In conjunction with newly published guidebook ‘Luxury Backpackers: Honeymoons in Style, we highlight our top ten Italian hideaways for a stylish honeymoon
EXEDRA (Main Image) ROME
OVERLOOKING the magnificent Piazza della Repubblica and owned by the exclusive Italian hotel group ‘Boscolo’, Exedra epitomises everything Italian – style and glamour. The rooms are decorated in calming subtle colours, with fluffy bathrobes and plasma screen TVs in the bathroom. The breakfast on the top floor serves every type of pastry, meat, cheese and coffee imaginable. The highlight of this place are the magnificent views from the rooftop pool, and the top floor garden terrace and bar which is lively at weekends.
Tel: (+39) 06 421111 Web: www.boscolohotels.com
Price: From €250 per room per night.
...lavish style
HOTEL SU GOLOGONE OLIENA, SARDINIA
DECORATED with colourful cushions, antiques and charm, with staircases and hallways leading to gardens, terraces, quiet corners and secret hideaways – prefect for couples wanting some privacy. They also hold weddings here too, so if you haven’t planned yours already, then book ahead! For couples who care about all things organic, the large swimming pool is allegedly filled with spring water, and the restaurant serves local produce, such as ‘hog’ roast meats cooked in the huge open fire.
Tel: (+39) 0784 287512 Web: www.hotelsugologone.com
Price: Double rooms from €105 per person half-board
...quiet hideaway
ROSA ALPINA HOTEL & SPA SAN CASSIANO, DOLOMITES.
ACHIC FAMILY run hotel set in the craggy contours of the Dolomite Alps with mountain lodge-style rooms filled with bees-waxed wood furniture, marble and antique wood floors. The area is filled with action activities such as skiing, hiking excursions with mountain guides, snow shoeing and ice climbing or sledging. The St. Hubertus restaurant serves dinner in a candlelit, wood-panelled room with a blazing log fire. To warm things up further, have a lavender- or rosemary-infused sauna followed by a milk or rose-petal bath for two.
Tel: (+39) 0471 849500
Web: www.rosalpina.it
Price: From €200 per room per night on B&B basis
...chic mountain lodge
NOVE CENTO VENICE
A NINE-ROOM charming boutique gem tucked away down an alley within walking distance from Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal and the Gritti Palace. Each room has its own unique character, with beautifully decorated antiques from the owners’ own travels. It offers fabulous value for money and has very personal service, which make this place popular for honeymooners on a stricter budget, but book early as this place is small. The extremely friendly staff, the exquisite courtyard and the library are the main highlights.
Tel: (+39) 041 2413765
Web: www.novecento.biz
Price: From €150 per room per night.
...eclectic charm
PALAZZO SASSO RAVELLO, AMALFI COAST
A PINK AND ROMANTIC palace with stunning views over the jagged, lemon-lined coast. this former 12th-century palace has everything for those wanting discreet luxury, seclusion and tranquillity set in the charming town of Ravello.
It’s within walking distance of the square, which hosts outdoor music concerts in the summer and a is great location from which to explore the mountainous terrain and picturesque villages or Maiori and Amalfi close by. The hotel has 32 rooms and 11 suites (the best one being the ‘infinito suite’), and all are decorated with hand made antiques and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The hotel has an unbelievable Michelin two-star restaurant, and a gorgeous new spa for pampering.
Tel: (+39) 089 818181 Web: www.palazzosasso.com
Price: Rooms from €198 per room per night including breakfast
...deluxe romance
UNA HOTEL VITTORIA FLORENCE
THE UNA VITTORIA HOTEL is centrally located near the Lungarno and set in a stylish, modern courtyard and offers the latest in design and technology. Vibrant colours and rare materials such as mosaics, leather and printed fabrics have been used in all rooms, which are also fitted with plasma screens mounted on pink sparkly LED walls. The bathrooms have clear glass screens, you can see both in and out (!) and there is even a ‘pillow’ menu for those who need a good nights sleep!
Tel: (+39) 055 22771
Web: www.unahotels.it
Price: From €150 per room per night including breakfast.
...modern and arty
BULGARI HOTEL MILAN
A TRIBUTE from the Italian Jeweller to the world of luxury, situated in Milan’s most stylish area – Via Montenapoleone. The hotel has Bulgari branded products everywhere from bathroom accessories to dining cutlery. It’s also renowned for being a cool nightspot (a place to be seen), and really comes alive with locals after work hours and weekends.
The luscious spa has a glass mosaic swimming pool and Turkish steam room with treatments to relax tired feet. It’s a perfect place for couples wanting an oasis within the city, yet it is central enough to serve as a base for exploring.
Tel: (+39) 02 8058051
Web: www.bulgarihotels.com
Price: From €400 per room per night including breakfast.
...bold and branded
RELAIS LA SUVERA TUSCANY
LOCATED in the small hamlet of Pievescole, Relais la Suvera is a real rural retreat. It enjoys a tranquil setting with an aviary, private chapel and great views of the Tuscan countryside, and is only an hour away from Florence’s centre.
Every room is filled with unique pieces of art from the family’s extensive collection of antiques, married with modern marble bathrooms and butler service. The wonderful homemade breakfasts with freshly made breads are delicious. Opt for the romantic ‘Napoleon room’ with views over the countryside.
Tel: (+39) 0577 960300
Web: www.lasuvera.it
Price: From €300 per room per night including a buffet breakfast
...rural retreat
SCHLOSS RUBEIN DOLOMITES.
A 12TH-CENTURY romantic castle, located near the Eastern edge of Meran, known to have been a secluded getaway for renowned singers Pavarotti and Dalla. It is surrounded by 5-hectare landscape (with swimming pool) and has spacious, decorative suites overlooking a lovely romantic courtyard. The castle also has a chapel and is ideal for weddings too!
Tel: (+39) 0473 231894
Web: www.rubein.com
Price: Doubles from €82 per person per night, room-only
...chapel charm
MASSERIA TORRE COCCARO BRINDISI.
A FABULOUS OASIS of tranquillity set in beautiful nature with ancient olive groves, vegetable and herb gardens.
The rustic charm of this fortified 500-year old building is captivating, with its cosy rooms and antique furniture. Food lovers will love this place; they serve organic Puglian cuisine and host cooking classes (in the room next to the old chapel). Spa lovers can also enjoy the Aveda spa with treatments ranging from reflexology to ayurvedic massage. You can also take bikes (free of charge), and cycle to the small harbour of Savelletri and the natural harbour of Egnazia.
Tel: (+39) 080 48293 Email:
info@masseriatorrecoccaro.com
Price: €262–€1,272 per room per night, breakfast and taxes included
...historic country haven
Extracts taken from ‘Luxury Backpackers: Honeymoons in Style’ book priced £16.00 available from www.luxurybackpackers.com and most good bookshops; for more information
email: info@luxurybackpackers.com
*Prices are correct at time of research and are subject to change.
