As the sun-drenched days of summer settle over Italy’s rolling hills, golden beaches and historic cityscapes, a fresh wave of boutique hotels and thoughtfully restored estates is inviting travellers to indulge in the country’s legendary la dolce vita like never before.
From the vineyard-laced mountains of Chianti to the breezy shores of Forte dei Marmi and the Baroque beauty of Lecce, these new and revamped properties offer modern luxury wrapped in timeless Italian charm.
Forte dei Marmi: Seaside Glamour at Pensione America
Once a 1920s boarding house, Pensione America in Forte dei Marmi has undergone a dramatic transformation into a serene, adults-only escape by the Ligurian Sea.
Now home to just 18 elegant rooms and suites, all with private terraces and bamboo-infused interiors, the hotel blends classic seaside nostalgia with high-end indulgence. The standout La Villetta, a two-story private casita with a garden and plunge pool, is the ultimate splurge.
Mornings begin with eggs in tomato sauce or sweet crêpes, while afternoons unfold over seafood-spiked pasta and sun-drenched swims in a Sicilian-tiled pool.
Created by Collezione Em and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Pensione America offers complimentary bikes for exploring the beachside town. Prices from €1,600 per night.
Porto Ercole: Modern Mediterranean Elegance at La Roqqa
In southern Tuscany’s Porto Ercole, the stylish new La Roqqa has emerged after a three-year design-led makeover.
With 50 rooms and suites featuring earth-toned palettes and vintage 1960s and ‘70s furniture, the property exudes laid-back Mediterranean chic. Rooms come with sea or hillside views, and the onsite Isolotto Beach Club provides rare sandy access along the rugged coast.
Adventurous spirits can explore the Argentario peninsula on horseback, by bike or aboard the hotel’s private yacht to nearby islands.
Back on land, indulgence continues at Scirocco, the hotel’s restaurant, with dishes like ricotta gnudi in fermented lime sauce. Don’t miss the rooftop bar, where cocktails inspired by Caravaggio meet sunsets over the harbour. Prices from €380 per night.
Lecce: Baroque Grace Meets Contemporary Style at Palazzo Zimara
Tucked in the heart of Lecce’s historic centre, Palazzo Zimara brings 16th-century elegance into the 21st century. The newly opened boutique hotel occupies a limestone mansion dating back to 1557 and boasts 18 refined rooms adorned with frescoed walls, stone accents and 18th-century doors.
The sprawling Suite Zimara offers a fireplace, private hammam, jacuzzi and balcony, perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions.
At the hotel’s La Bocca restaurant, mornings begin with caffè leccese (iced espresso with almond syrup), while the menu shifts with the seasons, so expect dishes like cocoa-laced misticanza salad and puttanesca-style croaker fish. Come evening, sip wine at Radino Wine Bistro and watch the city buzz from the terrace. Prices from €240 per night.
Chianti: Countryside Living, Redefined
For those who prefer rolling hills to cobblestone streets, luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is unveiling its Chianti Collection, five exclusive villas set among Tuscany’s most coveted vineyards and olive groves.
Ranging from five to 10 bedrooms, these restored farmhouses and estates come fully staffed, with private chefs, wine tastings and even personal photography sessions.
Each villa — like the five-bedroom Villa Pianvecchio or the 10-bedroom Il Cellese — features amenities such as pools, gyms, outdoor kitchens and concierge services.
Weekly rates start at US$55,000, though group sharing brings the cost to around US$786 per person per night. Bonus: Early bookers receive 20% off.
Whether it’s a historic mansion in Lecce, a breezy beachside retreat in Forte dei Marmi or a hillside villa in Chianti, Italy’s new summer lineup promises something for every traveller.
The only question is — which side of paradise will you choose?
CNA
