Ciao! You are familiar with Italy as a tourist destination — after all, it was the Renaissance era’s birthplace. I don’t have to remind you of the beautiful Duomo in Florence, the gondolas of Venice, or Bologna’s colorful cuisine. They are tangible indicators of Italy’s rich and diverse culture and history.

Italy topped Travel & Leisure’s list for Best Place to Travel in 2022. They’re about to announce 2023 destinations and I’m sure Italy will again be very popular.

As a member of the Bellini Club, Premier Wellness Travel can offer clients extensive and exclusive VIP benefits at these palaces, villas and hotels.

We are also happy to announce that Belmond is currently offering a Grand Tour special of their properties in Italy. 7 elegant nights at 2 or more stunning luxury retreats with an exclusive rate offered only to members of Belmond’s exclusive Bellini Club.

For details, click here:

Whichever destination you choose, Belmond’s amazing signature experiences have been designed to enhance your stay. Unearth Venice’s hidden ancient history exploring secret archives. Meet with talented craftspeople in Florence. Or be wowed by the dark skies of the Tuscan countryside with some sensational stargazing. Food lovers are spoilt for choice. Enjoy cooking lessons at a Portofino farm, sample the exquisite produce of Mount Etna on its lunar-like slopes, or join the Chef’s Table on the Amalfi Coast for a gourmet journey like no other.

I’ve made it easy for you to get a taste of the wonder of Belmond’s Italian destination with this list, which highlights all the unique experiences you can attain in each Italian location alongside the usual wellness amenities! Which one will you add to your bucket list??

Venice | Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel, Venice

Hotel Cipriani connects to Palazzo Vendramin, your own personal palace overlooking St. Mark’s Square, via a flowery courtyard. Aside from its strategic location and luxury amenities, Belmond offers guests a variety of unique experiences ::

• Concoct the hotel’s eponymous cocktail during a lesson at the Bellini Academy

• Climb aboard the Epido Re to explore the rarely-seen parts of Venetian islands

• Get your exercise on with private rowing lessons along the lagoons of Venice

Europe | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe

Travel aboard the world’s most iconic train for a transcontinental journey full of grandeur. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs across Europe, and is the setting of one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries. If you’ve got a pod of 8 passengers, you can indulge in new levels of luxury within three Grand Suites in a private carriage. You won’t want to miss out on ::

• Venice to London: Spend the day and evening admiring Europe’s landscapes, all within the privacy of your own suite

• Free-flowing champagne, 24-hour butler service, and caviar on arrival

• Private table for your group in the Côte d’Azur dining car

Portofino | Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Following a complete redesign, the Splendido Mare opens this year (2021) in all of its splendid Italian glamour. The hotel’s fresh new look, complete with natural wood, rope, and brass, is a testament to the region of Liguria and its nautical history. When you’re not admiring the new, colorful corridors, consider partaking in these experiences:

• Host a party in the Ava Gardner Suite Terrace

• Take advantage of the hotel’s harbor location for a picturesque photoshoot

• Dine at local favorites like Gelateria San Giorgio.

Portofino | Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Swim at Hotel Splendido’s panoramic swimming pool and take a stroll at its verdant gardens before admiring the sunset atop the building’s terraces. Or, if you want a more personalized stay, consider the hotel’s Dolce Vita Villa, where you’ll enjoy complete privacy and experience what “dolce vita” really means in this secluded haven with views of the Gulf of Portofino. Then, escape into the village so you can

• Tour the Portofinese Eco Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture
• Partake in a Ligurian cooking class to discover some regional dishes
• Relax with a watercolor lesson and bring home an Italian-inspired art piece

Florence | Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel, Florence

Set in the hills above Florence, Villa San Michele offers enchanting views of the city. Visitors admire the ancient frescoes, cutting-edge street art, and cherish the villa’s façade designed by Michelangelo. Then, a 15-minute private shuttle to the city center facilitates tours of the iconic museums. But if you want some exclusive Belmond experiences, consider these:

• Dine with Leonardo da Vinci’s spirit at Belmond’s pergola in Monte Ceceri Park

• Take a cooking class with Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino at La Loggia Restaurant

Tuscany | Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

Castello di Casole, surrounded by verdant vineyards and olive groves, is a historical 10th-century castle dating back to Etruscan times. Now a beautiful resort with an infinity pool, wine bars, and a panoramic terrace, you’ll cherish your moments here. A complimentary shuttle to Florence or Siena, two of Tuscany’s greatest cities, will help you explore those cities, or you can return to the castle for:

• Truffle hunting with a professional hunter and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs at the estate

• Have a picnic in the heart of the estate’s vast forest, lit with a candelabra and twinkling lights

• Join Belmond’s gamekeeper for a safari ride across the nature reserve

Amalfi Coast | Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

Nestled in the commune of Ravello, Hotel Caruso perches on a cliff edge 1,000 feet above sea level and among groves of lemons and olive vines. Housed in an 11th-century palace, you can enjoy incomparable views of the Amalfi Coast before trying out these excursions:

• Take a boat and sail to the island of Cetara, a fishing village with a unique pasta sauce

• Join Executive Chef Mimmo Di Raffaele for a personalized menu and sumptuous dinner

• Try out a Vietri ceramics workshop, and after, the hotel will ship your final creation to you

Amalfi Coast | Villa Margherita, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

Ravello’s most delightful hideaways is the Villa Margherita, a secluded treasure located in the hotel’s most scenic spot. In addition to the experiences mentioned above provided by Hotel Caruso, you can partake in the following ::

• A complimentary boat tour along the beautiful Amalfi Coast

• Scenic private garden and rooftop terrace views

Taormina | Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, Taormina

Celebrate a Silician vacation with your family and friends at this majestic hotel, with private access to terrace views of the city’s ancient Greek theater. Consider staying at the hotel’s Presidential Floor or adjacent Villa Flora for an exceptionally luxurious experience. Then, indulge in the culture of Taormina :: 

• Wine and dine from a Michelin starred menu while you overlook Naxos Bay

• Embark on an adventure to Mt. Etna’s peak and enjoy an aperitif with views

• Jump aboard a famous Ape Calessino for a three-wheeled tour of the Sicilian city

Taormina Mare | Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare

The executive suites at Villa Sant’Andrea offer guests breathtaking views of the bay from private balconies. These six suites feature Sicilian marble and luxury amenities to ensure your stay in Taormina exceeds your expectations and overlook an infinity pool. In addition to the experiences mentioned above provided by Grand Hotel Timeo, you can participate in:

• A private beach that includes a complimentary cabana for up to 4 people

• Complimentary shuttle services to/from the city of Taormina

• Private dining and on-request barbecues along the shoreline

Italy offers countless excursions and experiences—and with Belmond we can enhance your time there through authentic and meaningful getaways infused with luxury and wellness. As you are our PWT client, we are committed to ensuring your stay in the Italian peninsula is nothing short of magnificent!

If you feel like satiating your wanderlust, consider booking a trip with us to Italy for 2023. Stay healthy, be well, and take care. And take advantage of the strong U.S. dollar! Arrivederci!