'Old-World Venice, Reimagined'

Sat on Giudecca Island, just a five-minute boat ride from the beating heart of Venice, Belmond Hotel Cipriani is home to an addictive blend of classic Venetian charm and modern luxury. Established in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani - the founder of the famed Harry’s Bar, the hotel is claimed to be the home of the Bellini, and has long been a haven for travellers seeking both privacy and that wonderful proximity to the city's iconic landmarks. Its 95 rooms and suites, many with private balconies or terraces, provide sweeping views of the lagoon, St. Mark’s Square, and even the distant Dolomites. 

The Casanova Gardens - where Venice’s most notorious lover once kept his secret rendezvous - remain a sanctuary of citrus groves, shaded paths, and quiet seclusion. At their heart lies the city’s largest private swimming pool. It's saltwater depths are heated, making it feel a world apart from the crowds across the lagoon. Dining is just as seductive: Michelin-starred Oro, guided by the creative brilliance of Massimo Bottura, celebrates Venetian flavours with Bottura’s trademark imagination. Beyond the table, guests can unwind with bespoke treatments at the hotel’s wellness centre or step aboard from the private marina for an intimate trip across the lagoon.

'Golden Age Travel for the Modern Day'

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the sort of experience that strips luxury back to its essentials: atmosphere, service and a sense of theatre. Its original midnight-blue carriages (restored ahead of the 1982 relaunch) and Art Deco interiors speak to the 1930s golden age, yet the experience feels remarkably current in its ability to turn a journey into true theatre. Departure begins in London aboard the Belmond British Pullman, with a champagne brunch to Calais, before you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itself here. That's where the adventure truly begins. The route winds spectacularly through France, the snow-capped Swiss Alps, Austria and the Italian Dolomites before concluding in Venice.

Evenings are the moment the atmosphere really shifts up a gear. It's when the Orient Express lives up to its revered name. Black tie is expected, dinner is a four-course affair crafted to rival Europe’s finest restaurants, and the bar car - alive with live piano music and classic cocktails - feels like an intimate salon travelling at a fantastic 80 miles an hour. It’s a rare experience where history, heritage, and modern hospitality align perfectly, creating a journey that is as much about the scene onboard as the landscapes passing outside.

‘Private Dock, Oldest Hotel in City’

Baglioni Hotel Luna is in central Venice just 100 yards from St. Mark’s Square and is the oldest hotel in the city. There is an award-winning restaurant called Canova which serves international cuisine and a buffet breakfast is served each morning. The hotel has its own private dock where you can arrive or leave on a gondola or boat and the water bus stops just 50 yards away.

‘Glamorous & Chic, Belmond Meets La Dolce Vita’

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, promises one of Sicily’s most dramatic and enchanting vantage points. With sweeping views of Mount Etna, Naxos Bay, and the busy streets of Taormina below, this historic hotel has been enchanting travellers since 1873. A sanctuary of unbridled Italian elegance and regional heritage, it blends old-world glamour with modern comforts, immersing guests in Sicilian culture from the very moment they arrive.

Rooms and suites are a masterclass in understated Belmond luxury, combining pale Sicilian marble, soft linens, and locally inspired décor. Terraces offer private spaces for sunrise coffees or evening cocktails, while dining ranges from Michelin-starred tasting menus at Otto Geleng to casual poolside lunches, all framed by the glittering coastline. Whether exploring the nearby Greek Theatre, strolling Taormina’s historic streets, or spending time soaking up the beauty of nature in the gardens, Grand Hotel Timeo feels like a timeless retreat. As every moment is infused with beauty and ease, it’s archetypally Belmond, too.

'Blissful Sicilian Beach Resort'

Located on the south coast of Sicily, the Verdura Resort has a number of luxurious rooms and suites that offer both space, ultimate privacy plus first-class amenities; it's family friendly and features comprehensive leisure facilities including a children’s club. There are lots of activities to take part in including tennis, golf, culinary school as well as having their very own escape room. There are also a number of academies for children including tennis, football, archery and hip-hop dancing. The resort is home to a number of restaurants and bars and is only a short distance from all the local sites and attractions.

‘The Italian Riviera at Its Most Radiant’

High above Portofino’s famous harbour, Splendido has long been the grande dame of the Ligurian coast – an elegant former monastery turned iconic hideaway. It’s where film stars, aristocrats, and poets once chose to holiday.

Today, following a multi-year transformation by renowned designer Martin Brudnizki, the hotel blends Riviera glamour with a warm and villa-like intimacy. Rooms and suites reflect the pastel hues of Portofino, gardens cascade down towards the sea, and new additions such as Italy’s first Dior Spa and the debut of Villa Beatrice bring a sense of modern indulgence to this storied retreat. From lounging beside the saltwater pool with views over the bay to learning the art of Ligurian pesto, or setting sail in a traditional gozzo boat, every detail feels rooted in place, slow in rhythm, and unmistakably Belmond.

‘1000 Year-Old Tuscan Treasure'

Dating back to 998, Belmond Castello di Casole is Tuscany distilled: a 4,200-acre estate where history, landscape, and modern luxury coexist. Once a 10th-century medieval castle built on an ancient Etruscan site, and later the home of Italian film pioneer Luchino Visconti, the estate has been thoughtfully transformed into a countryside sanctuary that honours its agricultural roots, while also offering every comfort of contemporary living.

The 39 suites and villas - that have use of an exclusive pool - have been restored with an eye for detail: antique wooden beams, stone floors, and period touches sit alongside plush furnishings and modern amenities, creating spaces that feel both timeless and welcoming. Beyond the accommodations, the estate unfolds amidst rolling vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined hills. Guests can indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at Tosca Ristorante, unwind at the Essere Spa, or explore the surrounding countryside with truffle hunts, horseback rides, mountain biking, or wine, cooking, and ceramics classes – all curated to immerse you in the rhythms and flavours of Tuscany.

‘Grand Castle, Olive Groves, Wine Cellar & 2 Lakes’

Located in the world-famous Chianti wine region of Tuscany, the COMO Castello Del Nero is set within a stunning 740-acre estate with rolling countryside views. Featuring 50 rooms and suites, each accommodation boasts a light and modern feel whilst in-keeping with the castle’s historic surroundings. There are three dining options to choose from including the Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant serving the finest Tuscan produce. With plenty of activities on offer from truffle hunting, cooking classes and wine an olive oil tasting, guests can truly immersive themselves in the Tuscan culture. Those searching for tranquillity can enjoy the COMO Shambhala Retreat with therapeutic massages and relaxation room overlooking the Tuscan landscape.

'Embrace a Sanctuary of Relaxation'

Nestled in the popular beach resort of Baja Sardinia in the Gulf of Arzachena, 7Pines Resort Sardinia is a contemporary hotel incorporating regional Mediterranean style into its décor and cuisine. Boasting 76 rooms and suites, alongside two pools, one exclusive to Laguna room guests, the grounds provide a spacious sanctuary. The Pure Seven Spa has numerous treatment rooms alongside traditional facilities to ensure a tranquil visit, and the resort is host to a variety of land and water sports.