mini italy hotel guide
favorite italy hotels we have stayed at, saved for later, new swim line and a few restaurant reccs sprinkled in !!
If I could go to Italy every summer, I would. It’s something we find ourselves doing over and over and visiting new places and parts of the country. This year, we are going to be going to Florence, Umbria and the Dolomites so I cannot wait to show you all the places we discover.
So when I was approached by Ricki Beach Club to do a swim collaboration with them, the Italian Riviera theme was a no brainer. My collection launches on June 3rd, so mark your calendars! Here is a preview of the full collection!
In the spirit of celebrating this exciting milestone (and my first ever collaboration), here are some of our favorite hotels and local gems in Italy. After all, this is one of my most frequent travel destination from you all.
Hotels
Il Pellicano and Mezzatorre - top, top! I could go back every year to both and be happy. Read my full review of which one I liked better here.
Lake Como
Passalacqua and Villa D'Este - These are super close to each other and my two favorites. Both are exclusive and private. For a more affordable boutique stay which is nearby both, Relais Villa Vittoria. I personally would avoid staying on the other side of the Lake (where Mandarin and Il Sereno are) or in Bellagio. GHT is overhyped, a mega property and gets a lot of foot traffic. But Lake Como in general is way too touristy now. I would only go back for a wedding or during off season or visit Lake Garda instead.
Portofino / Santa Margherita
We loved, LOVED Santa and stayed at Imperiale Palace. It is where all the locals go (especially from Milan as they have second homes here). Portofino was too touristy and such a tiny town, you can do it all in one day. But the Belmond Splendido was STUNNING. Try and stay there for a night or two at least.
Amalfi Coast
I would stick to Ravello or Praiano. Avoid Positano! To see it, go during off season or see it by boat. If you must stay there then stay away from the main town area and stay at Il San Pietro. For a cheap town hotel recc that has same views as Le Sirenuse and where you can put your name down at Franco’s Bar for a sunset drink, then try Albergo California.
Casa Angelina and for a more affordable alternative, Hotel Onda Verde. - Best dinner spot is Il Pirata at the bottom of this hotel!
Rome
Hotel De Ricci is the vibe and has a great terrace. Go to Al Moro and Roscioli for meals!
Sicily
We went to Taormina for a wedding and stayed at the Belmond (Timeo) where the wedding was. We LOVED the volcano views. If torn between this in town Belmond or the beach Belmond (Sant Andrea), know they shuttle you between the two properties so you can use the beach / facilities at both for the day. We loved Tischi Toschi for dinner and Bam Bar for granita.
We also loved Four Seasons Taormina but just keep in mind Taormina in general is very touristy even in May! We are day dreaming of visiting the islands next, especially Panarea (a local gem and celebrity favorite).
On my bucket list: G-Rough (Rome), Casa Privata (Praiano), Palazzo Avino (Ravello), Borgo Pignano (Tuscany), Castiglion del Bosco (Tuscany), Tenuta di Murlo (Umbria), La Posta Vecchia (outside of Rome), Borgo Egnazia (Puglia), Tonnara di Scopello (Sicily), Villa Feltrinelli (Lake Garda).
Hope you guys enjoy ‘la dolce vita’ this summer and a part of my new swim collection makes it in your suitcase wherever your summer destination may be this year. Enjoy a spritz for me!
Also, hot insider tip: if you subscribe to my IG channel you will get a link to shop the collection a day before it launches !!
More to come, ciao for now…
xx
Steph
Mezz and Pelli are top, top, top! Love this list Steph.