Italy Opens

May 19th, 2021

Even after the past year’s lull in travel across the Atlantic, Italy still ranks #1 international destination this summer for travelers who turn to the expertise of Virtuoso, luxury travel agency network with more than 20,000 travel advisors across 50 countries and annual sales between $25-30 billion. And it is now open to Americans without the need to quarantine upon arrival aboard quarantine-free flights.

 

Belmond is a brand that was born in Italy (with the purchase of Cipriani in Venice) and continues to evolve there as well (with the unveil of three Grand Suites and new boarding points for Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including Rome and Florence). The global portfolio includes eight iconic properties that are ready to welcome guests with exclusive experiences. Of special note is the debut of Splendido Mare in Portofino, the first major renovation project under LVMH ownership.

 

Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Following a complete restoration by Paris-based FESTEN Architecture, the 14-room property reopened on May 1, 2021. Inspired by its history in a fishing village — where there has not been a new house built since 1935 — Splendido Mare features antiques, including fruitwood armchairs by Paolo Buffa and Gio Ponti, walnut armchairs by Ulrich Guglielmo, and table lamps by Oscar Torlasco. Locally-sourced elements include terracotta tiles from Impruneta, ceramic tiles from Garfagnana, and marble from Carrara. The top suite honors Ava Gardner, who stayed at the guest house while filming Barefoot Contessa. The 100-piece art collection features specially commissioned items by Italian painter Gabriele Cappelli as well as cinematic photography and abstract pieces by local artists. The new restaurant, DaV Mare focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and signatures dishes includes a humble tomato pasta (paccheri alla vittorio). For dessert, do not miss the little gelateria in the heart of piazzetta.

 

Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Splendido Mare’s sister property — just a quick, complimentary shuttle ride away — is a 16th-century monastery. This summer, families can switch from virtual to hands-on learning, where young guests learn to bake pizza and focaccia, take a watercolor class in the gardens, or sail along Tigullio Gulf aboard the hotel’s private boat. Parents can indulge at the spa with treatments that use some of the best ingredients of the Mediterranean, such as chamomile, sage and basil.

 

Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel, Venice

Once the greatest seaport in Iate medieval Europe and still one of the world’s oldest cultural centers, Venice has just turned 1,600. Giuseppe Cipriani — also the founder of Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the Bellini that was inspired by the pinky golden hues over St. Mark’s Square — opened Cipriani in 1956 as a haven for jet-setting travelers. Guests can enjoy the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the city and kids programs ranging from Venetian mask making to pastry lessons. Looking ahead, the property will introduce a three-day course, November 11-14, for exploring the ancient disciplines that traveled along the Silk Road, such as a masterclass on Kintsugi, the delicate art of fixing ceramics with gold, and traditional silk print workshops. Guests of the hotel will also have access to behind-the-scenes tours of the city’s libraries and archives throughout the season. During tours of the Fondazione Cini Library and the 13th-century Library San Francesco della Vigna, rare books and preserved manuscripts will be on display exclusively for Belmond guests.

 

Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

Perched atop the highest point of the charming town of Ravello, at 1,000 ft above sea level, the 11th-century palace adorns Instagram feeds with its heated infinity pool. The historic property features 18th-century Neapolitan paintings, lush grounds with lemon and olive trees, and a two-suite Villa Margherita for those seeking extra privacy. Guests also enjoy access to Oplontis, an ancient Roman archaeological site, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pompeii and Ercolano.

 

Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

Built in 1919 among subtropical gardens, the property enjoys its own stretch on the secluded Bay of Mazzaro, where private cabanas for up to four guests can be reserved. Hop onboard the historic Circumetnea steam train to Mount Etna for private vineyard tours to taste rare vintages and local delicacies, available only to guests of Villa Sant’Andrea. Lunch is prepared at the homes of Le Mamme del Borgo members, a group of local women honoring traditional Sicilian recipes that have been passed down through generations. For those looking for a more intensive retreat, wine consultant Tom Harrow will lead a three-day retreat September 30-October 3. Sister property, Grand Hotel Timeo, was formerly a private home and was converted into a hotel in 1873. The property is adjacent to the Greek theater, stretched along six acres of tropical gardens, with views on the Naxos Bay and Mount Etna.

 

Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel, Florence

Nestled on a hilltop amid lush trees and terraced gardens, the 15th-century facade is attributed to Michelangelo. Guests are invited to experience the delicate beauty and solitude of a monastery that is as much a part of Italy’s culture as the country’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. A Colorful highlight is a 400-year-old wisteria, the only one in Florence to bloom twice a year.

 

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

The 4,200-acre property is one of the largest private estates in Italy, nestled in Tuscany’s geographical center between Siena and Florence. A former castle dating back to the 10th century, it has changed hands from Italian aristocratic family to acclaimed cinematographer Luchino Visconti before joining the Belmond portfolio. Highlights include a dreamy alfresco dining option at the Enchanted Table, a floating table situated underneath the same tree where Italian director Luchino Visconti used to conjure up his next film.

eria in the heart of piazzetta.

Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Splendido Mare’s sister property — just a quick, complimentary shuttle ride away — is a 16th-century monastery. This summer, families can switch from virtual to hands-on learning, where young guests learn to bake pizza and focaccia, take a watercolor class in the gardens, or sail along Tigullio Gulf aboard the hotel’s private boat. Parents can indulge at the spa with treatments that use some of the best ingredients of the Mediterranean, such as chamomile, sage and basil.

 

Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel, Venice

Once the greatest seaport in Iate medieval Europe and still one of the world’s oldest cultural centers, Venice has just turned 1,600. Giuseppe Cipriani — also the founder of Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the Bellini that was inspired by the pinky golden hues over St. Mark’s Square — opened Cipriani in 1956 as a haven for jet-setting travelers. Guests can enjoy the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the city and kids programs ranging from Venetian mask making to pastry lessons. Looking ahead, the property will introduce a three-day course, November 11-14, for exploring the ancient disciplines that traveled along the Silk Road, such as a masterclass on Kintsugi, the delicate art of fixing ceramics with gold, and traditional silk print workshops. Guests of the hotel will also have access to behind-the-scenes tours of the city’s libraries and archives throughout the season. During tours of the Fondazione Cini Library and the 13th-century Library San Francesco della Vigna, rare books and preserved manuscripts will be on display exclusively for Belmond guests.

 

Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

Perched atop the highest point of the charming town of Ravello, at 1,000 ft above sea level, the 11th-century palace adorns Instagram feeds with its heated infinity pool. The historic property features 18th-century Neapolitan paintings, lush grounds with lemon and olive trees, and a two-suite Villa Margherita for those seeking extra privacy. Guests also enjoy access to Oplontis, an ancient Roman archaeological site, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pompeii and Ercolano.

 

Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

Built in 1919 among subtropical gardens, the property enjoys its own stretch on the secluded Bay of Mazzaro, where private cabanas for up to four guests can be reserved. Hop onboard the historic Circumetnea steam train to Mount Etna for private vineyard tours to taste rare vintages and local delicacies, available only to guests of Villa Sant’Andrea. Lunch is prepared at the homes of Le Mamme del Borgo members, a group of local women honoring traditional Sicilian recipes that have been passed down through generations. For those looking for a more intensive retreat, wine consultant Tom Harrow will lead a three-day retreat September 30-October 3. Sister property, Grand Hotel Timeo, was formerly a private home and was converted into a hotel in 1873. The property is adjacent to the Greek theater, stretched along six acres of tropical gardens, with views on the Naxos Bay and Mount Etna.

 

Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel, Florence

Nestled on a hilltop amid lush trees and terraced gardens, the 15th-century facade is attributed to Michelangelo. Guests are invited to experience the delicate beauty and solitude of a monastery that is as much a part of Italy’s culture as the country’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. A Colorful highlight is a 400-year-old wisteria, the only one in Florence to bloom twice a year.

 

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

The 4,200-acre property is one of the largest private estates in Italy, nestled in Tuscany’s geographical center between Siena and Florence. A former castle dating back to the 10th century, it has changed hands from Italian aristocratic family to acclaimed cinematographer Luchino Visconti before joining the Belmond portfolio. Highlights include a dreamy alfresco dining option at the Enchanted Table, a floating table situated underneath the same tree where Italian director Luchino Visconti used to conjure up his next film.

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