Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most captivating luxury travel destinations, where extraordinary history, timeless culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional hospitality come together to create unforgettable experiences. From the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast and the glamorous shores of Lake Como to the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany, the canals of Venice, and the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, every region offers its own unique interpretation of Italian elegance. Whether you’re dreaming of a centuries-old palace overlooking the Grand Canal, a secluded monastery transformed into a five-star retreat, or an exclusive countryside estate surrounded by vineyards, Italy is home to some of the finest luxury hotels on the planet. Narrowing the selection down to just ten properties is no easy task, as the country boasts an exceptional collection of world-class resorts and boutique hideaways. Nevertheless, these are my picks for the 10 best luxury hotels in Italy, each chosen for its remarkable setting, outstanding service, distinctive design, rich heritage, and ability to deliver an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime escape, or your next luxury vacation, these luxury hotels represent the very best Italy has to offer.

Think I missed a luxury hotel in Italy? Leave a comment!

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10. Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italian Riviera

For more than a century, Belmond Hotel Splendido has embodied the glamour and romance of the Italian Riviera. Perched high above the picturesque harbor of Portofino, the legendary property occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery, where terraced gardens, fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, and panoramic sea views create one of Italy’s most enchanting settings. Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed royalty, artists, celebrities, and discerning travelers seeking an authentic taste of la dolce vita. Guests can relax beside the iconic saltwater pool, enjoy refined Ligurian cuisine, or simply admire the spectacular views over Portofino’s colorful waterfront. The experience extends beyond the hillside retreat thanks to Splendido Mare, the hotel’s intimate sister property located directly on the famous piazzetta at the water’s edge, allowing guests to enjoy both the vibrant atmosphere of the harbor and the peaceful seclusion of the main estate. Together, the two properties deliver one of the most iconic luxury hotel experiences in Italy, combining timeless elegance, impeccable Belmond service, and an unrivaled Riviera location.

• Hotel website: Belmond Hotel Splendido
• Other accolades: Belmond Hotel Splendido also features in my top 10 list of the best Belmond hotels in the world.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Belmond Hotel Splendido when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and up to $200 USD hotel credit per stay).
• Review: read my review of Belmond Hotel Splendido here.

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9. Forestis Dolomites

Hidden among the pristine forests of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, Forestis is one of Italy’s most remarkable mountain retreats. Designed exclusively for adults, this contemporary sanctuary embraces wellness, sustainability, and a profound connection with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and ancient pine forests, while minimalist interiors draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape through natural stone, untreated wood, soft fabrics, and calming neutral tones. Every suite and penthouse has been carefully designed to blur the line between indoors and outdoors, allowing the scenery to take center stage. The hotel’s outstanding spa focuses on the healing power of the four natural elements unique to the Dolomites, complemented by exceptional cuisine that celebrates seasonal Alpine ingredients. Whether visiting for skiing, hiking, or simply to disconnect from everyday life, Forestis offers a peaceful escape where luxury is defined by simplicity, silence, and one of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain settings.

• Hotel website: Forestis
• Other accolades: Forestis also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most luxurious ski hotels.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Forestis when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $50 USD hotel credit).
• Review: read my review of Forestis here.

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8. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence

Set within a magnificent Renaissance palace and former convent, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers one of the most luxurious stays in the heart of Florence. What truly sets the property apart is its spectacular 11-acre private park — the largest of its kind in the city — providing an oasis of tranquility just moments from Florence’s iconic Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and historic center. Inside, guests are surrounded by centuries of Italian artistry, with original frescoes, marble floors, ornate ceilings, arches, and elegant courtyards seamlessly blended with contemporary comforts. Each of the hotel’s individually designed rooms and suites reflects the building’s remarkable heritage while offering every modern luxury expected from Four Seasons. An exceptional spa, fine dining, impeccable service, and one of the city’s most exclusive settings complete the experience. Combining Renaissance grandeur with world-class hospitality, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze remains the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Florence and one of Italy’s finest city hotels.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

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7. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany

Nestled amid the rolling hills of the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco offers one of Tuscany’s most authentic and luxurious countryside escapes. Spanning a magnificent historic estate just outside Montalcino, the property combines more than 800 years of history with the refined service and understated elegance for which Rosewood is renowned. Surrounded by vineyards, cypress-lined roads, olive groves, and medieval hamlets, the resort captures the timeless beauty that has made Tuscany one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Guests can choose between beautifully restored suites in the historic borgo or private villas with panoramic views over the countryside, while exceptional facilities include a championship golf course, an award-winning spa, a prestigious Brunello di Montalcino winery, and outstanding farm-to-table dining. Whether exploring nearby hilltop villages, enjoying exclusive wine tastings, or simply relaxing among the vineyards, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco delivers an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Tuscany, where heritage, nature, and world-class luxury come together in perfect harmony.

• Hotel website: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

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6. Passalacqua, Lake Como

Overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como, Passalacqua has quickly established itself as one of the world’s most extraordinary luxury hotels. Housed within an elegant 18th-century villa built on land once owned by Pope Innocent XI, the intimate retreat has been lovingly restored by the De Santis family, whose passion for Italian hospitality is evident in every detail. With only 24 individually designed suites spread across the historic villa, former stables, and lakeside residence, Passalacqua offers an atmosphere of exceptional privacy and exclusivity. Lavish interiors feature original frescoes, Murano chandeliers, handcrafted furnishings, and spectacular marble bathrooms, while terraced gardens cascade gently towards the lake, creating a setting of timeless romance. Guests can spend their days cruising Lake Como by vintage boat, relaxing beside the elegant pool, or enjoying personalized experiences curated by an attentive team renowned for anticipating every need. Combining aristocratic grandeur with warm, genuine hospitality, Passalacqua represents the very best of contemporary Italian luxury and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest boutique hotels.

• Hotel website: Passalacqua
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Passalacqua when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast for two, and $100 USD resort credit).

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5. San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, Sicily

Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel is one of Sicily’s most iconic luxury retreats. Occupying a beautifully restored 14th-century Dominican monastery alongside the historic Grand Hotel Wing added in the late 19th century, the property effortlessly blends centuries of history with contemporary elegance. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Etna, the sparkling Mediterranean, and Taormina’s ancient Greek Theatre, creating one of Italy’s most spectacular hotel settings. The refined rooms and suites preserve the building’s historic character while offering every modern comfort, complemented by magnificent Italian gardens, an infinity pool overlooking the coastline, an indulgent spa, and exceptional dining, including the Michelin-starred Principe Cerami restaurant. International recognition soared after the hotel served as the unforgettable backdrop for the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, yet its true appeal lies in its timeless atmosphere, impeccable Four Seasons service, and unrivaled location in one of Sicily’s most enchanting destinations.

• Hotel website: San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel
• Other accolades: San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels made famous by Hollywood movies & TV shows and the best hotels in Sicily.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel here.

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4. Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, Amalfi Coast

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is one of the Amalfi Coast’s most exclusive boutique hotels. Originally built as a 17th-century monastery, the historic property has been meticulously restored into an intimate sanctuary where timeless architecture meets contemporary luxury. With just 20 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the hotel offers an exceptional sense of privacy and tranquility, enhanced by cascading terraced gardens filled with fragrant Mediterranean flowers and panoramic sea views. At its heart lies one of Italy’s finest destination spas, featuring an extensive wellness circuit with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, tepidarium, and a wide range of bespoke treatments. The spectacular infinity pool appears to merge seamlessly with the sea below, while the acclaimed restaurant showcases refined Campanian cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Combining centuries of history, impeccable service, and one of the most breathtaking settings on the Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa delivers an unforgettable luxury escape where every detail inspires relaxation and romance.

• Hotel website: Monastero Santa Rosa
• Other accolades: Monastero Santa Rosa also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in the world that are soaked in history and the best luxury hotels on Capri, Ischia & the Amalfi Coast.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Monastero Santa Rosa when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast fo two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Monastero Santa Rosa here.

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3. Aman Venice

Occupying the magnificent 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli on Venice’s Grand Canal, Aman Venice is widely regarded as the city’s most exclusive luxury hotel. Unlike many Venetian palaces that serve primarily as museums, Aman offers guests the rare opportunity to experience authentic aristocratic grandeur while enjoying the discreet, world-renowned service that defines the Aman brand. Behind its historic façade lie soaring frescoed ceilings, gilded salons, intricate stucco work, centuries-old leather wall coverings, and priceless works of art, all beautifully preserved alongside contemporary comforts. The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites are among the largest in Venice, with many overlooking either the Grand Canal or the property’s exceptionally rare private gardens—an almost unheard-of luxury in the heart of the Floating City. Fine dining, intimate lounges, and serene outdoor spaces create an atmosphere that feels more like an elegant private residence than a traditional hotel. Rich in history yet effortlessly contemporary, Aman Venice offers an unparalleled combination of heritage, privacy, and refined luxury in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

• Hotel website: Aman Venice
• Other accolades: Aman Venice also features in my top 10 lists of the best Aman hotels in the world, the best luxury hotels in Venice, and the most amazing city hotels in Europe.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Aman Venice when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast fo two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Aman Venice here.

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2. Il Sereno, Lake Como

Blending cutting-edge Italian design with one of Europe’s most spectacular waterfront settings, Il Sereno redefines contemporary luxury on Lake Como. Created by internationally acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola, the all-suite boutique hotel stands apart from the lake’s historic villas thanks to its sleek architecture, minimalist interiors, and uninterrupted panoramic views from every suite. Each spacious accommodation features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private furnished terrace that places the beauty of Lake Como center stage. Culinary excellence is equally impressive, with Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton leading the hotel’s signature restaurant, where innovative Italian cuisine is served overlooking the water. Throughout the property, lush vertical gardens designed by renowned botanist Patrick Blanc soften the modern architecture and strengthen the connection between nature and design. Whether arriving by boat, relaxing beside the elegant infinity pool, or exploring the lake’s picturesque villages, guests experience a fresh, contemporary vision of Italian hospitality. Il Sereno perfectly balances sophisticated design, personalized service, and an extraordinary lakeside location, making it one of Italy’s most desirable luxury hotels.

• Hotel website: Il Sereno
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Il Sereno when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Il Sereno here.

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1. Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast

Perched high above the Amalfi Coast in the enchanting hilltop town of Ravello, Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of Italy’s most iconic luxury hotels. Occupying a beautifully restored 11th-century palace, the property appears to float between the Mediterranean Sea and the sky, offering breathtaking panoramic views over dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, and the sparkling Tyrrhenian coastline. The hotel’s rich history is reflected in its vaulted ceilings, frescoed salons, ancient stone archways, and individually designed rooms and suites, each blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. At its heart lies one of the world’s most photographed infinity pools, where the water seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon beyond. Guests can also enjoy exceptional fine dining on the panoramic Belvedere terrace, stroll through fragrant rose gardens, or simply embrace the peaceful atmosphere that has attracted royalty, artists, writers, and celebrities for generations. Combining extraordinary scenery, impeccable Belmond service, and centuries of history, Hotel Caruso offers the quintessential Amalfi Coast experience and remains my favorite luxury hotel in Italy.

• Hotel website: Belmond Hotel Caruso
• Other accolades: Belmond Hotel Caruso also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most spectacular cliffside luxury hotels, the best Belmond hotels in the world, the world’s most stunning hotel pools, and the best luxury hotels on Capri, Ischia & the Amalfi Coast.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at Belmond Hotel Caruso when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and up to $200 USD hotel credit per stay).
• Review: read my review of Belmond Hotel Caruso here.

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Disclosure: I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

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