New Perspectives of Italy

SAVE WATER – SHOWER IN EUROPE!  A colleague in the travel industry just sent me his new marketing slogan and I thought it was funny so decided to use it.

For the tenth year in a row, Italy is one of the top three destinations that people want to go to.  I was lucky growing up in Europe; my grandparents rented a villa for the summer at Lake Como every year so I know Italy extremely well.

It doesn’t matter how many times you have already been to Italy, it s still a magical place, which draws people back.  For me, it’s shoes and handbags.   When I took a group to Italy, one of our clients spent $25,000 in the first shoe shop we went to.  Every woman on the tour had to buy another suitcase to hold all her loot.

Ever so fashionable and dynamic, Italy keeps reinventing la dolce vita, beckoning us to return.  From water bikes in Venice, to rooftops in Genoa, to exploring Sicily in a classic Fiat 500, or traversing the Italian waters atop a paddleboard. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this beautiful country, along with recommended stays in the finest hotels the land has to offer.

Venice, Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin

This magical hotel sits on Giudecca Island within the Venetian Lagoon, looking out across the water towards the Doge’s Palace.  Just five minutes on a launch from St. Mark’s Square and you are luxuriating by the Olympic size pool or in one of the hotel’s exceptional suites, such as the Palladio with its 180-degree panorama view of the iconic city.   Take a spa treatment, or a Tai Chi class in the tranquil garden courtyard.  Want to do something different?  This hotel is the only one offering guided water bike tours through the city’s canals.   At dusk, enjoy a Bellini, the hotel invented this cocktail.   Venice is truly a special place.

Ravello, Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Caruso

This elegant hill town, a shoppers paradise, with a charming cathedral square has the historical 50 room hotel, which sits on a verdant cliff top above the Amalfi Coast.   Suites feature elegant décor with spacious marble baths and private gardens.   The restaurant is exceptional, with of course a stunning view of the bay.    Stroll through the medieval streets to see Saint Andrew’s Cathedral with its golden mosaic tiles reflecting the moonlight, and enjoy a sweet gelato (ice cream) before jumping back on your Vespa to nearby Atrani’s piazza for a Prosecco nightcap.

Florence, Villa San Michele

A 15th century national monument, the 46-room Villa San Michele is itself a work of art, with a façade designed by Michelangelo, sweeping arched windows, frescoed interiors, and spectacular formal Italian gardens.  Enjoy superb Tuscan cuisine and relax with a drink on your private terrace.   It’s fun to perfect your skills at the Cookery School, which always has lots of men taking part.   Raft down the peaceful Arno River under four beautiful bridges that cross the city.   Go see the Uffizi Gallery and the intriguing passage under the arches of the famed Ponte Vecchio.

Taormina, Sicily, the Grand Hotel Timeo

In the center of Taormina, amidst the most beautiful gardens, the 70-room Grand Hotel Timeo boasts unrivalled views of the coastline and of Mount Etna.  Stylish boutiques, cafes, and cultural attractions surround this prestigious hotel.  Since l875, this property has been welcoming VIP guests. Go visit the ancient towns of Savoca and Forza a’Agro, where the movie the Godfather was shot.  

Taormina Mare, Sicily, Villa Sant Andrea

Just a three mile cable car ride from the center of Taormina, beneath sister property Grand Hotel Timeo is the early l9th century Villa Sant Andrea.  The 64-room resort offers a dreamlike slice of Sicilian living on a private beach.   Suites are gorgeous, overlooking magnificent gardens, and the Bay of Mazzaro.   The Restaurant Olivero is famous for its local seafood.   Take a paddleboard to Grotta Azzurra, a spectacular sea cave and visit Isola Bella, an intimate island paradise home to lovely flowers and trees.

Portofino, Hotel Splendido & Splendido Mare

This has to be number one on my list.  High on a hillside overlooking the sparkling bay of Portofino, the hotel has long been one of Italy’s most glamorous places to stay.  Its 69 plush rooms and suites in the former monastery are all lovely, and the Presidential Suite boasts four terraces.   Spend the afternoon on the hotel’s private boat along the Italian Riviera, which is always fun.   If you prefer to be in the action, stay at the sister property, the 16-room Hotel Splendido Mare.   The Ava Garner suite comprises the entire top floor and offers fantastic views of one of the international yachting’s favorite ports of call.    For something unique, enjoy a tour of the rooftops of nearby Genoa.  Your privileged visit will include a view from the terrace of Palazzo Rosso, normally closed to the public, as well as the Mirador terrace of the Galata Sea Museum, the largest museum dedicated to sailing in the Mediterranean.

Just a thought to keep in mind, to visit the above hotels one may decide to use an accredited travel agency due to the special amenities one gets with booking with a travel agency.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio  

Maureen Jones, Kiwi Specialist, is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.