Experience Italian Luxury: 4 Luxury Hotels in Italy to Visit in 2024

Traveling through Italy from north-to-south and east-to-west, you’ll find a world steeped in history, culture…and luxury. Whether you are in large cities or small hamlets, ltalian luxury and nature seamlessly intertwine.

Discover a quartet of exceptional destinations offering varied and unparalleled experiences. From the enchanting ARIA Retreat & SPA on the shores of Lake Lugano to the historic elegance of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice and the tranquil charm of Moosmair Farmhotel in Valle Aurina or Borgo Colognola in Umbria, each location unveils a unique story of opulence, fine dining, and rejuvenation.

ARIA Retreat & SPA

Nestled near Lake Como, ARIA Retreat & SPA stands as a testament to refined luxury. Set within the expansive Parco San Marco Hotels & Beach Resort, this haven sprawls across 60 acres of lush subtropical park. It is an ideal sanctuary for lovers of nature and beauty.

Sauna with a view

The sustainable architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding mountains, offering guests an exquisite blend of elegance and environmental consciousness. The 15 suites spread across three floors are unique and tailor-made architectural masterpieces of Italian luxury.

Special features include a 130-square-meter heated indoor swimming pool with large windows providing a luminous environment and splendid views of Lake Lugano. A passageway leads to the outdoor salted and heated swimming pool, an infinity pool, and the SPA CEò on the next floor. The SPA is inspired by the Celtic word for “fog.” It offers an exclusive wellness experience with panoramic saunas, Turkish baths, outdoor jacuzzis, and treatment rooms.

ARIA’s restaurants, Dolce Vita Lounge & Terrace and La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace, elevate culinary experiences with Executive Chef Michele Pili’s contemporary philosophy. The former offers an elegant ambiance with a summer terrace overlooking Lake Lugano, while the latter, affiliated with Chef Alain Ducasse’s Teritoria, is featured in the MICHELIN Guide Italy 2024.

Borgo Colognola

Borgo Colognola is a meticulously restored Umbrian medieval village. It immerses visitors in the ambiance of Italian luxury and architecture from 700 years ago. This jewel, meticulously preserved and elegantly restored, transports guests to another world with its magical atmosphere. The village comprises various evocative rooms and private apartments, each contributing to the harmony and charm of the overall experience. A small baroque church within the residence adds to the allure, providing an exquisite setting for religious weddings.

Surrounded by a vast farm covering 270 acres at an altitude of approximately 450 meters, Borgo Colognola is nestled at the foot of Mount Tezio. The farm boasts olive groves, vineyards, forests, and fields, enhancing the enchantment of the medieval village. The olives are hand-harvested and promptly pressed to preserve their organoleptic properties. White wine varieties, including Chardonnay and Malvasia for Vino Santo, and red wine produced with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes, showcase the agricultural richness.

To enhance the experience, Borgo Colognola offers guided tours of the farm and wineries, featuring food and wine tastings. Guests can even bake their own bread in a 17th-century oven. The village provides opportunities for horse riding, trekking, and guided tours of Mount Tezio. Additionally, it can accommodate business gatherings, weddings, and medieval-themed evenings, making it the perfect retreat in the heart of Umbria.

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Situated on the island of Giudecca, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is housed in a former flour mill. The hotel’s newly refurbished sophisticated deluxe rooms and spacious suites offer breathtaking views of Venice and offer the epitome of Italian luxury. Guest arrive by water taxi to find one of the largest spas in Venice, and a collection of bars and restaurants. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is home to one of two eForea Spas in Italy.

View of suites and rooms at the Hilton

The Presidential Suite is the highest and largest in town. It grants private access to the rooftop hosting a pool and the Skyline Bar—the highest bar in Venice. Guests can indulge in one of the largest spas in Venice and an array of bars and restaurants.

Moosmair Farmhotel

the Moosmair Farmhotel sits in the Valle Aurina (South Tyrol) holiday area, an ideal haven for a peaceful winter retreat. Its rich history date back over 600 years. This former farm has transformed into a high-quality hotel, emphasizing serenity and familial warmth. Located in Acereto, the hotel offers a spectacular view of the Dolomite landscape, creating a serene escape.

Until March 24, the Moosmair Farmhotel invites guests to a three-night half-board stay. Starting at 430 euros, the stay includes an evening at the Arcana herbal restaurant. This enchanting holiday experience combines natural beauty of the Valle Aurina area with the authentic ambiance of a centuries-old establishment. The hotel’s comfortable rooms offer pure relaxation. They provide a perfect retreat for winter sports enthusiasts or those looking to explore the region’s history and charm.

Room at Moosmair FarmHotel

The Arcana restaurant, with its gourmet cuisine featuring fresh South Tyrolean herbs, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The diverse menu, including vegetarian options, complements the stunning mountain views visible through the expansive windows. Culinary delights such as pear flour gnocchi and char with Jerusalem artichoke showcase the restaurant’s refined and traditional cuisine.

Moosmair Wellness takes relaxation to the next level, offering a “From Head to Feet” massage using warm mint essential oil. This holistic treatment stimulates relaxation points throughout the body, promoting muscle relief, stress reduction, and improved blood circulation.

Escape the city’s chaos and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Valle Aurina holiday area at the Moosmair hotel. This winter sanctuary invites guests to unwind amidst rare beauty. It offers various activities from skiing and snowshoeing to simply savoring the quietude of this paradisiacal retreat.

Food & Wine Lovers Event in Alto Adige

SpeckAperitivo

SpeckAperitivo is an annual gourmet event in Alto Adige. It transforms weekends in March into magical moments amidst the majestic mountains of the Rio Pusteria Ski & Alpine Holiday Area. Collaborating with the Speck Alto Adige PGI Consortium, this event features the addition of Schüttelbrot Alto Adige PGI. Six refuges in the Gitschberg Jochtal area participate in offering aperitifs based on Speck Alto Adige PGI and quality wine.

Saturdays become extraordinary with the Cavaliera, Knight Valeria Dallapè, enchanting guests with her warmth and competence during a snow-filled break. Surprises awaits lucky guests from 10 am-12 pm in the VIP cable car of the Ski Express Gitschberg ski lift. Enjoy a delectable aperitif featuring Speck, Schüttelbrot, and bubbles amidst the enchanting peaks of Südtirol.

Speck Alto Adige PGI, known for its smoked salami tradition, pairs seamlessly with Schüttelbrot Alto Adige PGI. Rooted in deep traditions, SpeckAperitivo offers a gourmet and convivial perspective. Guests savor the unique flavors of Alto Adige while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. The ritual brings together generations of tradition that guests can now relish in the valleys of Alto Adige.

A Tapestry of Italian Luxury

In this tale of Italian luxury, ARIA Retreat & SPA, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Borgo Colognola, and Moosmair Farmhotel each contribute to a rich tapestry of opulence, wellness, and culinary delights. Whether it’s indulging in refined spa experiences, savoring gourmet creations, or escaping to the tranquil Alps, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of Italy’s most exceptional offerings.

Chris Cutler

Travel Editor

Christine Cutler is a writer, photographer, editor, guide, teacher, traveler, Ohio native, Florida resident, and world citizen. she lives in downtown St. Petersburg with her husband and crazy Welsh terrier, and she considers Italy, where she holds dual citizenship, her second home. in addition to being travel editor and writing for live in Italy magazine, she maintains her own websites (coldpastaandredwine.com and christinecutler.com), guides small groups through Italy, and is a travel advisor for Adventures by Jamie (adventuresbyjamie.com) a travel, non-fiction, and memoir writer; photographer; and editor whose work has appeared in various publications, she spends as much time as she can exploring—and living and breathing—Italy.

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