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IF YOU’RE AMONG one of the lucky travellers heading over to Europe for a summer jaunt, we can bet you’ll have Italy earmarked as a “must-visit” destination. And rightfully so. No matter where on the boot you visit — north, south, east or west — Italy has it all. The food. The beaches. The historical sights. The unparalleled beauty.
And being the bon vivant you undoubtedly are, you’re probably well researched when it comes to the topic of Italy’s best hotels. But do you know of Italy’s newest hotels making waves among European travellers in recent months?
If not, the team at Esquire has done the leg work by rounding up the five best new hotels in Italy for those without a budget in mind.
Your luxurious Italian adventure awaits.
Passalacqua
Lake Como
While it’s no secret that Lake Como is one of Italy’s most majestic regions, this new hotel might just be the country’s best kept secret… until now.
As you swivel through the winding roads to get to a little town called Moltrasio, it’s easy to miss the unassuming gates of Como’s newest hotel: Passalacqua.
Sister property to the louder and jazzier Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua is an oasis of epic proportions, offering the sort of lakeside grandeur (and privacy) that can be hard to come by. An 18th century villa with perhaps the most beautifully-manicured gardens you’ll ever see (that run all the way down to the lake), a stay at Passalacqua is as magical as it sounds — it’s the perfect hideout for those seeking intimacy, privacy and solace.
Enjoy the villa’s facilities including a stunning 20-metre swimming pool that offers sweeping views of the lake, a state-of-the-art al fresco gym (which looks out onto the estate’s ancient olive grove) and a lake-side tennis court with a real Slim Aarons vibe to it.
The Rome EDITION
Rome
While there’s always something happening in Rome — it is the eternal city, after all — it’s hard to go past the launch of the city’s newest five-star luxury hotel, The Rome EDITION. Having just opened its doors this summer, the Rome Edition is redefining luxury and setting a new standard for sophistication, refinement and high-design aesthetic in one of the world’s most frequented cities.
Built in the 1940s and formerly occupied by one of the main Italian banks, the Rome Edition is located only a few short steps from Via Veneto — the most sought-after street in all of Italy. The hotel features 91 rooms including 17 suites, three unique bars, a rooftop lounge, bar and pool (with unobstructed views of city landmarks including the Pantheon, Acqua Paola Fountain, and Basilica of Sant’andrea della Valle), a show-kitchen restaurant, plus more.
San Domenico Palace
Taormina, Sicily
It would be remiss of us not to mention what is, perhaps, the most covetable hotel in Italy right now: San Domenico Palace (aka, The White Lotus). While not exactly new, the medieval monastery-turned-hotel was refurbished and renovated in 2021 by the Four Seasons — and is worth every penny when it comes to luxury Italian accommodation.
Located high in the hills of the Sicilian town of Taormina, the hotel is adorned by that famous infinity pool, magnificent Italian gardens and Michelin-starred dining experiences. If lazing around the pool under the Sicilian sun isn’t your thing (why wouldn’t it be?), you can head in the nearby town for some authentic Italian cultural and dining experiences.
Borgo Santandrea
Amalfi
No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to the Amalfi Coast; a coastline dotted with some of the most impressive towns in all of the world. But high on the clifftops of the little town of Amalfi lies Borgo Santandrea — the first new hotel on the Amalfi Coast in 15 years!
No detail has been left unturned at the lavish new Borgo Santandrea. It has been immaculately re-designed from its 1960’s origins, led by renowned Italian architect Rino Gambardella. The hotel boasts 29 rooms and 16 suites, all with an unspoiled view of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel boasts a dramatic cliff-side pool but if you head to the ground, you’ll find a popular beach club exclusive to Borgo Santandrea guests. It’s here you can enjoy the best of la dolce vita (Amalfi edition) from dips in the ocean to delectable lunches with a spritz in hand.
Hotel La Palma
Capri
If you’re exploring the Amalfi Coast, a visit to the iridescent island of Capri — just a short boat ride from any of the main towns — is a non-negotiable. But there’s now even more reason to visit the charming island of Capri, with Hotel La Palma officially reopening its doors after undergoing a remarkable 2.5 year renovation. The island’s oldest and grandest hotel, which was first established in 1822, has now been meticulously redesigned to represent a truly luxurious island hotel offering.
Boasting 50 rooms and 18 suites each with its own private balcony or terrace, a beautiful pool and a private beach club, you won’t want to leave La Palma. Renowned London-based designer Francis Sultana worked closely with Italian craftsmen and local artisans to reimagine La Palma for a unique fusion of Capri 1950s glamour with all the hallmarks of a luxury modern resort.
