sixties glamour.
Romazzino’s world-famous gardens have been enhanced further by landscape designer Gaia Chaillet Giusti, who brings sixties retro in the form of flowers and plants.
The hotel has a very unique layout and there are over 15 categories among the 100 rooms, suites and villas. Small differences in room location are also an important factor here.
So ask us personally about Romazzino’s different room and suite options.
Charming New Villas at Castello di Casole
Belmond has created two family-style homes nestled among olive groves in the lush hills of Tuscany, part of their iconic Castello di Casole property.
The design mixes traditional, artisanal and recycled materials, the vibe more rustic charm than shining opulence. Think terracotta flooring, exposed brickwork, wrought-iron balustrades, Tuscan stone and marble.
Both Villa Thesan and Villa Usil have their own kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms, plus large outdoor terraces that include an outside kitchen with wood oven. Each has three spacious bedrooms and can sleep six or seven guests.
Castello di Casole is its own Tuscan village, encircled by vineyards, woodlands and farms. It has always been one of our favourite properties for couples.
These villas are ideal for a close knit group of friends travelling together. Or as a good choice for families in Tuscany.
New Beach Club Lido Villeggiatura at Villa Sant’Andrea
The new Lido Villeggiatura is likely to cement Villa Sant’Andrea as the ultimate Sicilian beachside holiday for families.
It’s a chic, family-friendly beach club in the Bay of Mazzaro, with private cabanas, beach concierge, and a new beach bar made with lava stone tiles from Mount Etna.
There’s a lot happening there this summer. Like sunrise yoga, sunday beach games, live music and seafood barbecues at sunset.
A partnership with the Taormina Film Festival will see Italian film classics played in an open-air cinema on the beach, alongside movie-themed dinners.
The six cabanas can be booked for up to four adults and are equipped with a sofa, tented veranda, sun loungers and a dedicated butler.
They are the most exclusive options at the hotel’s private beach, which has long been one of Italy’s most exclusive seaside hangouts.
Amazing Amalfi Exclusivity at Villa Margherita
Exclusivity is becoming virtually impossible on the Amalfi Coast in summer. It was one of the most popular summer destinations among the clients, but not anymore. The area is over-popular and overpacked.
Villa Margherita is an exception we happily recommend. It’s an exclusive-use villa spread across two floors, surrounded by fragrant gardens and offering complete privacy.
Each floor is actually a one-bedroom suite, with two marble bathrooms and a living room that can be easily transformed into a second sleeping area.
The two suites combined can accommodate up to eight people. It’s a perfect space for two families or two couples. You get your own private space, plus your own private space to share with the people you want to holiday with.
You enjoy all the services and facilities of the nearby Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, plus a private butler and dedicated chef.
Staying at the villa also includes complimentary access to a secluded beach club along the coast, which you will access by your own private boat (included). Plus daily trips to Positano on a charming wooden boat are also part of a stay.
A New Signature Suite and Pool at Splendido
Hotel Splendido in Portofino is also going through a multiphase off-season renovation, with redeveloped suites and improvements added for each summer season.
It opened for the season on 8th June with 12 of the 46 rooms freshly renovated. With our Belmond Bellini Club partnership we can help you secure one of these.
Signature suite La Baronessa is new, with frescoes, curios, antiques and furniture evoking the mid-20th-century splendour of the Ligurian Riviera.
Splendido’s cinematic swimming pool has hosted so many celebrities over the years and it’s also been redesigned, with Verezzi tiles and sea sculptures in blue and green marble. What was once the adjoining pool grill has been converted into an intimate family villa dining experience.
Hotel Splendido is a seasonal property and will close at the end of September.
Also in Portofino, Splendido Mare will stay open until the new year for the first time. It could be a great option for extending your summer in October and November.
Your Italian Holiday?
We’ve all been to Italy. And almost all of us have places we still want to visit in Italy. Or places we’d love to return to.
Italy’s popularity is justified, although that doesn’t make it any more palatable. We don’t want to be deep in tourist crowds in the height of summer, that’s not the Italian vibe we know and love.
Italy is chic, exclusive and authentic at heart. It’s an immersion in another style and way of living.
That’s been preserved at the best properties in Italy, like those by Belmond.
EliteVoyage was the first Belmond Bellini Club member in all of Central and Eastern Europe. It’s an invitation-only club that means we can pass on exclusive benefits to you, for Belmond trains and hotels all around the world.
