Wanderlust Inducing New Italian Hotel Openings

Though the pandemic slowed to a halt global travel, nothing could stop the ever changing travel industry from opening. This past year and the upcoming 2021 season boast an incredible number of fascinating new hotel openings. These long anticipated openings are going ahead in a unique moment. This year, however, they haven’t had their chance to shine as much as they deserve. There are some truly spectacular properties that are making their grand debut! This week, we focus on a few of our favorites (and some still to come) in Italy. These are some seriously wanderlust-inducing spots for your next holiday, so make note for your future tailor made dream vacation!

Il Tornabuoni, Florence

This 5-star luxury hotel will be opening in Spring of 2021 (moved from this past summer). With 62 warm and elegant rooms, “Il T”, as the property is nicknamed, is located in a prime location on one of the most prestigious shopping areas in the city. The hotel is found in a carefully restored 13th century palazzo. It also offers customized experiences like cocktail and cooking classes. Il T will also have several gastronomic experiences like a rooftop cocktail bar. We also love the intimate restaurant with city views and gourmet (but still typical) cuisine.

Portrait Milano

The spectacular Lungarno collection of hotels is opening a new property in 2021 in the capital of fashion, Milan. Since Lungarno is from the famous fashion family, Ferragamo, it’s a much awaited addition. It is located in the building of the former Archiepiscopal Seminary, Europe’s oldest seminary (and the second in the world). The highlight is the magnificent baroque entrance, designed in 1652, that opens to a grand piazza of 32,300 square feet. Given the size of the space, the hotel project will also encompass restaurants, cafes, shops and public spaces. It will certainly become a focal point not just for guests of the hotel but also local milanesi.

Villa Igiea, Palermo (opening coming soon)

This property (opening in spring 2021) has been acquired by the luxury Rocco Forte hotel group. It is a highly anticipated addition to the hotel scene in the fascinating, vibrant Sicilian city of Palermo. The 72 rooms and 28 suites combine light touches of beach and sea colors along with period pieces and Sicilian charm. After an extensive renovation, the reopening will reveal a familiar hotel but in a new light. It has retained the glamour and luxury of the original villa, but with modern comforts and studied touches. Sea view balconies mean that guests will never forget they are on the spectacular island of Sicily.

Castello di Reschio, Umbria

The castle of Reschio (simply referred to as “reschio”) has been run for almost 20 years by a local family. They have taken on one of central Italy’s most ambitious renovation projects. Nestled in the countryside between Tuscany and Umbria (not far from Cortona, Arezzo and Perugia) this property has more than just its spectacular location. There are 26 private houses (some available for rentals) and now a 36-room hotel. The hotel is housed in the castle the Bolza-Corsini family (that runs the property) used to call home. The project is dazzling. It includes a glass covered conservatory courtyard, stables, a pool with a breathtaking view over the hills and immaculately preserved details of the 11th century castle. Opening this spring, its a dazzling destination we cannot wait to visit.

Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina, Sicily (opening coming soon)

The hilltop town of Taormina on the spectacular island of Sicily has been a resort destination for centuries. With the announcement that the world famous luxury chain, the Four Seasons, would be taking over management of the San Domenico Palace, travelers have just another reason to visit this wonderful destination. Extensive renovations are taking place to the 111 guest rooms and suites. The property will reopen with a new beach club, state of the art spa, and a 2-star Michelin restaurant. Boasting also multiple terraces that provide sweeping sea views and views over UNESCO heritage sites like the volcano of Mount Etna, this is one of the most anticipated re-openings of the upcoming season.

Grotta Palazzese, Pogliano a Mare

Following a renovation last year, one of the world’s most exclusive dining destinations reopened their rooms as a 5-star hotel in panoramic Pogliano, located in Puglia. This year, they also added another 5-star opening, the Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel, to their portfolio. Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel is located a short distance from the village of Polignano a Mare. It offers guests exclusive access to its Blue Flag prized beach. The breezy, beach-vibe rooms are less than 20 meters from the sea, making it a true beach holiday in every sense of the word. The main property, besides having the grotto restaurant -that is one of the most famously photographed in the world- has rooms with views just as breathtaking.

Susafa, Polizzi Generosa, Sicily

Another new entry on the vibrant island of Sicily, Susafa is a small, boutique luxury hotel in the guise of a 200-year old farmhouse. The 18-room retreat family run, intimate and full of incredible experiences. You can help the family that runs it with the olive harvest, cherry picking in the summer, or even a cooking class with produce freshly picked from the garden. A strong connection to nature along with an emphasis on sustainability and regional pride make this a great spot to soak in the charms of the Sicilian countryside.

Hotel L’Orologio, Rome (opening coming soon)

One of our personal favorite Italian hotel groups will be opening a new addition to Rome this upcoming year. Located in a prime location between Piazza Navona and Campo de ‘Fiori, in a noble 18th century building, this contemporary project will be a great addition to the eternal city. The L’Orologio hotels all have an unmistakable signature of the world of high end watches. The building has been completely renovated to follow the elegant and sleek style of its sister properties.

The Britannique, Naples

In a historical building from the 1800’s in the characteristic city of Naples, the newly opened 5-star Britannique brings together the Neapolitan vivaciousness with a special elegance. This 72 room property has bright and large rooms with views of the city and in some cases, the sea. The rooftop terrace is a great place to have a drink and admire the view.

Grand Hotel Des Ètrangers, Syracuse, Sicily

Winding up our list is our final noteworthy opening, the Grand Hotel Des Ètrangers, a seaside property in the city of Syracuse. This is destination that one cannot miss when in Sicily. This refined hotel is finishing up an extensive renovation to open up in 2021. Within walking distance to the main sights of the city and the historical island gem of Ortigia, its a great base for your days in Siracusa. The luxury property will retain its characteristics but with a decidedly modern feel.

We hope that these properties have given you some inspiration for your next tailor made Italian vacation. We cannot wait to show you you more!